Autoimmune Disease

About 10% of Americans have autoimmune diseases today. At Candid Apple: Nutrition & Functional Medicine, Kerri Rachelle, RDN, LDN, CSSD, and the experienced team understand the roots of autoimmune disease. They use evidence-based lab testing and personalized wellness care to reduce your immune reactivity, calm your symptoms, and greatly improve your quality of life. The office is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the team offers telehealth throughout the United States. Autoimmune disease isn’t a life sentence of misery if you get the right help. Book your appointment online or call the office today.

What is autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune disease happens when your own immune system — which is supposed to protect you — malfunctions and starts attacking your body. There are at least 100 unique autoimmune diseases, and some of the most common types of autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Psoriasis
• Type 1 Diabetes

If you have one autoimmune disease, you have a significantly increased risk of developing another. 

What are the signs of an autoimmune disease?

Symptoms of an autoimmune disease may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Dizzy spells

In many cases, it can be hard to connect the dots with your symptoms at first, as these issues can also occur with many other (nonautoimmune) disorders. 

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. What happens next?

An autoimmune disease diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming, but your diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. You don’t have to accept traditional medical approaches as the only way to help manage your autoimmune disease. 

Delving deeper into the factors that play into your autoimmune disease and addressing those specific issues at Candid Apple: Nutrition & Functional Medicine can dramatically improve your disease symptoms and whole-person wellness. 

Some important aspects of your care include:

Autoimmune diagnostic testing

Even if you already have a diagnosis, advanced functional medicine lab testing can provide more details about the roots of your autoimmune disease and its co-occurring problems. 

Common test packages for people with autoimmune disease include gut health labs, thyroid health labs, hormone testing, heavy metal toxicity screening, and nutritional health labs. The team personalizes your testing based on symptoms and diagnosis. 

Nutritional management of autoimmune disease

Nutritional management involves working with a registered dietitian nutritionist who can help you start a balanced healthy diet that meets all your nutritional needs and heals you from within. The way you eat can help you combat inflammation and other problems common in autoimmune diseases, too. 

Alongside improving your nutrition and lifestyle, you may need nutritional supplements to restore your health and better manage your autoimmune disease. 

Candid Apple: Nutrition & Functional Medicine can help you effectively manage your autoimmune symptoms and become healthier, happier, and more free. Book an appointment online or call the office today.