Anissa Rahman

An infection occurs when a disease-causing agent attacks the body. There are four main types of infection:

• Bacterial (Tuberculosis, Salmonella, E.coli)
• Viral (Covid-19, HIV, Flu)
• Fungal ( Yeast infections, Athlete’s Foot)
• Parasitic (Malaria, Toxoplasmosis)

Bacterial Infections

Common bacterial infections include strep throat, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, food poisoning, and bacterial meningitis. Sometimes these infections persist and become chronic infections, which means the bacteria is either antibiotic-resistant or manages to survive antibiotic treatment by switching into ‘sleep’ mode.

Viral Infections

The most common viral infection is influenza, which affects between 9 and 49 million people in the US each year. Covid 19 is known as a novel coronavirus, as it’s a new strain from the corona family of viruses, not previously seen in humans. Other common viral infections include chickenpox, HIV, herpes, viral hepatitis, and viral meningitis.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections occur when harmful fungi attack a part of the body, and it becomes too much for the immune system to fight. Common fungal infections include yeast infections and athlete’s foot.

Parasitic Infections

Malaria is one of the most common parasitic infections globally, and even in the US, there are about 2000 cases diagnosed each year. Transmission is through a parasite carried by a particular species of mosquito. Symptoms include high fever and shaking chills. Other common parasitic infections include Giardia from contaminated water and toxoplasmosis, which is spread by cats.

Acute vs Chronic Infection – what is the difference?

An acute infection happens rapidly, typically affects one part of the body, and responds well to treatment. With chronic infection, symptoms develop gradually and can affect many parts of the body. The infection can last longer and be harder to eliminate. Chronic Infection symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, or nausea.

The Microbiome and the Virome

Our bodies have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. We’re exposed to bacteria in our environment and in our GI tract—the microbiome. These bacteria assist our body with many essential functions, including digestion and fighting off pathogens (harmful bacteria). We’re also inhabited by an estimated 380 trillion viruses – known as the virome. These viruses are different from the common ones that cause the flu or the cold. They’re known as bacteriophages, and they attack bacterial cells. Researchers are trying to identify bacteriophages that attack bad bacteria; to use as an alternative treatment to antibiotics in the future.

Persistent Viral Infections

Some viruses remain in the body even after the patient has recovered from the illness. Chicken Pox is a good example; the virus varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox, remains in the nerve cells and can re-emerge as shingles later in life. These persistent viruses become ‘latent’ in the body, managing to avoid detection by the body’s immune system.

What are the most common chronic infections?

Chronic infections are caused by a virus or bacterial infection. In some cases, the infectious agent has been eliminated, but the body still suffers from ongoing symptoms.

Chronic Yeast Infection

Candida is naturally present in our body, but an overgrowth can lead to chronic yeast infection. This overgrowth can be triggered by a course of antibiotics or lack of regular hygiene. Chronic infection can also be a sign of a weakened immune system. Alongside anti-fungal treatments, I help my patients with nutritional therapies to restore the body’s healthy microorganisms.

Chronic Sinus Infection

Chronic sinus infection, or Sinusitis, often begins with a common cold before developing into a recurrent sinus infection. Symptoms of a severe infection can include fever, headaches, pain, and congestion. Chronic sinus infection can be due to physical irregularities in the sinuses or allergies. There is a strong link between Sinusitis and allergies/asthma. A functional medicine approach includes strategies to boost the patient’s immune system and reduce the reliance on antibiotics and steroids, which can cause long-term damage.

Herpes Infection

Herpes Simplex (HSV) is a virus that can cause recurring viral infections. Type 1 causes cold sores around the mouth, and Type 2 causes genital herpes. The virus can remain latent and flare-up in moments of stress. Functional medicine can offer many treatments to support HSV, including diet modification, nutraceutical supplements, and herbal medicine.

Shingles

Shingles outbreaks can occur when the person is under stress, resulting in an attack of rash-like skin eruptions that can be itchy and painful. Like many chronic viral infections, the virus can remain latent for many years, only emerging when the person’s immunity is compromised through stress, poor diet, or undiagnosed food sensitivities. Lab testing usually reveals deficiencies in Zinc, vitamin A & D.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is passed to humans through a tick bite. The symptoms are very flu-like: fever, headache, joint pain, and skin rash. Treatment involves antibiotics, but a significant portion of patients do not respond to this medication and go on to develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Functional Medicine and Chronic Infection

The Covid 19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of overall health when dealing with a virus that can affect patients in so many different ways. Conditions such as diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of severe Covid 19 reaction. I can help lower these risks with a treatment program based on the principles of functional medicine. Rather than just treating the symptoms, functional medicine seeks to heal the body as a whole. I help my patients to restore their overall health and build their physical and mental resilience.

