Autoimmune Disease

Live Well Wellness Center

Integrative Medical Center located in Chandler, AZ

There are many kinds of autoimmune diseases, some of which target specific body parts while others affect multiple systems. Autoimmune disease is typically incurable and can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, but Live Well Wellness Center in Chandler, Arizona, offers effective treatment options. Jessica Schrand, NMD, Michelle McConnell, NMD, and their team combine integrative medicine and naturopathic approaches to relieve your symptoms and address the cause of your autoimmune disease. To get much-needed relief from your condition, call Live Well Wellness Center today or book an appointment online

      AutoImmune Disease Q&A

      What is an autoimmune disease?

      An autoimmune disease develops because of a problem with your immune system function.


      When your body encounters bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, it produces antibodies that detect and fight the invading organism.


      ​​​​​​​Some people's immune systems become overactive and mistake cells in their body for pathogens, attacking specific cells as they would an invading pathogen.

      What kinds of autoimmune diseases could I get?

      Some of the more common types of autoimmune diseases include:


      Rheumatoid arthritis

      With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system targets the joint linings, producing inflammation and chronic pain. Your joints become distorted over time, leading to significant disability.


      Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

      Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two primary forms of IBD. They arise when your immune system attacks the lining of your digestive tract. Crohn's disease can cause problems in any part of your digestive system, while ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (bowel) and rectum.


      Common IBD symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and unintended weight loss.


      Hashimoto's thyroiditis

      Hashimoto's destroys the cells in your thyroid gland so you don't produce enough thyroid hormone. It's the primary cause of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Symptoms of Hashimoto's include weight gain, chronic fatigue, depression, temperature sensitivity, and thinning hair.


      Lupus

      Lupus causes inflammation in multiple systems and organs, including skin, kidneys, joints, heart, lungs, blood cells, and brain.


      Celiac disease

      Celiac disease is an immune system response to gluten in your diet. It damages the lining of your small intestine and causes malabsorption, so you can't make use of all the nutrients in your food. This intestinal damage may trigger diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and bloating.


      ​​​​​​​Fibromyalgia

      Fibromyalgia causes chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and problems thinking clearly (fibro fog). It could result from an immune system malfunction, but research is ongoing.

      How is an autoimmune disease treated?

      Conventional treatment for many autoimmune diseases includes anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and immunosuppressants. These drugs can provide symptom relief but may cause unpleasant side effects and don't address the root cause of your disease.


      ​​​​​​​New research indicates that integrative medicine and naturopathic methods can significantly improve symptoms for patients with an autoimmune disease. These treatments include:

      • Dietary changes

      • Healthier lifestyle choices

      • Supplementation

      • IV therapy

      • Hormone replacement therapy


      The Live Well Wellness Center team aims to find the root cause of your autoimmune disease and focus on optimizing organ function. They identify problems like underlying infections, leaky gut, intestinal parasites, and imbalances in your gastrointestinal microbiome and treat them accordingly.


      The team also uses XYMOGEN® dietary supplements to help regulate your immune system and reduce inflammation.


      ​​​​​​​To find out how Live Well Wellness Center can help with your autoimmune disease, call their office or book an appointment online today.