Autoimmune Disease
What is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune diseases are a paradox of the human body, where the immune system, which is designed to defend the body, turns against it.
These conditions can manifest as any of over 80 known disorders, including lupus, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, Irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Are you experiencing fluctuating symptoms that are hard to pin down?
- Do you feel constantly drained even after a complete night’s sleep?
- Are you grappling with joint pain or skin rashes that appear and disappear without apparent reason?
- Have doctors been unable to give you a clear diagnosis, attributing symptoms to stress or age?
Fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or even digestive disturbances might be more than just random ailments – they could be red flags of an autoimmune condition.
It’s essential to realize that these aren’t just isolated incidents; they might be pieces of a larger autoimmune puzzle.
Recognizing Autoimmune Symptoms
Autoimmune diseases can present with a wide array of symptoms, often misleading due to their non-specificity. Common manifestations include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Swollen joints or joint pain
- Skin issues like rashes or dry skin
- Digestive problems such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea
- Unexplained low-grade fever or weight changes
Conventional Management of Autoimmune Conditions
Mainstream medicine’s approach to autoimmune conditions often revolves around symptom suppression, primarily through immunosuppressive medications or steroids.
While these can bring temporary relief, they do not tackle the root causes and might even introduce a host of side effects.
Conventional medicine typically does not examine the lifestyle factors that can aggravate autoimmune conditions which allows symptoms to worsen as the root cause is never addressed.
The Functional Medicine Approach To Autoimmunity
In functional medicine, the philosophy is clear: understanding autoimmune diseases necessitates digging deeper than symptoms.
We consider the intricate interplay of factors like gut health, inflammation, chronic infections, environmental toxins, and even emotional stress.
Our holistic view integrates extensive patient histories with advanced laboratory testing. We seek to identify and rectify underlying triggers, be it dietary sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, or hormonal imbalances.
Beyond symptom alleviation, our goal is to restore the body’s equilibrium and nurture overall wellness. By adopting personalized nutritional, lifestyle, and therapeutic strategies, we empower you to regain control of your health.
If you’re battling ambiguous symptoms and wish to explore a holistic, integrative approach to understanding and managing potential autoimmune conditions, we’re here to guide and support.
Schedule Discovery Consult
Start on your holistic healing path today with a discovery call so we can learn more about your specific case and autoimmune challenges.
Our patient coordinator is on standby, happy to assist and clarify any questions you might have to determine if our comprehensive approach is right for you.
Click here to schedule your free discovery consult or call our office at 714.434.9355.
About Vaughan Vitality Wellness
Pioneering a transformative approach to complex chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders, Dr. Kristi Vaughan at Vaughan Vitality Wellness blends integrative & functional medicine insights with advanced diagnostic tools. We prioritize deciphering and treating the root causes of your symptoms so patients can feel and look their absolute best.
Autoimmune Success Stories
“My 13 year old daughter started seeing Dr. Vaughan because her TSH was 9.9, which is a thyroid test. She was feeling tired, body aches, and wasn’t eating much. A family member referred me to Dr. Vaughan. She spoke very highly of how she had helped her mother. Dr. Vaughan ran many test, in which she discovered my daughter had auto-immune thyroid. I have thyroid disease, on medications for years. She also tested my thyroid, I was also auto-immune thyroid. She worked with her and really the whole family educating us on the causes thyroid disease.. After her first blood test her TSH went down to 3.1. My daughter began to act like herself again, eating and playing as she did before. Dr. Vaughan really cares about her patients and their results. She’s a great doctor I would recommend her. I feel better than I have in a very long time.” – Malerie J.
“I was diagnosed with Graves disease just over a year ago. After hearing my friend tell me how much Dr Vaughan helped her with her autoimmune symptoms, I decided to go see her. I had always heard that a restrictive diet is helpful for autoimmune conditions. A few months after starting with Dr Vaughan, I’m down about 12 lbs (hard to do on my medication) and my Graves is stable. Certain foods seem to trigger anxiety along with stress. Avoiding those foods has allowed me to remain calm during a very stressful time in my life at present. Although I was skeptical, it’s been great to learn about triggers and avoid a roller coaster.” –Antonietta S.
“I started seeing Dr. Vaughan 2 months ago and I found her on the internet. Her testimonials and background seemed like she is what I needed. I have been on thyroid medications for 15 years and I am also diabetic for 10 years. I have had a hard time sleeping, my energy is low and I continue to be unable to lose weight. I have lost 20 lbs in 2 months. My energy is better than it’s been in a very long time. I have the energy to play with my kids and be a good mom. My thyroid has normalized, which I had to lower my thyroid medications. My A1C was 9.5, with two different medications and my doctors were about to put me on insulin. Now my A1C 6, only 500 mg of medication. Dr. Vaughan ran special test to find what’s going on with my body. She also found I am autoimmune thyroid. I didn’t know I had this autoimmune disease. She helped me understand how to stabilize my body with the right foods, as she helped rid me of infections that I didn’t realize I had. No wonder I didn’t feel good. I would highly recommend her and her office. I know it might seem different because of what we are accustomed to all our life, however I realized this approach is where I fit. It helps me be healthier, teaching me to regain control of my body and health.” –Gloria G.
At Vaughn Vitality Wellness, we promise to put you first — by treating you with respect and providing the holistic medical attention you need. Our team excels at discovering the root cause of your medical condition. Our treatment approaches can help prevent disease and, in some cases, reverse illness.