If you are dealing with a chronic infection and traditional medical treatments have not worked, you need to ask, “what is the underlying cause of my illness?”. The Caregiver Clarity Call can help you find the reasons behind your illness and, more importantly, the solutions.

Book a consultation now.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease covers a range of conditions. Four of the most common cardiovascular diseases are atherosclerosis, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems. Atherosclerosis, also known as Coronary Heart Disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow. In serious cases, this narrowing of the arteries can create blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Unlike a heart attack, heart failure does not indicate the organ has stopped working altogether. Heart failure occurs when the heart’s ability to pump is weakened. This weakness may result from a faulty valve, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, or even sleep apnea.

Patients diagnosed with arrhythmia have an irregular heartbeat—it can be too fast, too slow, or generally erratic. One of the worrying long-term effects of Covid-19 is that it can cause arrhythmia. Other causes include smoking, drug abuse, certain medications, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Heart valve problems affect blood flow—the valve may not open fully or not close completely. The causes of heart valve problems are generally either congenital (abnormalities present at birth) or linked to aging.

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease depend on the condition:

Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Disease

Metabolic Syndrome is a diagnosis given to patients with three or more related health conditions that increase their risk of heart disease. These conditions include:

• Obesity (in particular around the abdomen)
• Type II Diabetes
• High blood pressure

Metabolic disease results when the body becomes chemically imbalanced and produces too much or too little of a particular substance. Metabolism is the process that converts the food you eat into energy to fuel your body. A metabolic disorder or disease is a breakdown of this process and can take many forms. A compromised metabolism may be due to:

• Organ failure
• Hormone or enzyme deficiencies
• Poor diet

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

So who is most at risk of developing heart disease? Some factors can’t be changed, including age, genetic background, and ethnicity. But there are many other risk factors you can control through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. As part of the Caregiver Clarity Call, I can help identify your risk profile and develop a personalized treatment program for you.

Common Cardiac & Metabolic Disorders

Some of the more common conditions associated with heart disease and metabolic disorders include Hypertension, Gout, and Hyperlipidemia.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is estimated to affect 1 in 2 adult Americans, and often there are no symptoms. Narrowing of the arteries increases your blood pressure and can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke. At my functional medicine clinic, I take regular blood pressure readings as part of a comprehensive treatment regime—treating hypertension through a combination of medication, a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, and other lifestyle changes include exercise and less alcohol consumption.

Gout

Gout is a type of Arthritis due to a build-up of crystallized uric acid in the joints. It causes pain and swelling of the affected joints. Gout occurs when the kidneys fail to remove excess uric acid from the bloodstream, causing it to deposit in the joints, particularly the feet and toes. Risk factors for Gout include obesity, kidney problems, and genetics.

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term to describe abnormally high levels of fat (lipids) in the blood. The two major types of lipids found in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. A high fat, high sugar diet can increase your blood cholesterol and triglycerides to unhealthy levels, clogging up your arteries and increasing your risk of severe heart issues. As part of your Caregiver Clarity Call, you’ll have a blood test done to establish your lipid profile, including levels of damaging LDL cholesterol and beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Inherited metabolic disorders are the result of a defective gene that creates an enzyme deficiency. Children develop these disorders when both parents are carriers of the defective gene.
Even though these genetic disorders are relatively rare, there are many of them, including Lysosomal storage disorder, Phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and Hemochromatosis. Symptoms vary but may include fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.

Improved genetic testing means it’s possible to screen at birth for many of the more common inherited metabolic disorders, but not all of them, unfortunately. Sometimes symptoms can be brought on by medication or a minor illness. Treatment for these genetic conditions includes the elimination of problem foods, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), and special diets to help remove toxins from the body.

The Cardiometabolic Diet

One of the primary goals of functional medicine is to diagnose and treat conditions before they get critical and require drastic medical or surgical intervention. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in my work as a functional medicine doctor in Arlington, VA and Dana Point, CA. I often see overlapping symptoms in my patients—they may have both heart and metabolic problems. The cardiometabolic diet is a food plan designed for those with multiple risk factors to reduce inflammation and stress on the body’s organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

Can Cardiovascular Disease be Cured?

