A Deeper Understanding of Autoimmunity

reshmapatelmd
Jul 16
2 min read

Seems autoimmune conditions have been on the rise since initially being identified in the mid 1950s. In the U.S., it's been estimated that 1 in 20 people, about 5% of the population, now have an autoimmune condition.

What is the greater message in this trend?

Our bodies are a part of nature and intimately connected to the earth. As the wellbeing of the earth has shifted, becoming increasingly compromised through pollution, deforestation, and chemical overload, we are now seeing this being reflected in our human health. When the earth hurts, so do we.

What is autoimmunity?

Autoimmunity surfaces when the immune system loses its ability to recognize the body’s own tissues and begins to respond to them as if they were harmful, leading to the production of antibodies against the body itself.

While traditional medicine often views autoimmune conditions as mysterious, functional and integrative approaches recognize a constellation of potential factors that may trigger or contribute to an autoimmune condition.

What are some of these potential deeper causes?

Toxicity – heavy metals, mold exposure, environmental chemicals, air pollutants, food additives or preservatives

Infections – viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or tick-borne pathogens

Food sensitivities or intolerances – including gluten, dairy, or other inflammatory foods

Chronic stress – emotional, physical, or energetic stress can disrupt immune and nervous system balance

Often it's an accumulation of factors that overwhelm the body’s ability to maintain harmony rather than a single cause. Over time, this can create the perfect storm that leads to an autoimmune expression.

A Unique Root for Each Person

Each individual’s journey with autoimmunity is deeply personal—shaped by their life journey, environment, emotional landscape, and biology.

Through an in-depth evaluation of the body’s journey and comprehensive testing, many people can uncover the root causes of their condition and begin a healing journey that addresses more than just symptoms.

A Sacred Reflection

Human health is inseparable from the health of the earth. When our way of living disrupts the balance of nature, the consequences are reflected not only in ecosystems, but also in our physical and emotional wellbeing.

As we begin caring for the earth again, reducing toxic exposure, nourishing the body with real food, honoring our stress, and reconnecting to our inner wisdom—deep healing becomes possible.

Autoimmunity may be one of the body’s ways of asking us to return to living in harmony with nature...how will you begin that beautiful journey today?

"You cannot get through a single day

without having an impact

on the world around you.

What you do makes a difference,

and you have to decide

what kind of difference you want to make."

Jane Goodall

Interested in a functional and integrative medicine consult? Email info@reshmapatelmd.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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