My Autoimmune Journey
I was diagnosed with my first set of autoimmune symptoms in my early teens when I struggled with iritis (eye inflammation), marking the beginning of my decades-long journey grappling with autoimmune conditions. I would eventually also be diagnosed with endometriosis in my mid-twenties (which also has autoimmune roots) as well as ankylosing spondylitis by age 30.
Despite these challenges, I consider myself fortunate to have trained extensively as a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrative Health Practitioner throughout my healing journey. This has granted me access to a wide range of modalities and treatments, significantly improving my autoimmune symptoms over time.
Here are the top tools that have been particularly effective for me:
1. Gut Testing.
There is a HUGE microbiome/gut and immune system relationship. I truly believe that everyone with an autoimmune disease needs to look further into gut health. When our microbiome is compromised or we have gut infections, intestinal permeability can occur. And when food particles and bacteria are able to leak outside of the intestines, the immune system can mount an inflammatory response. I spent years working on my gut health - testing and treating SIBO (an infection of the small intestine), correcting bacterial overgrowths, getting rid of parasites, and optimizing my digestion to calm down my inflamed immune system.
2. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).
LDN has become a cornerstone in my treatment regimen. Naltrexone, a commonly used opioid blocker, is often used in very small amounts to temporarily block opioid receptors which then triggers the body to make more endorphins. This mechanism is very helpful for inflammation and pain. It doesn't completely take away my autoimmune flare ups, but is definitely an integral component in my long term pain management toolkit.
3. Diet.
Food is absolutely medicine. I've experimented with quite a few different diets until I found one that worked the best for my symptoms. In general, an anti-inflammatory diet is wonderful for people struggling with autoimmune symptoms. I also find focusing on nutrient dense food and keeping blood sugar stable extremely important. I also encourage my patients with autoimmune diseases to consider an elimination diet or cutting out some common inflammatory foods (like gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, etc.) to see if it helps with their symptoms. Gluten seems to be a common and profound one for most with autoimmune symptoms!
4. Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a great tool for relaxing the nervous system (we can only heal when we are in parasympathetic mode!), modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping to manage pain. For me personally, it's been great to help relieve stress and back pain.
5. Chinese herbs.
There's a ton of research with Chinese herbs and various conditions, especially related to the immune system! As someone who doesn't love to be on steroids, immunosuppressants, or intense pain killers, Chinese herbs have been really helpful in modulating my immune system, reducing pain, and specifically helping a ton with my endometriosis symptoms.
6. Supplements.
Getting an individualized supplement protocol can do wonders. People with autoimmune diseases often have various micronutrient deficiencies (like vitamin D!) or genetic predispositions that make specific supplementation incredibly helpful to make bodily processes more effective. Whether we need to work on microbiome support, liver detox, energy balance, mood support, nervous system regulation, or adrenal health, individualized supplementation is an integral treatment for any long term health plan.
The most important thing to keep in mind when treating autoimmune disorders is that it presents so differently in each individual. This personalized approach guides my practice as I work closely with each individual to optimize their treatment plan based on their unique health profile. If you are looking for support with your autoimmune symptoms, please don't hesitate to reach out!
In health,
Allison Locke, R.TCM.P, IHP, OBAAM, FABORM