Functional Autoimmune Disease Doctor in Wichita
Autoimmune diseases can be challenging for anyone. If you suffer from chronic inflammation and pain, then you know how tough you need to be. One area that continues to show promising progress is the approach to treating autoimmune diseases. The traditional medical model has provided us with helpful tools for managing these conditions, yet it often leaves gaps in achieving whole-body wellness.
This is where functional medicine steps in. At Entelechy Life in Wichita, we take a natural, comprehensive approach to healing.
Plus, you’ll receive the guidance and encouragement you need to improve your health. When you start a wellness program at Entelechy Life, you’ll get the chance to talk to Dr. Mead about your journey. Everyone has questions when it comes to autoimmune disease. There is hope. Book a free discovery call to learn more.
Five Common Autoimmune Conditions That Respond to Functional Medicine
Autoimmune diseases happen when your body’s security system turns against itself, leading to a number of health issues that can affect virtually any part of the body. Imagine your immune system, which is designed to protect you from invaders such as bacteria and viruses, mistakenly identifying your own cells as threats. This misidentification leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and a slew of symptoms that can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
To understand the impact of autoimmune diseases, let’s unpack five common conditions that respond well to functional medicine:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues, particularly the synovium – a thin membrane that lines the joints. This immune response triggers inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint damage and deformity. RA commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet, although it can involve any joint in the body. The disease often follows a fluctuating course, with periods of increased disease activity known as flare-ups, followed by periods of remission where symptoms may improve or disappear. Over time, RA can result in significant disability and impairment of joint function if left untreated.
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems within the body. Lupus can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes (such as the characteristic butterfly rash on the face), fever, chest pain, hair loss, photosensitivity, and kidney dysfunction. The unpredictable nature of lupus often makes diagnosis challenging, as symptoms can vary widely between individuals and mimic other conditions. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach aimed at managing symptoms, preventing flares, and minimizing organ damage.
While fibromyalgia has long been understood as a disorder primarily characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, recent research has shed light on its potential autoimmune component. While fibromyalgia’s exact etiology remains elusive, emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the immune system may play a significant role in its development and progression. Studies have shown alterations in various immune markers, including increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and abnormalities in immune cell function, suggesting an underlying immune dysfunction. Furthermore, the presence of autoimmune-related antibodies and associations with other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, have led researchers to explore the possibility of fibromyalgia as an autoimmune disorder.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath – a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including but not limited to muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, coordination problems, balance difficulties, cognitive impairment, vision disturbances (such as optic neuritis), and fatigue. MS can manifest in various forms, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). Treatment aims to manage symptoms, prevent relapses and slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life through a combination of medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid proliferation of skin cells, resulting in the formation of thick red scaly patches known as plaques. These plaques can appear anywhere on the body but commonly occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In addition to skin involvement, psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing pitting, ridges, and discoloration. Around 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis – a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and connective tissues.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness, often affecting the fingers, toes, wrists, knees, and ankles. Treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis typically involves a combination of topical treatments (such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs), oral medications, biologic agents, phototherapy, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in minimizing joint damage and improving long-term outcomes.
The Limitation of a Medication-Only Approach
While medications are the default for managing autoimmune diseases, they often fall short of addressing the underlying causes of these conditions. They can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life but may not halt the progression of the disease.
According to Dr. Mead, “To truly manage autoimmune diseases, we need to figure out what’s triggering your body’s incorrect immune responses.” This insight underlines the essence of functional medicine – identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases rather than just treating the symptoms.
Holistic Wellness Plans: Beyond Disease Management
Recognizing that autoimmune diseases are complex and multifaceted, our approach at Entelechy Life in Wichita is to create holistic wellness programs that can be tailored to each individual’s unique needs. While our program always covers the foundations of health, we want to make sure it’s adapted to you.
These plans are designed with the understanding that while we may not be able to completely remove autoimmune disease, we can significantly decrease pain and inflammation, leading to an improved quality of life. Our comprehensive approach includes the following:
- Nutritional guidance to identify and eliminate foods that may trigger inflammation, while incorporating anti-inflammatory foods that nourish the body.
- Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, acknowledging the profound impact of stress on the immune system.
- Targeted supplementation to address nutritional deficiencies and support immune system regulation.
- Lifestyle adjustments to improve sleep quality, physical activity, and environmental factors that may influence autoimmune activity.
Here’s Why Many Patients Choose Entelechy Life in Wichita
At Entelechy Life, we are more than a medical practice; we are a community dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health. Our team is deeply committed to the principles of functional medicine, and we are continuously educating ourselves on the latest research and treatments to serve our patients better.
By choosing Dr. Mead’s functional medicine program, you are not just getting a doctor; you are getting a partner in your health journey.
You’re Invited to Start the Functional Medicine Journey
Navigating autoimmune disease can be a daunting journey, but it’s one you don’t have to make alone. If you’re ready to explore a new path to health, one that goes beyond symptom management and seeks to restore balance and vitality, we invite you to visit us in Wichita. Together, we can unlock the door to a healthier, more vibrant you, using the principles of functional medicine to guide the way.