Heart disease is an inevitable part of aging, and sadly there is no miracle cure. However, a holistic treatment regime involving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can significantly benefit your personal health and extend the length and quality of your life immeasurably. Take the first step to becoming your own healer with my Creative Clarity Call. Together, we can address the underlying issues that lead to conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

What is the Autonomic Nervous System?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) connects your brain to various parts of the body, including your organs. It automatically regulates your heart rate, breathing, temperature, and digestion.
Autonomic refers to the automatic/involuntary nature of the nervous system. The ANS has two parts – the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight or flight response during a threat, and the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a calm state.

When these two systems get out of balance, it can have serious consequences for your health. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can be caused by injuries, emotional trauma, or nutritional deficiencies. Nerve damage can also occur as a result of a cardiometabolic disease such as diabetes. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is also known as dysautonomia.

What causes Autonomic System Dysfunction?

Diabetes is the most common cause of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, particularly when it is not well managed. Other potential causes of ANS are:

• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease
• Chemotherapy medications
• Bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19 and HIV
• Abnormal protein build-up
• Inherited disorders

What are the Symptoms of Autonomic Dysfunction?

Because the nervous system influences so many bodily functions, there are many symptoms that might indicate an autonomic nerve disorder. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Dizziness/fainting (Orthostatic hypotension)
• Digestion problems (bloating, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing)
• Urinary issues (Incontinence, incomplete emptying)
• Sexual problems (Erectile dysfunction, inability to achieve orgasm)
• Blurred or tunnel vision, dry eyes

Common Autonomic Disorders

Common autonomic disorders include Orthostatic hypotension, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS).

Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a seated or lying down position. This blood pressure drop can make you dizzy or even faint. We all encounter this physical symptom from time to time, but regular dizzy spells can indicate possible neurological or endocrine problems. Some of the simple measures that can help orthostatic hypotension include:

• Elevating your head while sleeping
• Drinking more fluids
• Adding salt to your diet
• Compression stockings

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) also causes light-headedness when standing up and a rapid increase in heart rate. Most POTS patients are females aged 13 to 50 years old. The condition can be brought on by a viral illness or a severe infection because the body cannot regulate blood vessel squeeze and the heart rate response properly. Some simple lifestyle changes I recommend to patients dealing with POTS is to drink water regularly, as increasing water intake is proven to increase your standing blood pressure levels. I also advise patients to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Large meals direct more blood flow to the digestive system, pulling it away from the heart and upper body and increasing the likelihood of dizziness and fainting.

Neurocardiogenic syncope

Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is also called vasovagal syncope. NCS is a common cause of fainting, due to a sudden slowing of blood flow to the brain. The trigger for this fainting spell could be dehydration, standing for long periods, emotional shock, or intense pain. Generally, this condition doesn’t have serious long term effects, apart from the risk of injury when fainting! However, frequent fainting could indicate diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, and I strongly advise my patients to undergo some tests to exclude other possible heart or nervous system disorders.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the nerves in the hands and feet, causing weakness, numbness, and pain. Causes can include diabetes, injuries, metabolic problems, infections, and environmental toxins. The symptoms relate to the type of nerve affected, which can be sensory (touch, temperature), motor (muscle movement), or autonomic (blood pressure, heart, digestion). Diagnosis may involve tests such as a nerve biopsy or a C.T. scan to make sure nothing is pressing on a nerve. Natural treatments can include vitamin supplements, acupuncture, and diet modification.

How is Autonomic Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is also known as autonomic neuropathy, and patients with symptoms can be tested for the condition in several ways:

• Autonomic function tests measure heart rate and blood pressure while undertaking exercises
• The Tilt-table test measures your body’s response when your upper body is raised
• Gastric-emptying tests check for digestion issues
• The thermoregulatory sweat test maps your sweat patterns
• Ultrasound scans of the bladder and urinary tract.

Treatments for Autonomic Dysfunction

While it’s important to address the immediate symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, my goal is to find the underlying problem and develop solutions to manage the condition successfully. Creating a healthy approach to living is vital to ensure successful management of an autonomic dysfunction, and I recommend the following strategies:

• Manage blood sugar levels
• Quit alcohol and smoking
• Stabilize your blood pressure
• Lose weight if required
• Exercise the mind and body

Digestive Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders have a strong connection to the autonomic nervous system. Digestion is regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the ‘second brain.’ The neurotransmitters in the ENS sense when food enters the gut and manage the digestion process, sending signals back to the central nervous system. Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS occur when this brain-gut axis is disrupted, causing issues with:

• Motility (how fast or slow the G.I. tract functions – resulting in diarrhea or constipation)
• Sensation (Patients experience heightened pain as the nerves become over-sensitive)
• Stress (Triggers in the gut set off stress levels in the brain)

As a functional medicine practitioner, I look outside the realm of traditional medicine for natural therapies that can play a vital part in treating autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is well recognized now that diet, lifestyle, and mental health can significantly influence the recovery process. More and more research into nutraceuticals confirms the supportive role they can play in a treatment program. For example, alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is showing positive results as a supplement to help repair nerve damage caused by diabetes.

