Autoimmune disorders are among the most complex and misunderstood health challenges today. More than 50 million Americans are estimated to suffer from autoimmune conditions, and the numbers continue to rise. From Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis to lupus and multiple sclerosis, these conditions can be life-altering.
Conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with medications that suppress the immune system. Functional medicine, however, asks a different question: Why is the immune system overreacting in the first place?
By identifying root causes and promoting whole-body balance, functional medicine provides patients with a more comprehensive path to healing.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Instead of targeting viruses or bacteria, the immune system launches an attack against organs, joints, or glands.
Examples include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – an immune attack on the thyroid gland.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – an immune attack on joints.
- Celiac disease – an immune reaction to gluten affecting the small intestine.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) – an immune attack on nerve coverings (myelin).
- Psoriasis – an immune dysfunction affecting skin cells.
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men, and often develop between the ages of 20 and 50.
Why Are Autoimmune Conditions Increasing?
While genetics play a role, environment and lifestyle are major drivers. Modern triggers include:
- Chronic stress dysregulates the immune system.
- Poor diet high in processed foods, gluten, and inflammatory oils.
- Gut imbalances such as leaky gut, dysbiosis, and infections.
- Environmental toxins like pesticides, mold, and heavy metals.
- Hormonal imbalances make women particularly vulnerable.
- Infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease) that activate autoimmunity.
Functional Medicine Root Cause Approach
Instead of suppressing the immune system, functional medicine aims to identify the underlying causes of immune dysfunction. The most common root cause areas include:
1. Gut Health
Nearly 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Leaky gut (intestinal permeability) allows food particles and toxins into the bloodstream, triggering immune attacks. Functional medicine often begins by repairing the gut lining and restoring microbiome balance.
2. Chronic Infections
Hidden infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, Candida overgrowth, or Lyme disease, can stimulate the immune system and trigger flare-ups.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, selenium, omega-3s, and B vitamins impair immune regulation.
4. Hormone Imbalances
Estrogen dominance, low progesterone, or thyroid dysfunction can worsen autoimmune activity.
5. Environmental Triggers
Mold toxins, heavy metals, and chemical exposures overwhelm detoxification pathways and stimulate immune reactivity.
6. Stress and Trauma
Long-term stress alters cortisol rhythms and weakens the immune system’s regulatory mechanisms.
Functional Medicine Testing
Functional medicine uses advanced labs to uncover the underlying contributors to autoimmune conditions:
- Comprehensive Blood Chemistry Analysis – to identify inflammation, nutrient status, thyroid dysfunction, and immune markers.
- GI-MAP stool testing – to detect pathogens, dysbiosis, leaky gut, and digestive enzyme function.
- Food sensitivity testing – to identify delayed immune reactions driving inflammation.
- Hormone panels – including adrenal cortisol rhythm, sex hormones, and thyroid function.
- Toxin testing – for mold, heavy metals, or chemical burden.
- Autoantibody panels – to detect early autoimmune activity before full-blown disease develops.
Myths vs Truths About Autoimmune Disorders
One myth is that autoimmune diseases are purely genetic and cannot be changed. The truth is that while genes play a role, environment and lifestyle strongly influence whether those genes are expressed.
Another myth is that medications are the only option. While drugs can be life-saving, they don’t address root causes. Functional medicine can often complement conventional care, helping reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Some people believe autoimmune conditions cannot be reversed. While a complete “cure” is rare, many patients achieve remission and significant improvement in symptoms by addressing root causes.
Finally, it’s a myth that diet doesn’t matter. Research consistently shows that dietary changes — especially removing inflammatory foods and supporting gut health — can dramatically impact autoimmune activity.
Patient Case Examples
A 35-year-old woman with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis came in with fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Conventional care monitored her thyroid hormones but didn’t address her ongoing symptoms. Functional medicine testing revealed gluten sensitivity and vitamin D deficiency. After eliminating gluten, repairing her gut, and supplementing with vitamin D, her energy returned and antibodies decreased.
A 42-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis experienced severe joint pain and swelling. Stool testing revealed leaky gut and bacterial overgrowth. A gut repair program and anti-inflammatory diet reduced his pain, allowing him to decrease reliance on medication.
A 28-year-old mother with psoriasis struggled with flare-ups and stress. Functional medicine testing showed adrenal burnout and mold exposure. By supporting adrenal function, detoxifying mold, and using stress-management techniques, her flare-ups became less frequent and less severe.
Practical Tips for Managing Autoimmunity
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. Remove gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and processed oils. Focus on whole foods, vegetables, lean protein, and omega-3s.
- Support gut health. Use probiotics, bone broth, and gut-healing nutrients like L-glutamine.
- Prioritize sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours per night to allow immune repair.
- Reduce stress. Incorporate mindfulness, yoga, or neurofeedback.
- Limit toxin exposure. Use natural cleaning products, filter your water, and test for mold if necessary.
- Work with a practitioner. Personalized lab testing and guidance ensure the right strategies for your unique case.
How Balance Atlanta Helps Autoimmune Patients
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we understand how overwhelming autoimmune conditions can be. Our approach combines:
- Functional medicine testing to uncover triggers like leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, or toxins.
- Personalized nutrition programs designed to reduce inflammation and support immune balance.
- Chiropractic care to reduce nervous system stress and promote overall resilience.
- BrainCore neurofeedback to help regulate stress and improve emotional balance.
- Lifestyle coaching to support long-term changes in stress, sleep, and movement.
We don’t just manage symptoms — we help patients uncover the “why” behind their condition and create a path toward better energy, fewer flare-ups, and improved quality of life.
FAQs
- Can autoimmune disorders be cured with functional medicine?
Functional medicine does not claim to cure autoimmune conditions, but many patients experience remission or significant improvement by addressing root causes. - Do I still need my conventional doctor if I use functional medicine?
Yes. Autoimmune conditions often require co-management. Functional medicine complements conventional care rather than replacing it. - Is diet really that important for autoimmunity?
Yes. Many autoimmune patients see significant improvement by removing inflammatory foods and repairing gut health. - How long does it take to see improvement?
Some patients notice changes in weeks, while others require several months of consistent care. - What makes Balance Atlanta’s approach different?
We combine chiropractic, functional medicine, and neurofeedback to address autoimmunity from structural, biochemical, and neurological perspectives.