IFMCP, DC

Autoimmune diseases are all very different however, they have two main common traits: they each have genetic susceptibility and a triggering event. Anything from the point of human conception up to the current moment influence our immune response to our environment. Functional medicine dives into the health history in a way that helps people see where their triggers are – and there are often many different triggers along the way that contribute to symptom and disease pathways today so the triggers can be avoided if possible and addressed. When the right combination of nutritional and lifestyle interventions are discovered together – quality of life is significantly improved and living with autoimmunity is much more manageable.

Taking the birth control pill (and many other forms of BC) can rob your body of vitamin B12, which can lead to conditions such as anemia, circulation problems, neuropathy, and chronic fatigue. This is just one example of how hormones can easily move out of balance when disturbed by our environment. If your estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels are too low or too high, functional medicine will help you find answers. Sometimes, blood chemistry shows levels in normal range, but can be slightly high or slightly low indicating early detection problem that is often overlooked by conventional medicine. At Pathways we find being proactive rather than reactive about your health is the best philosophy.

Gluten and dairy have long been studied as well-known triggers for a biological process known as ‘leaky gut’ and ‘leaky brain’. The primary source of our human immune system stems from our gut with over three pounds of bacteria enmeshed with a web of neurological tissue that communicates via the vagus nerve to the brain. Patients come to Pathways having tried many different diets such as gluten and dairy free, probiotics, autoimmune diets, keto, paleo, etc… with limited success helping their gut, brain, or autoimmune disease. For some people these diets may be the solution, but for others it is not. This process can be frustrating without the right guidance. Standard laboratory chemistry testing coupled with stool analysis, lymphocyte testing, antibody testing, and metabolic assessments are often the key to revealing what specific pathogens, food sensitivities, or acid pH balance issues a person may be dealing with they had otherwise been told “this is just normal for you” or even worse “there is nothing wrong”.

Brain function is imperative to maintain optimal functioning with age. How and why one person’s brain declines with age while another person in a similar environment does not can be further explained through the use of functional medicine tools. Genetic SNP’s, heavy metal toxicity, environmental triggers, trauma, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, exercise, and nutrition status all affect neurotransmitter function, and therefore, brain function. Discovering which pathway in the brain and body is not firing correctly can be the missing link between a declining brain function and restoring higher brain function as we age.

The function of the heart and circulatory system is controlled and regulated by our nervous system. For example, if someone is diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, they are typically told they need to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, etc… without much guidance. If a patient is depressed because they are overweight, they maybe unknowingly addicted to sugar, which could be caused by the dopamine surge they get. If someone is seriously depressed, their dopamine pathway in their brain is not functioning making them unmotivated to follow through with even the best advice and intention by their medical providers. Therefore they will not be motivated to do what it takes to reverse their condition. At Pathways, we look for these types of barriers to getting results and help support people in a different way than they have experienced before.

Although degenerative conditions are common, they are not necessarily a normal part of the aging process. You may have been told, “Oh, that is normal for your age,” but it is often possible to restore bone density and the function of your frame. Early intervention is key for degenerative conditions. Functional medicine combines hormone balancing and vitamin and mineral deficiencies with movement and mindfulness practices to help address the symptoms associated with their condition.

Did you know you can increase or decrease your natural immune system defenses against viruses, bacteria, parasites, yeast, fungus, and mold by simply changing your diet and lifestyle? If you have a bacterial infection and your diet is high in processed sugars, you’re actually feeding the infection! If you are under high amounts of stress, your adrenal glands can become fatigued resulting in cortisol imbalances that affect your sleep and therefore your immune defenses are weakened. Nutrition can either support your immune cells or hinder their function. Stress, movement and exercise, trauma, your environment, the products you put on your skin, pesticides used in our food, etc.… all play a role in affecting how our immune system works. Discovering where your barriers are affected and how to rebuild your immune function is a key focus at Pathways Functional Medicine