Let’s take a closer look at autoimmune issues from a functional medicine perspective:
As autoimmune conditions have risen, we need to take another look at them. An autoimmune disorder is where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and some have similar symptoms.
In conventional medicine, it is thought that once you have an autoimmune condition, there is no cure and you can only manage the symptoms, which can include using strong medications that suppress the immune system. A functional approach involves looking at why the body’s immune system is overreacting and addressing the root causes.
Purpose of the Immune System
Functional medicine asks the question – what is the purpose or function of this bodily system? The function of the immune system is like an army – to fight off foreign invaders or potential threats in order to keep you safe and healthy. An overactivation of the immune system means the body is perceiving something as a threat and is working overtime to get rid of it. Medically, the cause of autoimmune disorders is said to be unknown, but there are many theories about what would trigger an overactive immune response.
Potential Causes
Toxins – This includes viruses, bacteria, drugs, chemicals, and environmental toxins like air and water pollution.
Immunizations – The unnatural way in which pathogens are introduced into the body via a shot can cause an adverse immune response that is compounded with the other chemicals or toxins contained in the immunization. Furthermore, the excessive number of immunizations given to children and adults may have led to over-stimulation of the immune system.
Parasites – The body tries to fight off parasites, but because they hide so well and confuse the immune system, this leads to an over-activation of the immune system resulting in the body attacking itself. As I muscle-test clients, both immunizations and parasites seem to indicate an autoimmune trigger.
All of these reasons involve something foreign that the body does not recognize as safe. As natural beings, we are able to identify what is like us, and what is not like us. Our immune system can detect self from non-self, or natural from unnatural.
Energetic Toxins
There are more than just physical toxins that impact our health and wellness. There are energetic toxins that have a significant impact on how our body responds to invisible threats.
Thoughts and Emotions – Functional medicine also takes into account our neurobiology, or how our thoughts and emotions impact our physiology. If the overactive immune response will not subside, then the body is still perceiving something as a threat. This could be harmful thoughts and emotions below the surface that go unnoticed and undetected.
Toxic Relationships – You may not have made the connection between toxic relationships and autoimmune conditions. However, there is more scientific evidence pointing to the fact that people who are in unhealthy relationships have higher rates of autoimmune conditions. This may be because the stress involved leads to a weakening of the immune system. This may also be because your immune system – which is designed to identify toxins – has identified someone else’s energy as toxic to you.
Here are some examples of toxic energy from other people the immune system may be identifying and alerting you to:
- Lying or any kind of deception
- A desire to harm you physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually
- An ulterior motive (ex. being used by someone for their benefit, at your expense)
Our bodies respond to energy and guide us to make the decisions that are in our best interest. When we don’t listen, the body must send a stronger message to get our attention. If we don’t have healthy boundaries and the ability to keep out what is harmful to us, we will allow toxicity into our lives. Thankfully our bodies are highly intelligent and are designed to alert us to any toxicity in our lives in the form of unpleasant symptoms.
Help for Autoimmune Issues
Autoimmune conditions can be difficult to recover from because many factors must be addressed. The following muscle-test strong for autoimmune conditions:
- Juice Plus
- CBD Oil
- Fermented Cod Liver Oil
- Mushrooms
- Ninja Red from Young Living
- Herbs4You Immune Ease Tincture
If you are suffering from autoimmune issues, please schedule a Botanical Medicine Consultation so we can address all the aspects involved from a functional, holistic, and natural approach.
We’re here to help YOU!
Amy Willis MH, CTN
About the Author
Amy Willis M.H., CTN