When your immune system turns on your own tissues it can be a helpless and disembodying experience. Autoimmune conditions are exactly that, where your immune system has recognized a protein, enzyme or tissue in your body as non-self, AKA it thinks its a bacteria or virus or something that needs to be removed to protect you. Damage starts to occur and symptoms arise. Unfortunately, in many cases with autoimmune conditions the conventional medical system doesn’t have a lot to support you. That is why it is critical to look for other support and to have a deeper understanding of the cause!

Autoimmune conditions come in a variety of different flavours but did you know that ultimately there are similar underlying causes? Yes, whether you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriasis or even autoimmune infertility, we need to be stabilizing your immune system. 60-80% of your immune system is located in your gut and that is why understanding your digestive function is a huge part of any treatment plan. Whether you have gut dysbiosis, SIBO, IBS, HPylori, yeast overgrowth, a long history of antibiotics exposure or any number of other factors your treatment needs to start here!

In order for an autoimmune condition to onset we need to see a genetic predisposition, a digestive vulnerability and a trigger. Triggers can be related to hormonal changes (see below), but it can also be an accident, stressor, trauma or even a virus. It is truly the perfect storm!

Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditions because your hormones have a HUGE effect on immune function! This is why the most common triggers for autoimmune conditions include pregnancy/ postpartum, menopause and other large hormonal shifts. Women are uniquely complex and that is to be embraced! But it is also critical to understand how your unique hormone pattern can be contributing to inflammation and immune changes, which is why we are here at AWH to help you understand and get the treatment you need!

The Advanced Women’s Health Autoimmune Support Program

At AWH we realize that you are unique and therefore you need a plan that is customized to your individual needs! This is especially true in autoimmune conditions. When you have one autoimmune disease you are predisposed to get others. Our three phase plan will help you to understand your triggers, customize your nutrition and supplement routine and support long term wellness.

Phase 1 – Understand and Customize

Healthy immune systems do not get confused and attack your own tissues! Our goal is to get you as symptom free as possible and therefore we place an emphasis on thoroughly investigating your health and what your individual triggers could be. 

In the first appointment you can expect that your Naturopathic Doctor will take time to hear your unique symptoms. We will also help you to understand what is happening in your body so that you can understand what we will do to fix it. 

At the end of this appointment you can expect to leave with:

• Basic diet and lifestyle recommendations 
• Personalized herbal and nutrient recommendations
• Where appropriate, in house testing for your adrenal health, gut health, nervous system balance and/or bioelectrical impedance analysis
• Lab test recommendations may include an autoimmune panel, digestive health tests, androgens, female sex hormones such as estradiol and progesterone, a full thyroid assessment, inflammation investigations and liver testing. We use both functional tests and standard blood tests to come to understand your health better. 

After we receive the results of your testing your ND will explain all of the findings. No blanket normal statements here, we want to ensure you understand what it all means. From that point we will customize a meal system and supplements to your specific needs.