But functional medicine is not just about supplements and diets. A big part of the consultation is about spending quality time with my patients to hear their stories. Through this process, I help them connect the dots between their health issues and how they often relate to significant life events. Are you ready to take control of your healing?

There are more than 80 different types of Autoimmune Disease in the US today, affecting about 7% of the population. Some are rare; others are becoming increasingly common.
Standard healthcare treatments for autoimmune complaints tend to focus on one area of specialization, e.g., a neurologist for nerve-related problems or an endocrinologist for hormone imbalances. Functional medicine considers a patient’s entire physiology, looking at the interaction of symptoms to identify the root source of the disorder.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease or disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in our body, causing damage to the affected body part. More specifically, the immune system releases proteins called auto-antibodies that attack normal cells. The increasing numbers of patients being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder raises questions about the reasons behind this growth, including:

• Exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and food additives
• A high fat, high sugar diet (and processed foods)
• Excessive hygiene—causing immune systems to overreact.

I believe all three reasons are implicated in this worrying increase in autoimmune disorders, and the solution requires a complete rethink of our modern lifestyle.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

The immune system is part of a complex network that regulates our ability to live, grow and repair in response to physical and environmental stressors. A faulty immune system has a knock-on effect for many other bodily systems, putting the body out of balance.

As a functional medicine practitioner, I look for the underlying cause of illness, so I can treat the person and not just the symptoms. Some of the potential causes of autoimmunity deficiencies include:

• Gut Dysbiosis
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Environmental toxins, including heavy metals, vehicle emissions, and sprays
• Mineral or vitamin deficiencies
• Food intolerances
• Chronic Stress

Risk factors for Autoimmune Disorders

Anyone can develop an autoimmune deficiency, but some people are more at risk, including:

• Women (particular those of child-bearing age)
• People with a family history
• People living/working in specific environments

Some autoimmune disorders affect certain ethnic groups more than others. People who live or work in environments with high exposure to pollutants, bacterial infection, or contaminated food sources are likely to be at greater risk of an autoimmune disease.

Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis

Apthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a relatively common oral mucosal disease where patients have chronic reoccurring mouth ulcers. These ulcers aren’t contagious or cancerous but are thought to be an immune response deficiency triggered by poor nutrition, allergies, stress, or a hormonal imbalance.

Interestingly, psychological factors may play a significant role in the condition, with a strong link between stress and outbreaks of ulcers. Although every patient requires a treatment program tailored to their unique physiology, my recommendations for treatment of this condition often include:

Diet modifications (gluten-free, reduced milk proteins)
Stress-relieving exercise programs
Vitamin B12/folic acid supplementation to help with anemia

Allergies

There are many parallels between allergies and autoimmune disorders. Both involve a faulty response from the body’s immune system. Research has shown that patients with autoimmune diseases and those with allergies share a common gene variation. Conventional medical treatment for inhalant type allergies often centers around steroids and antihistamine prescriptions. While these may address immediate symptoms, they can do long-term damage to the body’s protective barriers in the nose, gut, and lungs. A functional medicine approach using the 6R protocol looks to reduce symptoms, remove the antigens, restore the body’s own protective systems and remedy any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune deficiency that causes dry eyes and a dry mouth. Patients with this condition often have associated disorders such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Patients with Sjogren’s syndrome usually respond well to supplements such as cysteine, evening primrose, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), omega-3 fish oil, and sulfur. Of course, good hydration is essential when dealing with a disorder that attacks the moisture-producing glands, together with an anti-inflammatory diet that heals your gut.

