Autoimmune Disease Treated in Vancouver & Tumwater, WA
Living with an autoimmune condition can feel exhausting and unpredictable. At Harmony Natural Wellness, our naturopathic physicians support optimal immune responses and address underlying autoimmunity through diagnostic testing, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicine, and diet and lifestyle modifications. Our goal is to calm inflammation and help restore your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
What Is Autoimmune Disease?
Your immune system is designed to protect you from infections and other threats. In autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Autoimmune conditions can affect the thyroid, joints, skin, digestive tract, nervous system, and more. While symptoms vary widely, many people experience fatigue, pain, digestive problems, and periods of flare-ups and remission.
Autoimmune Conditions We Support
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Graves’ disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Lupus
- Other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions
Common Symptoms of Autoimmunity
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- Skin rashes or flare-ups
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Unexplained weight changes
- Hair loss or temperature sensitivity
- Recurring low-grade fevers or general malaise
Ongoing exhaustion is one of the most common complaints among our autoimmune patients, so we often address it alongside our chronic fatigue care.
Looking for What Triggers Autoimmunity
Autoimmune disease often develops from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Our naturopathic approach looks closely at factors that may be driving immune dysfunction, such as:
- Gut imbalances and intestinal permeability
- Food sensitivities, including gluten
- Chronic infections
- Nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D, selenium, and zinc
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic stress
- Environmental toxin exposure
Because much of the immune system lives in the gut, supporting digestive health through our gastrointestinal disorders care is often a key part of autoimmune treatment.
Our Naturopathic Approach to Autoimmune Care
We begin with a thorough health history and review of your symptoms, then use diagnostic testing to better understand your immune activity and potential triggers. Testing may include thyroid antibodies, inflammatory markers, nutrient levels, digestive testing, and food sensitivity evaluation.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition and elimination diets
- Targeted nutritional supplementation
- Botanical medicine to support healthy immune function
- Gut-healing protocols
- Stress reduction and sleep support
- Coordination with your rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or primary care provider
Our nutritional and functional medicine services help us tailor your nutrition plan to your immune system’s specific needs.
Support Your Immune System Naturally
With the right support, many people with autoimmune disease experience fewer flares, more energy, and a better quality of life. Our naturopathic physicians offer telehealth visits and in-person care at our Vancouver and Tumwater, WA offices. Call (971) 319-4355 - Vancouver Office or (971) 319-4355 - Tumwater Office or request an appointment to begin.
Autoimmune Disease FAQs
Can naturopathic medicine help autoimmune disease?
Yes. Naturopathic care can help reduce inflammation, identify triggers, and support healthier immune function through nutrition, supplements, botanical medicine, gut support, and lifestyle changes, often alongside conventional treatment.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often leading to low thyroid function, fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold.
How is gut health connected to autoimmunity?
A large portion of the immune system is located in the gut. Imbalances in gut bacteria and increased intestinal permeability may contribute to immune dysfunction and inflammation.
Does diet affect autoimmune disease?
Diet can have a meaningful effect on inflammation and symptoms. Many patients benefit from anti-inflammatory eating and identifying food sensitivities through testing or an elimination diet.
What tests are used to evaluate autoimmune conditions?
Depending on your symptoms, testing may include specific antibodies, thyroid panels, inflammatory markers, nutrient levels, digestive testing, and food sensitivity testing.
Can I continue my current autoimmune medications?
Yes. Our care is designed to complement your existing treatment. Never stop prescribed medications without speaking with your prescribing provider, and we will coordinate with your care team.
Can autoimmune disease go into remission?
Many autoimmune conditions can have long periods of reduced symptoms. Addressing triggers, supporting the immune system, and making sustainable lifestyle changes may help reduce flare-ups over time.