Autoimmunity Specialist

What is autoimmunity?

An autoimmune disease occurs when your body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues rather than attacking harmful invaders. When your body can’t tell the difference between foreign substances and your own cells, a number of crippling symptoms can develop, including joint pain, chronic inflammation, and fatigue.

What causes autoimmunity?

Autoimmune conditions often stem from imbalances in your gut. An imbalance of bacteria in the gut lining has been linked to several different autoimmune conditions, such as:

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakes your own organs and tissues for foreign invaders. Lupus can attack your joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, blood cells, and more. Many individuals with lupus experience joint pain, dry eyes, headaches, and a butterfly-shaped rash.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling around the joints in the fingers, wrists, ankles, elbows, and knees.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune condition that causes deterioration of the nerves’ protective coverings. This leads to a disruption in communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Individuals with MS experience a broad range of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, coordination issues, and even vision loss.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is the direct result of the tick-borne bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Those with Lyme disease typically experience fatigue, digestive issues, joint pain, and other flu-like symptoms.

How is autoimmunity diagnosed?

Dr. Kapoor runs several specialty lab tests to diagnose autoimmune diseases. Blood work is the most common test to determine whether you have an autoimmune condition and, if so, which type.

Along with blood work, Dr. Kapoor reviews your medical history, asks detailed questions regarding your symptoms, and performs a physical exam to better identify the cause of your symptoms.

What are the treatments for autoimmunity?

Diet has a significant influence on your gut health. The right diet can reduce inflammation, improve digestive function, and boost low energy levels. To identify the right diet for your condition, Dr. Kapoor offers nutrigenomic testing. This specialty test uses your genetic makeup to find the right diet to minimize your symptoms.

Other common treatments for autoimmune conditions include:

• Supplements
• Lifestyle modifications
• Exercise
• Alternative medicine techniques (meditation, acupuncture, etc.)

To learn more about autoimmunity, call ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine or book an appointment online now.