Autoimmune Disease Treatment in Raleigh, North Carolina

At FoundationMED in Raleigh, North Carolina, we specialize in autoimmune disease treatment, helping patients manage symptoms and address underlying causes.

Understanding Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system cannot properly differentiate between healthy cells and harmful pathogens. This misdirected immune response leads to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases, affecting different parts of the body.

Common Autoimmune Diseases

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Causes joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
• Psoriasis: Triggers red, scaly skin patches due to immune system overactivity.
• Type 1 diabetes: Affects insulin production by attacking pancreatic cells.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Can damage multiple organs and tissues.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Impacts nerve function by damaging the protective myelin sheath.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting the digestive tract.
• Graves’ disease: Leads to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases often share common symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. General symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Persistent rashes or skin conditions
• Swelling or redness in joints
• Hair loss
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Digestive issues (such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation)

Since symptoms vary widely depending on the condition, professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease

Proper diagnosis of autoimmune conditions involves a combination of medical history, symptom assessment, and laboratory testing. Common tests include:

• Autoantibody tests: Identify abnormal immune responses.
• Complete blood count (CBC): Detects inflammation and immune dysfunction.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Measure inflammation levels.
• Thyroid function tests: Assess hormone levels for conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.

Our specialists at FoundationMED use a functional medicine approach to investigate potential root causes, such as gut health issues, methylation deficiencies, and environmental toxins.

Autoimmune Disease Treatment Option

Personalized Therapy Plans

At FoundationMED, we focus on autoimmune disease therapy that goes beyond symptom management to address the underlying triggers. Treatment strategies may include:

• Nutritional Therapy: Anti-inflammatory diets, elimination diets, and gut health optimization.
• Supplements and Herbal Medicine: Support immune modulation with vitamin D, omega-3s, probiotics, and adaptogenic herbs.
• Medications: Immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and biologics may be recommended for certain conditions.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, improved sleep hygiene, and physical activity help regulate immune function.
• Detoxification Support: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins that may trigger autoimmune reactions.

Each patient receives a customized autoimmune disease therapy plan based on their specific condition and overall health profile.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Managing autoimmune disease at home can significantly improve symptoms. Some effective strategies include:

• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants).
• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Engaging in regular physical activity (low-impact exercises like swimming or walking).
• Getting adequate sleep to support immune function.
• Avoiding known triggers such as gluten, dairy, processed foods, or environmental toxins.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your consultation, take note of your symptoms, their frequency, and any potential triggers. Providing your doctor with a detailed health history, including family history of autoimmune diseases, will help guide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.