Auto-Immune Disease

Vitality
Jan 21, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Aug 26

What Are Auto-Immune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases can affect nearly every system in the body, and they often go undiagnosed or misunderstood for years. Understanding the root of these disorders is the first step toward finding real relief.

Key Takeaways

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
Vitality frequently sees Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, Celiac, and Psoriasis.
Personalized treatments at Vitality may include AIP, peptides, and targeted supplements.
Early diagnosis and customized care plans are crucial for maintaining long-term wellness.

Our bodies have an immune system, which is an incredibly complex network of cells and organs that defend the body from germs and other foreign invaders. The immune system's core function is to protect the body by attacking that which is foreign. Auto-Immune Disease is when the immune system loses the ability to differentiate between foreign and native and begins to attack its own cells. When this happens, the body makes autoantibodies that mistakingly attack native, healthy cells. At the same time, regulatory T cells, whose job it is to keep the immune system working properly, fail. This combination within the body results in autoimmune disease, and some can be rare while others are quite common.

The parts of the body affected by auto-immune disease depend primarily on the types of auto-immune diseases or disease the body is experiencing.

While there are more than 80 known types of auto-immune disease, our office frequently sees the following:

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a progressive disease of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located low on the front of the neck, whose primary responsibility is to produce and regulate hormones. We consider the thyroid gland to be the "supervisor" to the body as it oversees essentially every physiologic reaction. In the case of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, antibodies are inappropriately directed against the thyroid, decreasing its ability to make thyroid hormones. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormones for the body's needs.

Graves' Disease - Graves' Disease is caused by autoantibodies that induce thyrotoxicosis by mimicking the action of TSH and activating the TSH receptor in the thyroid gland. Unlike Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Graves' Disease causes hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid or irregular heartbeat, an accelerated metabolism resulting in rapid weight loss, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.

Celiac Disease - An autoimmune disorder with both a genetic and environmental component. Celiac Disease affects the small intestines, triggered by the ingestion of gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. These attacks lead to damage to the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine. This change in the small intestines results in difficulty with nutrient absorption.

Psoriasis - As part of its defense against foreign invaders, the body makes specialized white blood cells called T-cells. Under normal circumstances, T-cells identify and coordinate attacks on foreign invaders. However, with the autoimmune disorder psoriasis, the body's T-cells mistakenly identify skin cells as invaders and attack them. This attack injures the skin cells, resulting in the skin damage seen in psoriasis – swelling, reddening, and scaling.

Signs, Triggers, And Diagnosis

Autoimmune diseases can manifest in various ways, differing from person to person. Some people may struggle with chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or unexplained weight changes. Others may experience flare-ups that come and go, making it difficult to track their symptoms. These conditions are often misdiagnosed or dismissed as stress or aging.

Common triggers include chronic stress, viral infections, environmental toxins, food sensitivities, and even hormonal shifts. While genetics may play a role, lifestyle and immune stressors often set the stage for symptoms to appear.

There’s no one-size-fits-all test for autoimmune disease. Diagnosis typically requires a combination of symptom tracking, laboratory work (such as ANA or thyroid antibody tests), and ruling out other potential conditions. If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still don’t feel like yourself, it’s worth digging deeper.

Vitality's Approach and Treatment for Autoimmune Disease

AIP

Your provider will help you decide the best way to treat your auto-immune disease. Frequently this includes a short time on the auto-immune protocol (AIP) to help your body heal.

Peptides

Your provider may also discuss the benefits of peptides with you. Peptides refer to the newly emerging science of cell signaling amino acid sequences, with far-reaching regulatory and rejuvenation actions on neuroendocrine-immune functionality. The specifically targeted use of peptides has the potential to alter bodily chemistry relationships and ultimately lead to restoration.

Supplementation

Vitality utilizes the highest-quality, third-party-tested supplements available to add to your diet. Ordering and auto-shipping Provider Recommended supplements are easy with Fullscript. Current patients can sign in to their Fullscript account here. Fullscript account here.

Contact Us Today

Whether you are suffering from an auto-immune disease listed above or another rare form of auto-immune disease, we are here to help you. The team at Vitality Natural Wellness and Medspa is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to treat and alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have.