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Autoimmune disease nutritionist

Living with an autoimmune disease can be a challenging journey filled with symptoms like chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, and digestive issues. As a clinical nutritionist specializing in autoimmune conditions, I understand firsthand the impact these diseases can have on your quality of life. After being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, I spent years researching and experimenting with different diets and lifestyle strategies to find an evidence-based approach to manage my symptoms and inflammation. Now, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience to support others on their path to wellness.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. While genetic susceptibility plays a role, environmental triggers like poor gut health, infections, toxins, and chronic stress are key factors that can activate autoimmunity. Many functional medicine practitioners believe intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and gut microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis) are at the root of most autoimmune conditions.

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An Autoimmune disease nutritionist’s approach

Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce your symptoms and sometimes even achieve remission by taking a holistic approach personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions. As a clinical nutritionist, my approach involves:

  • In-depth consultation going through medical and family history as well as in-depth system by system holistic analysis. Here I also analyze your current diet and anything that may have contributed to or promoted the onset of autoimmune disease.
  • Identify and remove other environmental triggers such as mold and toxic chemicals.
  • Optimizing vitamins and minerals if required. If you are showing signs of deficiency, I prescribe high-quality practitioner brand-only vitamins and minerals. For example, I may check vitamin D levels, as deficiency is common in autoimmunity and plays a key role in regulating the immune system. Or, I might prescribe digestive enzymes, bile salts, or betaine HCL supplements for improved digestion.
  • Identifying and removing dietary triggers like gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods that can promote inflammation and worsen gut permeability.
  • Meal plan. The meal plan is the backbone of my protocol and is personalized based on your current health status, social, and cultural norms. Sometimes if necessary it includes a carnivore elimination diet or a low carb ketogenic diet. The aim is to reduce inflammation and heal the gut and then gradually add foods back in to assess tolerance.
  • Implementing lifestyle strategies like stress management, sleep hygiene, breathwork, mindset, visualization techniques, and exercise to support the body's innate healing mechanisms.

Autoimmune diseases I work with

I specialize in helping clients with autoimmune conditions including:

Ankylosing spondylitis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Inflammatory bowel disease

Multiple sclerosis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Celiac disease

Lupus

Inflammatory skin conditions

What types of functional tests and bloodwork do you use to assess autoimmune disease triggers and monitor progress?

In addition to standard autoimmune bloodwork like ANA, CRP, and ESR, I utilize a variety of functional medicine tests to identify underlying triggers and imbalances that may be contributing to your autoimmune condition. Testing can be expensive so I will only recommend it if its necessary and will contribute to the treatment plan.Some key tests I often recommend include:

  • Comprehensive stool testing to assess gut health, inflammation, infections, and intestinal permeability which are common autoimmune triggers. A disrupted gut microbiome and leaky gut can allow undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response
  • Food sensitivity testing to identify inflammatory trigger foods that may be exacerbating your symptoms. Eliminating reactive foods can be a key strategy in reducing inflammation.
  • Toxic metals and environmental pollutants testing to identify harmful exposures that may be contributing to your condition.
  • Organic acids testing to evaluate nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial function, oxalate levels, and yeast or bacterial overgrowth. Nutrient deficiencies are common in autoimmunity and can impair immune function.
  • Micronutrient testing to assess cellular nutrient status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity. Correcting nutrient imbalances is crucial for optimal immune function.
  • Implementing lifestyle strategies like stress management, sleep hygiene, breathwork, mindset, visualization techniques, and exercise to support the body's innate healing mechanisms.

I also utilize body composition analysis to track markers like body fat percentage, visceral fat, and muscle mass. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, creates inflammation that can worsen autoimmunity. Maintaining healthy muscle mass is also key for metabolic health and glucose control.By combining the insights from these functional tests with your symptoms and health history, we can create a targeted, personalized protocol to address your unique triggers, correct imbalances, and support your body’s innate healing mechanisms. Retesting allows us to objectively monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.If you’re ready to get to the root of your autoimmune disease and start your journey back to vibrant health, I invite you to book an appointment. Together, we’ll create a roadmap to help you take back control of your health and live your best life!

How can a clinical nutritionist help me manage my autoimmune disease symptoms?

As a clinical nutritionist specialising in autoimmune diseases, I use a personalized approach to identify your unique triggers, optimize your diet, and support your body’s healing process. By implementing targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies, we can work together to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms like fatigue and pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need to see results?
The number of sessions needed varies depending on your individual situation and goals. However, many clients begin to see improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being within the first few weeks of implementing their personalised plan. I recommend following the plan with regular follow ups for at least 3-4 months for optimal results.
Do you offer virtual or online consultations?
Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual consultations to accommodate clients' preferences and schedules. Virtual consultations are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, allowing you to receive personalized support and guidance from the comfort of your own home.
Can you help me develop a meal plan that fits my dietary restrictions and preferences?
Absolutely! As a clinical nutritionist, I specialize in creating personalized meal plans that take into account your unique dietary needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you follow a gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based diet, I can help you develop a nutritionally balanced plan that supports your health goals and is enjoyable and sustainable for you. However, there are certain dietary interventions I recommend for autoimmune disease patients.
Do you collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to my care?
Yes, I believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare and am happy to work with your other providers, such as your rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, or general practitioner (GP) doctor. With your permission, I can communicate with your healthcare team to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your care.
Do you treat children?
Yes, I see both adults and children. Children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian If you're struggling with autoimmune disease, know that you're not alone and there is hope. By combining my personal experience living with ankylosing spondylitis and expertise as a clinical nutritionist, I am dedicated to guiding you to identify your unique triggers, optimise your diet and lifestyle, and start feeling like yourself again. Book an appointment today and let's work together to put you on the path to better health, vitality and balance.