Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Normally, the immune system defends the body against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system cannot differentiate between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells, leading to inflammation, damage, and dysfunction.

Some common autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Attacks joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Type 1 diabetes: The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Multiple sclerosis: The immune system attacks nerve cells, impairing movement and coordination.
• Lupus: Affects various organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: The immune system targets the thyroid, leading to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending on the type and severity, but they often include fatigue, pain, inflammation, and organ-specific issues. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, viral and hormonal factors.

Conventional treatment often involves medications to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation, and managing symptoms through lifestyle changes. The goal is to prevent flare-ups and reduce the damage caused by the immune system’s attacks.

How can we help you ?

Here at integrated we understand that you are an individual , therefore in order to help you manage your Autoimmune condition we want to understand about your own mechanisms for the development of the disease. Whilst some causes are genetic many times certain triggers of your condition can be environmental such as a virus or gut pathogen that has disturbed the normal function of your immune system. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the process of understanding why your immune system has turned on your own tissues creating inflammation with numerous papers linking the Gut to Autoimmune conditions. At the clinic we offer extensive testing to uncover the hidden drivers of your condition.