Autoimmune Disease
What is it?
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An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affect the whole body.
Causes​
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Allergic reactions
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Gut dysbiosis, inappropriate gut flora
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Lack of breast feeding
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Dairy sensitivity or intolerance
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Sorbitol intolerance
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Gluten sensitivity
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Alcohol
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Food allergies
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Poor diet
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Poor digestion
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Infections
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Genetics
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Hormone imbalance​
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Environmental toxins
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Metal toxicity
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Symptoms
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chronic fatigue
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joint pains
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muscle aches
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stiffness, swelling and edema
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shortness of breath and chest pains
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headaches
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fever
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skin rashes and sunburns
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depression and anxiety
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insomnia
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blurred vision and dry eyes
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mouth and nose sores and ulcers
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anemia and weakness
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memory loss and confusion
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complications including higher risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, kidney damage, lung damage, infections, seizures and stroke
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Conditions
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Lupus
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Hashimotos
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Celiac disease
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Pernicious anemia
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Type 1 Diabetes
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Sjögren’s syndrome
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Vasculitis
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Addison's Disease
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Grave's Disease
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SLE
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Beneficial Tests
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Full bloodwork panel
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The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is often one of the first tests that doctors use when symptoms suggest an autoimmune disease. A positive test means you may have one of these diseases, but it won’t confirm exactly which one you have or if you have one for sure.
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Other tests look for specific autoantibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases. Your doctor might also do nonspecific tests to check for the inflammation these diseases produce in the body such as SED rate and CRP (c-reactive protein).
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Nutrient deficiency testing
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Digestive function testing
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Food intolerance and allergy testing
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Hormone testing
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Allopathic Treatment Options
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Anti-rheumatic drugs
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Corticosteroids
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NSAIDS
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Immunosuppressants
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Blood pressure medications
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Hormones and birth control pills
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Naturopathic Treatment Options
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Discover the root cause to why your body is creating symptoms.
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Begin with natural, non invasive solutions to support and regulate the immune system to heal itself.
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Support liver health to detox environmental toxins.
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Removes food intolerances, food allergies, and other environmental toxins that may be impacting digestion, immunity, and causing inflammation.
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Address nutrient deficiencies which is vital for overall function and mood.
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Rebuild and restore digestive function, the foundation of immune health, with herbs, vitamins, amino acids, and nutrition.
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Manage stress and unresolved trauma that weakens immunity.
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Support emotional health and spiritual health which are essential in overall sense of wellbeing.
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Teach lifestyle adjustments unique to your lifestyle and schedule that may include exercise and other lifestyle habits. Dr. Felty looks at more than your symptoms. She provides care for your whole health. Many different factors impact your symptoms. Dr. Felty will take time to educate you and work with you to feel better
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Naturopathic Counseling
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Hydrotherapy
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Homeopathy
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Referral to other healers or practitioners relevant to your health and healing.
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Everyone is unique and has different reasons why they develop autoimmune conditions. Good news is that everyone can improve their condition and activate their natural ability to heal. Dr. Felty can educate you on what your body, mind, or spirit needs to improve and heal from this. Call her office 773-472-0560 or fill out this form here to request an appointment.
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Dr. Felty is not a medical doctor. She is a naturopathic doctor and in the state of Illinois, naturopathic doctors are not licensed. She does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. She works with you and your primary care team to provide holistic care and education that supports overall wellbeing.