Autoimmune Conditions

A Functional Medicine Approach To Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people in the UK and on a global basis and are being reported at ever-increasing rates on a yearly basis. It’s also one leading cause of death in women under the age of 65. There are over 80 different types of auto-immune diseases including Graves disease, Psoriasis, Lupus, type 1 diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and so many more. Auto-immune diseases are multifactorial and are deeply rooted in systemic inflammation. They often begin from an allergen, pathogenic infection, toxin or a foreign food protein overoading the body causing an abnormal immune response.

Causes

A genetic disposition often comes into play. with secific variations in genes, known as polymorphisms, setting the stage for autoimmunity by altering the regulation of immune cells.  Stealth infections such as undiagnosed bacterial and viral infections, which are often overlooked, play a huge role in autoimmune conditions with an accompanying leaky gut causing even more widespread inflammation. For example, H pylori  infection can initiate  thyroid autoimmunity. Lyme disease  has shown to provoke autoimmunity in the cardiovascular system. Epstein Barr Virus  infection has been linked to Hashimoto’s. RA has links to many gut infections. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Epstein-Barr and Human Herpes virus 6 are associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Once these pre-existing infections are treated, autoimmune tend to heal a lot quicker. Other issues that can cause autoimmune are mold toxicity, hormonal imbalances and mitochondria dysfunction .

Once the underlying condition is resolved and imbalances are corrected and the gut starts to heal, we are able to treat, support and manage the condition successfully.

Common Symptoms

Treatment

While conventional medicine has limited options for the treatment for autoimmune disease, at the London Centre for Functional Medicine we always look to understand the imbalance that is creating the symptoms. We ensure we take a thorough client history and by looking at some of the triggers that may be causing their immune system to run out of control.

Treatments can include removing food triggers from the diet, treating gut infections and correcting gut permeability, addressing liver issues which affect detoxification, correcting hormonal imbalances and helping to stabilize stress responses. Any diet and lifestyle changes can be recommended with the aim of making any changes designed to fit the client’s needs and lifestyle.

Approach

Diet and Nutrition Protocols

Anti-inflammatory diet protocols, such as the AIP diet. We will also look to set if there any nutrients defiencies inlcuding zinc, vitamin D and selenium which can help regulate immune function.

Supplement Support

Natural immune-modulatory and anti Inflammatory compounds to help reduce the inflammatory response and reduce the incidence of flare-ups.

Testing and Diagnostics

We work on the motto of testing rather than guessing which can be quicker and cheaper in the long run. Our practitioners can recommend specific testing including gut health testing, which can inlcuding leaky gut tesing, SIBO breath test and Candida testing. We can also look at DNA testing to show which susceptibilities you may have from a genetic standpoint.

Targeted Treatments

Our practitioners can recommendations additional treatment or lifestyle interventions such as heavy metal detoxification protocols or IV drip therapy.

Our Client's Feedback

    
 
 
        
   Cormac Whelan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  Rob has helped me through a gut health conditon that no other GP was able or willing to figure out. There was no guess work involved. He got to the root of my issues through knowledge, testing and investigation. I would highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   Roger Hassan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I can’t say enough good things about my experience at the London Centre for Functional Medicine. After 3 years of misdiagnosis and living with IBS I finally felt I was able to heal. I’m truly grateful to Rob for his expertise in SIBO. I have to keep things in check but I feel so much better. I would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   G Monkee 
 2023-03-22
 
 
  For those seeking an alternative viewpoint to their chronic conditions, I would recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine to others. They were helpful and mindful of my financial restrictions. Thank you.
  
 
       
   Martin Beaumont 
 2023-03-21
 
 
  Working with the London Centre for Functional Medicine team has been a great experience. I have had big improvements with digestion issues and now live pain free! Having the support of Rob was very useful when questions or issues arose during the program and was particularly impressed with not going overboard with the supplement regime. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Sean Hayden 
 2023-02-20
 
 
  I'm currently going through treatment with Rob and just wanted to acknowledge the individualised and personalised care that has been provided. From when I started Rob has looked at my health issues without judgement and was able to help me in many areas that weren't optimal.
Notably, Rob has helped me overcome gut issues and other niggling issues that I didn't were related but seemingly are.
Rob is also great at explaining the body systems and related things which has been great. I can highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   K Kelly 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  "What I appreciate about Rob at the London Centre for Functional Medicine is that he seeks to educate rather than just give supplements and instructions. He makes you understand both the action needed to take as well the underlying physiological processes driving the underlying issues. Highly recommended."
  
 
       
   Aaron Robson 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  If you're dealing with health challenges that conventional medicine hasn't resolved, I strongly suggest you visit the London Centre for Functional Medicine. They make a real effort to comprehend symptoms and worked with me to develop a plan for exploring treatment possibilities. Thanks to my practitioner, I now have answers to health questions that had eluded me for years, and I couldn't be more grateful. My practitioner (rob) uses a data-driven approach to identify the underlying cause. I've already recommended him to friends, and they have had success with his care as well.
  
 
       
   Tracy Thomas 
 2023-02-12
 
 
  Rather than going to a GP when you are sick I entered the Functional Medicine journey before things got out of hand. It’s a route everyone should consider as it does prevent illness and can reverse it! I learned a lot about how my body works and how to become healthier. London CFM walked me through the things I needed to know by educating me about how the digestive system works and healing my SIBO. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Lindsay Jones 
 2023-01-08
 
 
  I sought help from the London Centre for Functional Medicine for a problem I have had for most of my life, terrible digestive issues.
Rob has worked with me to get back normal function of my digestive function. It has taken some time but the result have been great so far.
  
 
       
   T Webster 
 2022-07-16
 
 
  I was originally referred to Mr Staunton by a nutritional therapist who felt that his particular expertise was required for my specific needs. After meeting him and explaining the situation, he conducted some lab tests which had to be shipped to Germany.. In the 3 months that I’ve been treated by Mr Staunton, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my symptoms and I’m feeling optimistic about my continued good health. I highly recommend the Clinic and working with Mr Staunton has been a very professional and pleasant experience. He’s extremely knowledgeable about both nutrition and how the body works.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews

Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?

Support

Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.

Experience

We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.

Custom Approach

There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.

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