Immune System Support
About
Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells and proteins (antibodies) that protects you from harmful substances, bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause illness.
The immune system is constantly defending you against disease-causing microorganisms but when it stops working properly illness occurs. Autoimmune diseases happen when the body’s natural defence system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells.
Symptoms
If you feel like you’re always sick or you have symptoms that never seem to go away, your immune system may be compromised and certain symptoms could be signs of an autoimmune disease:
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Sore, aching muscles, especially if you also have a fever
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hair loss
- Inflammation/rashes
Moreover, an overactive immune system can cause allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema.
Causes
Many deficiencies and disorders can damage or disrupt your immune system:
- Allergies
- Autoimmune disorders e.g. Coeliac, Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Multiple sclerosis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders (Leaky gut)
- Genetic predisposition
- Infections (HIV, mononucleosis, sepsis)
- Medications
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune disease, with some increasing in incidence by 9% each year. As many as 4 million people in the UK are living with at least one autoimmune condition.
400,000
people with type 1 diabetes in the UK
400,000
people living with multiple sclerosis (MS)
100,000
people living with rheumatoid arthritis
Treatments
Using a Functional medicine approach, we identify the root causes of your immune dysfunction, and improve areas of your nutrition and lifestyle to support your immune system and prevent autoimmune disease.
Nutritional Therapy
Food is your friend.
Gut health is key to a well-functioning immune system as 70% of it resides there. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in supporting the gut barrier which blocks the passage of toxins, antigens and bacteria in the body from entering the blood stream. When this barrier is permeable (known as Leaky gut), these compounds can pass through, triggering an unwanted immune response.
We assess dietary and lifestyle factors that may be affecting your gut health and compromising your immune system. A personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Action Plan aimed specifically at reducing inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function and restoring immunity is then recommended and put into action.
Functional Testing
Harnessing the power of science.
Tests are a useful tool to assess immunity and identify immune dysfunction. They are recommended during the initial or follow-up consultation if appropriate. The type of test depends on the individual’s circumstances and symptoms. Below are some examples:
- Food allergens
- Thyroid panel – tests antibody levels which help gauge autoimmune response
- Stool test – looks at digestive, immune and chronic disease-related microbial markers (bacteria, yeast, parasites)
Once we have the lab results, we interpret the data and implement these findings into your Nutrition & Lifestyle Action Plan.
Lifestyle Coaching
Your health. Your choice.
Within your nutritional consultation, we investigate modifiable lifestyle factors that can help support your immune function, whilst complementing medical treatment. In many cases, exercise is known to decrease fatigue while enhancing mood and joint mobility, especially beneficial for those with autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis or MS.
Anxiety, depression, stress and sleep problems have all been linked to autoimmune disease as both causes and symptoms. The benefits of exercise and meditation on these factors is well documented in medical literature as they alleviate pain and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL
To ensure the continued practice of safe and reliable therapy, all consultations are currently being conducted virtually.
Satisfied Patients
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up to receive discounts, promotions and the latest news.
Manny V
Autoimmune conditionA couple of years ago I caught what I thought was a typical cold but when the symptoms persisted for over a month I went to see a doctor who prescribed me antibiotics. A few days later I became so ill I was admitted into hospital where I was diagnosed with a very rare and serious neurological autoimmune condition known as ADEM. As part of my rehabilitation, I researched various forms of therapy and asked my consultant to refer me to a nutritionist. Carmen’s knowledge and guidance has taught me what the right foods are for increased cognitive functioning and she has designed a special supplement plan for my brain and nervous system to support my ongoing recovery.