Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Mysterious symptoms
• Normal lab results from doctor’s office despite symptoms
• Multiple specialists
• Some days are better than others
• Foggy brain
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Weight gain

Could it be an Autoimmune Disorder?

Autoimmune disorders are on the rise and can be present for years with vague symptoms. People visit many doctors knowing something is not right. Yet, they are told their tests were normal and they are anxious, stressed and/or depressed so they are given medications to cover up the symptoms. No one ever looks for it until it reaches and advanced stage when a diagnosis is most obvious. There are hundreds of autoimmune disorders, some you may know as Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Sjorgen’s, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Type I Insulin Dependent Diabetes and so many more. Even osteoarthritis and psoriasis are now considered autoimmune disorders, which is when your own immune system attacks your tissues. Where it attacks determines the condition.

So much can be done BEFORE the autoimmune disorder gets out of control as well as in the advanced stages. You have to look for something to find it and know how to modulate the immune system. Therefore, genetics sets the stage and your lifestyle and environment turns the genes on to activate your immune system to attack itself.

What turns on your immune system to trigger an autoimmune disorder?

• Stress
• Trauma
• Infections
• Toxins
• Allergens
• Food sensitivities

Firstly, any or all of these conditions cause increased intestinal permeability. Secondly, there is only one layer of cells that separates you from the outside environment in your gut. However, you need the right balance of good bacteria to protect you as well as avoiding things that irritate the gut. Seventy to 90% of your immune system comes from the gut. If the barrier is broken and becomes “leaky” from stress, infection, antibiotics, toxins, gluten and other foods that can cause sensitivity, your immune system gets turned on and if you have the genes for an autoimmune disorder, it may not turn off and one or many autoimmune disorders develops.

Symptoms of a “Leaky Gut” or Increased Intestinal Permeability

• Digestive problems
• Foggy brain
• Low energy
• Weight loss or gain
• Bloating
• IBS
• Skin issues
• Joint pain

If you have any of these symptoms, you could have a leaky gut and be setting yourself up for an autoimmune disorder. It is important to heal the gut with a Restore and RejuvenateTM or Shake Bake and Salad SlimdownTM diet which are elimination diets that also heal your gut, detoxify your liver, balance your immune system an uncover food sensitivities.

If you don’t feel better or if your symptoms come and go, you may want to be tested with a Cyrex Array that has 24 markers of autoimmune disorders and can pinpoint the organs or tissues that your immune system has targeted. An alternative is or an Array 14 which looks at your organ systems and evaluates intestinal barrier issues, food and chemical immune reactions and helpful if you have chronic inflammatory bowel conditions or a family history of autoimmune disorders.

Above all, the point is that you need a thorough history and evaluation to look for autoimmune disorders. A functional medicine doctor generally does this. The conventional treatment is very helpful in the severe acute stages. However, to improve, you must address the root cause such as chronic, lingering infections. In addition, environmental exposures to yeast, mold, chemicals, allergens or foods that you are sensitive to. Chronic stress which can be physical, mental, hormonal, nutritional deficiencies and more.

However, there is a lot you can do to manage autoimmune disorders. Get diagnosed and tested and get to the root cause by visiting a functional medicine doctor. Dr. Lorraine Maita is a recognized and award-winning holistic, functional, and anti-aging physician and author. She transforms people’s lives by getting to the root cause of illness using the best of science and nature. Her approach is personalized, precision medicine where you are treated as the unique individual you are. If you’re ready to start your journey to a healthier, happier life, schedule your visit today!