Lupus

Lupus is a tricky condition to diagnose, at it can affect so many different parts of the body. Lupus causes inflammation of tissues and organs, including the skin, kidneys, joints, brain, heart, and lungs. One of the most distinctive signs of Lupus is a rash across the face—however, not everyone develops this rash. Symptoms of Lupus include:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Chest Pain
• Headaches
• Skin lesions

As you can see, these symptoms could easily be misattributed to another disease. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly investigate the condition with appropriate lab tests and a thorough consultation. Certain medications and infections can trigger Lupus, and it’s vital to treat the condition early before it leads to other complications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. The body’s immune system attacks the joints between the bones, and they become inflamed. Early warning signs of the condition include feeling stiff when you get up in the morning and swelling in your joints, such as the fingers, wrists, and feet. Women are much more likely to develop the condition, as are smokers. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing symptom severity. I recommend the following therapies to my patients:

• Appropriate exercises
• Relaxation techniques
• Supplements including fish oil
• Stress management

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is often confused with Hypothyroidism. Hashimoto is an immune system disorder, whereas Hypothyroidism is a problem with your thyroid gland. Patients with Hashimoto’s Disease have a compromised immune system that is attacking their thyroid gland. This gland produces hormones that regulate many systems in the body.

Signs that you might have Hashimoto’s include:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• Hair loss and brittle nails
• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness/joint aches
• Depression and memory issues

Hashimoto’s is a multi-systemic disease, and treatment should extend beyond standard medical responses to include dietary investigation, genetics, gut health, and environmental factors.

Autoimmune disease needn’t be something to be ‘managed’ and tolerated. You can help restore your body’s ability to heal itself and achieve ‘homeostasis’ or balance. Book a comprehensive Creative Clarity Call with my clinic and start your journey to wellness.

Many of my clients endured years of illness and many unsuccessful consultations with doctors and specialists before establishing the root cause of their condition. In traditional medicine, immunologists and autoimmune doctors here in Arlington tend to categorize them as individual diseases, unrelated to the other ailments you may have.

Functional medicine – a holistic approach to autoimmune disease

At (Company name?), I practice functional medicine, which is sometimes known as integrative medicine, or alternative medicine, combined with Ayurvedic medicine, and Energy medicine. My consultations consider the whole person, including any lifestyle and general health problems. My clinic’s 360-degree Functional Health Scans have helped many clients connect the dots between their seemingly unrelated symptoms.

As a functional medicine doctor, I believe our mind and body are interconnected, and by treating secondary conditions, we support the treatment of the primary one. This approach gives you a well-rounded plan whose goal is to make your entire life better – augmented by the technology, knowledge, and resources that modern medicine affords us.

What is Autoimmune Disease?

To simplify things, autoimmune disorders and immune system diseases happen when there is an imbalance in the system. Healthy immune systems function by defending the body against invading viruses, bacteria, and toxins. However, if you have an imbalance, your immune system may start attacking its own tissue, seeing it as a foreign invader like viruses, bacteria, and toxins.

The potential cause of these autoimmune conditions varies, with your allergies potentially having different root causes than someone else’s. These inflammatory diseases can affect other parts of the body, including the joints, the gut, or the nervous system.

Some possible causes for autoimmune diseases include heavy metals, mitochondrial toxins, endocrine system disruptors, vitamin and mineral shortages, dysbiosis, infections, environmental hazards, aerosol microparticles, stress, microbial imbalances, and more.

Factors vary by individual, requiring a customized approach that only thorough testing and analysis by a functional medicine doctor can reveal.

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) recognizes more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including Meniere’s Disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Psoriasis, and many others. Today, some 50 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disorder, making it more prevalent than cancer or heart disease. According to some estimates, women are disproportionately affected, accounting for up to 75% of all cases. There is some evidence to suggest that certain people are genetically susceptible to these illnesses. However, as cases have risen sharply over the last 20 years, genetics is unlikely to be the main reason, as our genes take many generations to evolve.

What are the symptoms of an Autoimmune Disease?

While these disorders may have many different symptoms, they all begin with a faulty immune response, which triggers an attack within your body. This immune response can produce symptoms as diverse as:

• Allergies/Food Intolerances
• Inflammation/Joint Pain
• Brain Fog/Headaches
• Mood swings
• Insomnia/Fatigue
• Anxiety or Depression
• Psoriasis/Eczema
• Gut issues/Bloating

What are the most common Autoimmune conditions?

These conditions can share many common symptoms, so it’s vital to get a full health assessment and a proper diagnosis. Some of the more common conditions include:

Allergies

The most severe consequence of allergies is that they increase unnecessary inflammation in the body, weakening your immune system and making you more susceptible to viruses and infection. Common allergies include seasonal allergies, food allergies, drug allergies, pet allergies, mold allergies, and insect allergies such as bee allergies.

