Autoimmune diseases are a cluster of more than 80 chronic, and often debilitating, diseases affecting 22.5 million Americans.  Generally speaking, an autoimmune disease is a condition wherein the body’s immune system begins to attacks its own cells.  The immune system is not “over-active”; rather, it is confused.  Although an autoimmune disease may manifest in a certain location, organ or tissue, an autoimmune disease is a systemic condition.

Examples of autoimmune conditions

• Celiac disease

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)

• Grave disease (hyperthyroidism)

• Psoriasis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Crohn’s disease

• Lupus

Treating autoimmune disease with functional medicine involves more than simply suppressing the challenging symptoms.  It is about understanding the variables that are creating dysfunction in that particular person’s body.

Each individual is unique; therefore, each requires a personalized plan to address his or her autoimmune disease.  For each person, all the contributing causes (toxins, infection, heavy metals, allergies, poor nutrition, stress, etc.) must be identified and addressed to bring the body back into balance.  The body’s needs must also be met in order to facilitate optimal physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing.  Clean, whole foods, nutrients, exercise, fresh oxygen, clean water, stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, happiness, and a sense of purpose all contribute to re-establishing balance in the body.  When you address all of these factors, the results can be amazing.

There are effective, natural methods that address autoimmune disease if you, or someone you love, are suffering and are uninterested or unstatisfied with conventional treatments and pharmaceutical side effects.

It is about health not sickness.

“After scores of doctors in L.A., multiple surgeries and no end in sight to my dilemma, Dr. Lawrence didn’t get all full of his own ego and promise the world; rather he said he hoped to be able to resolve my pain and promised he’d make me healthier.  And that is the key, it is about health not sickness. It is about t-h-r-i-v-i-n-g, not just getting by.”

— M.L.