Understanding Autoimmune Disease Through a Functional Medicine Lens
By Sunrise Functional Medicine | Kurt N. Woeller, D.O. & Tracy Tranchitella, N.D.
Autoimmune diseases are complex, frustrating, and often deeply misunderstood. They arise when the immune system—the body’s defense mechanism—mistakenly targets its own tissues as if they were harmful invaders. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system begins to attack it, creating chronic inflammation and long-term damage that can affect nearly any part of the body.
There are more than 80 known autoimmune disorders, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes to multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Some conditions are debilitating and even life-threatening; others cause symptoms that are disruptive but more moderate. In total, these diseases affect more than 24 million people in the U.S. alone—and millions more may be in the early stages of autoimmune reactivity without yet showing symptoms.
What Causes Autoimmunity?
Autoimmune conditions don’t develop overnight. In functional medicine, we understand that these disorders emerge from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Triggers can include infections, chronic stress, toxic exposures, dietary imbalances, and even long-term inflammation. Over time, these factors may overwhelm the immune system’s regulation mechanisms, leading to autoimmune activation.
While we can’t change our genetics, we can influence the internal environment of the body. That’s the heart of functional medicine: identifying and addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to chronic illness.
Early Detection and the Stages of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases often develop in stages—from silent immune system changes to full-blown symptoms and tissue damage. Identifying issues early can open the door to prevention or slowing disease progression.
For example, elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA, or anti-actin antibodies may be present in the blood before clinical symptoms appear. Testing like the Comprehensive Autoimmune Profile from Immunosciences Lab or the Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen (Array 5) from Cyrex Labs can help detect autoimmune activity in its early stages. This type of screening is especially valuable for people with a family history of autoimmune disorders or unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, or skin changes.
Functional Medicine: A Systems-Based Approach
Conventional treatment for autoimmune disease often relies on medications such as corticosteroids or biologic drugs to suppress symptoms and reduce inflammation. These therapies are sometimes essential, especially in the acute phase of disease. However, they don’t always offer long-term solutions and can come with significant side effects or high costs.
Functional medicine offers a complementary and holistic approach. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, we investigate why the immune system has gone off track. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of potential contributors—such as chronic infections, yeast overgrowth, mycotoxins, heavy metals, chemical exposures, and food sensitivities. We also explore lifestyle factors, stress levels, and diet—all of which influence immune system health.
The goal is to remove what’s fueling inflammation and restore immune balance through a personalized plan. This might include targeted nutritional interventions, detoxification protocols, gut healing strategies, and stress management tools.
The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle
Research continues to confirm the power of nutrition and exercise in supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Diets that emphasize anti-inflammatory foods—such as the Mediterranean diet—have been shown to reduce disease activity in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These diets often include a variety of colorful vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and fermented foods that nourish the gut and support immune resilience.
Physical activity is another cornerstone. Studies show that consistent, moderate exercise can improve quality of life, reduce pain, and enhance mobility in people living with autoimmune diseases. Even gentle movement—like yoga, swimming, or walking—can make a meaningful difference.
The Importance of Early Detection and Advanced Testing
Autoimmune diseases often begin silently, progressing through stages long before noticeable symptoms arise. Early, or subclinical, detection creates a crucial window of opportunity for intervention—potentially slowing or even preventing full disease expression. At Sunrise Functional Medicine, we utilize comprehensive testing to uncover hidden immune activity that may be driving inflammation or autoimmune reactivity.
Laboratory markers such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and anti-actin antibodies can point to the early signs of autoimmune disease, even when no symptoms are present. To evaluate these markers, we often recommend the Comprehensive Autoimmune Profile (#2011) from Immunosciences Lab, a valuable first step in screening for immune system imbalances.
If further exploration is needed, the Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen (Array 5) from Cyrex Labs provides in-depth insight into specific autoimmune triggers and immune reactivity patterns. These tools help us tailor a precise and proactive treatment plan—guided not just by symptoms, but by what’s happening beneath the surface.
A Personalized Path to Healing
Autoimmune disease doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. At Sunrise Functional Medicine, we believe in a personalized, collaborative approach. Our work begins by understanding your unique health history, symptoms, and triggers. From there, we design a treatment strategy tailored to you—one that supports healing at the root cause and helps restore your body’s natural balance.
With the right support, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, slow or halt disease progression, and improve quality of life. If you or someone you love is facing the challenges of autoimmunity, we invite you to explore how functional medicine can provide clarity, guidance, and hope.
For more information about immune testing, autoimmune marker assessment or other questions related to autoimmune diseases, please contact our practice here.