Having a resilient, well-calibrated immune system is critical to overall health, and by addressing any imbalances, you can alleviate allergic responses.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can develop when the immune system starts attacking joint tissues. The causes can include environmental toxins, genetics, dietary problems, and microbial infections. Everyone is different, and my goal is to find and treat your condition’s underlying cause, not just the symptoms.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine and can result in many problems, such as increased fatigue and weight, cramps, memory loss, constipation, dry skin, depression, and more.

With a functional medicine approach, we find and treat the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Successful treatment can help you lead a more vibrant life, filled with energy.
As a functional medicine practitioner, I will work with you to make this a reality.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is caused when the immune system attacks pancreatic β cells. As a result, the body isn’t able to naturally produce insulin, which is necessary for regulating blood sugar.

If you are experiencing excessive thirst, urinating often, have extreme unexplained hunger, unexpected weight loss, weakness, blurred vision, and mood swings, there is a chance you have Type 1 Diabetes.

Your risk of getting Type 1 Diabetes increases if you happen to be diagnosed with other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid issues (for example, hypothyroidism). More evidence that autoimmune diseases are not isolated conditions, as suggested by traditional medicine.

I can help you manage and sometimes reverse these interconnected problems with my integrated approach to treatment.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a common disease that impacts about 1% of the global population.
This common disease has some pretty extreme effects on people’s lifestyles. While many of us can consume pizza, pasta, beer, and bread without issues—Celiacs cannot tolerate these food products at all. For them, gluten causes an autoimmune response, resulting in damage to the lining of the small intestine.

However, Celiac doesn’t present itself exclusively in the gut as pain and bleeding. It can manifest in other ways as well, including irritability and depression. If you start noticing troubling symptoms after ingesting gluten, it may be wise to consult my functional medicine clinic here in Arlington, VA and Dana Point, CA, so that I can help you with a full treatment plan.

Some other common autoimmune disorders:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) – where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness, and weakness.

Addison Disease – where the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, and they do not produce enough hormones. Symptoms include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure.

Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease) – is caused by an attack on the thyroid gland by the immune system. Symptoms include an enlarged neck, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, and an intolerance to cold.

Why are Autoimmune diseases on the increase?

We don’t know precisely why cases are on the rise, but many researchers believe it is linked to our modern industrialized society, including:

• High levels of Antibiotic use
• Exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals
• Increased consumption of processed foods.
• High stress levels

Another theory links the rise in cases to the increasingly germ-free world we now inhabit. This ‘hygiene hypothesis’ suggests that a lack of exposure to germs and bacteria, particularly in childhood, has inadvertently left us more prone to severe reactions when we do get exposed to them.

Many people suffer years of misdiagnosis before they discover the real cause of their illness. Some doctors will address the symptoms without delving into the root cause of the disease. This approach can lead to unnecessary medications that create their own side-effects.

If we look back at the history of medicine, we can see that it was very focused on anatomy. Doctors began to specialize in areas such as the skin, the heart, or the joints. While this specialization has been beneficial in treating some conditions, autoimmune disorders require a more holistic approach that looks at the patient’s complete ‘being’, including diet, environment, mental health, and lifestyle.

As a functional medicine doctor, I work with you to uncover the source of your illness, which tends to be highly individualized. Potential triggers for disease include:

• Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microflora)
• Chronic Infection
• Heavy Metal contaminants
• Mineral & Vitamin deficiencies

Real Healing – Naturally

Unfortunately, the stresses and deficiencies created by our industrialized society have also damaged our medical system, which now has an over-reliance on pharmaceutical solutions and standard, off-the-shelf treatments. A ‘treat-the-symptoms’ approach often includes the use of steroids and immunosuppressants, which only serve to mask the underlying cause. We need to recognize that every human is uniquely individual—with different genetic and metabolic traits from everyone else.

Functional medicine acknowledges each person’s inherent ability to heal themselves, given the right environment. In my consultations, I take the time to hear your story, explore your unique health history, and develop a wellness program tailored to you as a person, not a patient. I like to think of it as skills rather than pills.

Our immune systems are part of a complex network that is closely connected to our brain function, microbiome, and nervous system—in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. There is compelling evidence that natural therapies such as exercise, meditation, and nutrition can help the body reverse the damage caused by autoimmune disorders.

If you haven’t already, I recommend you book a Caregiver Clarity Call to begin the healing process. Together, we will find the source of your illness and create a holistic healing program that puts you and your body back on the path to a healthy and fulfilling life.

If you’re looking for a certified doctor who treats your entire being – seeing you as an individual, not a set of symptoms, then book an appointment with my functional medicine clinic here in Arlington, VA and Dana Point, CA.