What is Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune disease affects over 50 million Americans and this number is on the rise.  Some studies estimate that women make up 75% of this population. This makes it very likely that you yourself or someone you are close to experiences some form of autoimmune disease [1].

Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or many different types of body tissue. There are over 80 types of autoimmune conditions identified today.  Some common conditions include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, Psoriasis, Multiple Sclerosis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  You may not “fit in” to one of these disease categories but might experience general symptoms of system wide inflammation such as fatigue, chronic low-grade fever, overall feeling of malaise (feeling sick and tired), joint pain and rashes that could be indicative of an underlying autoimmune disease process.

What Causes Them?

Autoimmune conditions occur when your immune system begins to attack healthy cells in your body.  Your body is always fighting invaders, whether it’s battling infections, allergens from food or the environment, or a response to high stress levels. In the case of autoimmune diseases, your immune system army redirects its attack against you and your joints, skin, organs and brain.

Genetics play a role in the development of autoimmune conditions, but these genes have to be “turned on” in order to manifest autoimmune conditions. Whether or not these genes for autoimmunity get turned on is influenced by a host of other factors that challenge your immune system’s integrity, such as underlying infections, chronic inflammation tied to food sensitivities, a high toxin burden, compromised gut health and even our stress levels.

How Can We Treat Them?

The conventional medical approach is to suppress symptoms such as joint pain, fever and swelling using steroids or medications that work to turn off parts of the immune system. This approach can be necessary for some people at certain points in their treatment to reduce pain, inflammation and debilitating symptoms. We have to understand, however, that these treatments are largely suppressing symptoms and aren’t getting at the root cause of why the body is directing it’s attack against its own tissues and organs. Like Sidney Baker, M.D., a well-known preventive medicine specialist said,“If you are sitting on a tack, the answer is not to treat the pain. The solution is to find the tack and remove it.” You get the picture.

The good news is that in order to figure out what’s really going on, to find the “tack” and to bring the body back into balance there are many things we can do! We can start by putting good, whole foods in our bodies, removing inflammatory foods, improving digestion and mindfully reducing stressors.  Many of us have visited the doctor knowing something is wrong and have been told to "come back when symptoms get worse" when our blood work or complaints don't fit into a neat and tidy disease category.  This leaves many people high and dry, still suffering in a broken system without any help.  In my opinion, that's not good enough.  So trust yourself, and what your body is telling you because you know it better than anyone else. And know that it is possible to live well with a diagnosis of chronic disease. 

Working with a Functional Health and Nutrition Coach is a great way to make this process manageable. By taking the time to listen to your story, I can help guide you through feelings of overwhelm and confusion surrounding your medical recommendations or personal health goals so you can be successful finding balance and feeling great again. I will help you explore how food as well as relationships, exercise and sleep play a role in your health and overall quality of life as we explore how to support you body, mind and spirit. I assure you, no matter where you are, that it is totally possible to live a beautiful, vibrant life not ruled by your disease. Sometimes all you need is the right person to guide and support you. 

ready to explore a new way of living well?

If you’re feeling frustrated trying to figure out how you can feel better, confused about which interventions are right for you because there is so much conflicting information online and overwhelmed and exhausted because you're tired of these symptoms taking over your life and you just want clear solutions, I’m here to support you.

My 1:1 Health & Nutrition Coaching Program is specifically designed to help you increase energy levels and help you reconnect to your true self not defined by your chronic symptoms.

Here’s what a client had to say:

A shift in diet and techniques regarding repairing my gut has markedly improved symptoms of brain fog, psoriasis, chronic inflammation, and the like. I feel more energy now after working with Christina – and a relief knowing that my previous struggles with these health concerns are not permanent or debilitating. - Stuart

In our sessions I weave together Functional Nutrition Coaching, guidance to unwind limiting beliefs and patterns keeping you stuck, and breath work and somatic exercises to ground and nurture your nervous system. I’ve been in the healthcare field for 12+ years and over this time have honed the skills, depth and expertise it takes to support you in truly finding your own unique path to health.

If you want to finally get a handle on your health, it would be my honor to support you. Simply book in a complementary 20-minute Discovery Session, and find out more about how you can benefit from personalized health and nutrition coaching! I can’t wait to hear your story and support you on your healing journey.