Autoimmune Disease: Reclaiming Your Health, One Step at a Time
Ever feel like your body is fighting against itself? You’re not alone. Autoimmune diseases can make you feel like you’re at war with your own immune system. But don’t lose hope – we’re here to help you find your way back to balance and vitality.
Functional Medicine Approach
What's Really Going On?
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system gets a bit confused and starts attacking your own healthy cells. It’s like having an overenthusiastic security system that can’t tell the difference between intruders and family members. This mix-up can lead to inflammation and issues in various parts of your body.
There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, affecting people of all ages. For our little ones, conditions like Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, and PANS/PANDAS can be challenging. Adults often face battles with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, among others.
How Can We Help?
While we’re still unraveling the mystery of what exactly causes autoimmune diseases, we do know that it’s a combination of genetics, environment, and hormones. Triggers can range from infections to stress, and even chemical exposures.
Symptoms can vary widely, but often include fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and digestive problems. It’s like your body is speaking a language that’s hard to understand – but we’re here to help translate.
Conventional medicine often relies on medications to manage symptoms and calm the immune system. While these can be crucial for acute flare-ups, they’re not always the best long-term solution. They’re more like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe – it might stop the immediate problem, but it doesn’t fix the underlying issue.
Our Approach
At Vitality, we believe in getting to the root of the problem. Our functional medicine approach is all about uncovering what’s really triggering your immune system to go haywire. We work with you to create a personalized plan that may include lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, and supportive therapies.
Think of it like resetting your body’s alarm system. By identifying and eliminating triggers, we can help your immune system remember how to behave properly. It’s not just about managing symptoms – it’s about restoring balance and helping you feel like yourself again.
Consider This!
Did you know it takes an average of 4.5 to 5 years to accurately diagnose an autoimmune disease? That’s a long time to feel unwell without answers. Women, who make up about 80% of autoimmune cases, often face additional hurdles, with their symptoms sometimes being dismissed as stress or hormonal issues.
For our young patients, conditions like PANS and PANDAS can be especially tricky to diagnose. But don’t worry – we’re here to listen, investigate, and work with you to find answers.
At Vitality, we’re committed to understanding your unique story and helping you write a healthier next chapter. Ready to take control of your health? Let’s work together to turn down the noise of autoimmune disease and help you live your best life.
Vitality Functional Family Medicine Principles
Vitality Functional Family Medicine Team...
Amrit Dockery, DO
Heather Thornton
My experiences for the last 30 years in both helping and healthcare roles have naturally converged, taking that wisdom, heart and hope and now devoting the second half of my life wholeheartedly to people who are on their own journey of finding balance and fulfilment. My goal is to compassionately and fervently help you reach your goals!
I am currently completing my accreditation through the International Coaching Federation, and if you are a patient of Vitality, you'll get the added benefit of our work together including a health plan and goals designed and refined at every visit with your personal physician. It's absolutely within reach to experience meaningful change, so let's get started!
Testimonials
Vitality Functional Family Medicine
Clients Feedback
I have never had a doctor explain things to me so clearly and in as much depth as Doctor Dockery. She is thorough in her assessment and explanation while providing ample ways to improve your overall health. She is effective in treating acute problems and proactive by implementing preventative measures to help optimize your health. I appreciate the amount of time she spends with me in the room and am impressed by her knowledge of new medical research.
Dr. Amrit Dockery is incredibly knowledgeable in her field, especially in regards to health and wellness. She took the time and care to walk me through my results, as well as giving me a practical game plan on how I could work towards my health goals. She cares about true healing and getting to the root of the issue, not just putting a band aid on things. I have been incredibly blessed by her care.