Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Disease in San Diego

At Erez Functional Medicine in San Diego, we specialize in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. These complex conditions occur when your overactive immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. They can manifest as various diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and many others. Each type of autoimmune disease presents unique symptoms, yet there are common signs indicating an autoimmune response, such as fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, and recurring fever.

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Our functional medicine approach offers a comprehensive method for treating autoimmune diseases. We strive to understand what is triggering your autoimmune response and work to control the overactive immune system rather than merely managing the symptoms.

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Identifying the Signs of Autoimmune Disease

Identifying autoimmune disease can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms, many of which are shared among different types of autoimmune diseases. You may experience general fatigue, aching muscles, swelling and redness, or trouble concentrating. More specific symptoms might include numbness in your hands and feet (as seen in multiple sclerosis) or experiencing a butterfly-shaped rash on your face, a common sign of lupus.

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Early recognition of these signs is crucial for effective treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, it's essential to seek professional medical advice to initiate appropriate diagnostic procedures.

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Understanding Specific Autoimmune Diseases

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Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract, from your mouth to your anus. Symptoms can include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Our advanced testing methods can help identify this condition and create a treatment strategy tailored to you, focusing on reducing inflammation and managing your symptoms.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body. Symptoms can range from mild numbness in the limbs to severe paralysis or loss of vision. Through a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment approach, we aim to manage your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and slow the disease's progression.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints but can also impact other body systems. Symptoms include tender, swollen joints, joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, and fatigue. Our goal in treating RA is to control your symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall wellbeing.

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Lupus

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. It can affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. We focus on decreasing inflammation and boosting your body's natural healing response to manage your lupus symptoms and minimize flare-ups.

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Scleroderma

Scleroderma involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It results in the overproduction of collagen, leading to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. With our comprehensive treatment approach, we aim to relieve your symptoms, manage complications, and improve your quality of life.

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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are sometimes painful and itchy. Our personalized treatment plan focuses on controlling your symptoms and preventing further outbreaks, aiming to bring relief and enhance your overall wellbeing.

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Advanced Testing and Root-Cause Analysis

Our approach in treating autoimmune disease involves advanced testing and a root-cause analysis. This detailed assessment allows us to understand the factors contributing to your condition, including genetic predisposition, infections, gut health, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and sleep.

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We conduct a thorough autoimmune disease test, which includes comprehensive blood panels to check for the presence of autoantibodies, a hallmark of autoimmunity. Additionally, we investigate other critical health parameters, such as nutrient levels, hormone balance, gut health, and potential environmental toxins.

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Through these investigations, we can identify the triggers and mediators of your autoimmunity. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial in developing a personalized treatment plan that can effectively manage and potentially reverse your autoimmune condition.

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Treating Autoimmune Disease with Functional Medicine

Our functional medicine approach to treating autoimmune disease focuses on addressing the root cause and enhancing your body's natural healing capacity. Our personalized treatment plans often incorporate dietary changes, stress management techniques, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle modifications.

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By identifying and addressing the triggers of your autoimmune response, we can help modulate your overactive immune system and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving your overall health.

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We are here to support and guide you on your journey towards managing and overcoming autoimmune diseases. Together, we can work to control your autoimmunity and improve your quality of life.