Made To Heal

Through Functional Medicine

Food For Thought

Inflammation & Gut Health

Knowledge is power

Understanding Autoimmune

Balancing Nutrition & Medicine

LIVING WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Through functional medicine Dr.Autoimmunegirl focuses on the underlying causes of autoimmune disease and the impact inflammation and gut health have on autoimmune disease management.

As a health and wellness professional Dr.Autoimmunegirl is on a mission to help you get to the root cause of autoimmune disease through education, empowerment, and support.

Read More

smoothie recipes

Food is medicine and we can heal our body through the contents we put in it. Click to download the anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe, and stay tuned for even more.

See More

Health News

Learn about the various processes that effect the immune system, gut health and inflammation and their impact on autoimmune disease.

Is Estrogen bad for you?

Is Estrogen bad for you?

by Donna | Hormone Balance

...

Intermittent Fasting and Athletic Performance

Intermittent Fasting and Athletic Performance

by Donna | Nutrition & Diet

...

Frankincense and Autoimmune Disease

Frankincense and Autoimmune Disease

by Donna | Autoimmune Basics

...

What is autoimmune?

What is autoimmune?

by Donna | Autoimmune Basics

...

GUT HEALTH STEMS FAR BEYOND THE GUT

GUT HEALTH STEMS FAR BEYOND THE GUT

by Donna | Gut Connection

...

@drautoimmunegirl

Learn more about your immune system and how it plays a role in your daily life. Stay up to date with me on my journey to heal!

W H A T A R E P S Y C H O B I O T I C S __ How

W H A T A R E P S Y C H O B I O T I C S
__
How many of you have heard of this novel class of probiotics that suggest the potential in treating psychiatric disease?
__
They are a group of probiotics that affect the central nervous system (CNS) related functions and behaviors mediated by the gut-brain-axis but ALSO have anxiolytic and antidepressant capacity
__
Psychobiotics may regulate the neurotransmitters and proteins, including GABA, serotonin, and glutamate which play important roles in controlling the neural excitatory-inhibitory balance, mood, cognitive functions, learning and memory
__
Let's look at some of the data on these strains:
1️⃣Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors of mice.It significantly increased levels of dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex
…
2️⃣Lactobacillus helveticus NS8 reduced anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction, it also increased the serotonin and norepinephrine
…
3️⃣B. longum 1714 decreased the stress, depression and anxiety behaviors
…
4️⃣Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) could decrease anxiety and depression by alterations in GABA receptor expression in the brain and reduces the plasma corticosterone (CORT) level
…
5️⃣Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 is effective on treating anxiety
…
6️⃣Bacterium infantis 35624 is effective on depression-like behaviors
__
Psychobiotic treatments could be a promising strategy to improve the quality of life
__
More studies in this area are needed to determine the effectiveness and mechanisms of psychobiotics BUT it doesn't hurt to try as probiotics are a safe option to try!
_
Does anyone have a personal experience they want to share?!?
__ #probiotics #prebiotics #goodbacteria #probiotic #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #integrativenutrition #functionalnutrition #leakygut #guthealth #guthealing #guthealthmatters #healyourgut #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyhelp #anxietysupport #anxietyawareness #depression #depressionhelp #depressionawareness #lactobacillus #psychobiotics #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth

Several studies have been done looking at the effe

Several studies have been done looking at the effect of Vitamin D on autoimmune disease
__
What is the mechanism behind this effect⁉️
__
📍Vitamin D inhibits the secretion of proinflammatory Th1 (IL2, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor α), Th9 (IL9) and Th22 (IL22) cytokines and promotes the production of more anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL3, IL4, IL5, IL10). These findings may explain the protective effect of vitamin D upon the risk of developing autoimmune diseases📍
__
A recent meta-analysis published in Autoimmunity Reviews in July 2019 looked at Vitamin D in Autoimmunity… here are some key findings:
__
1️⃣MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Many studies found that high vitamin D levels correlate with a decrease in #multiplesclerosis risk of incidence
..
2️⃣THYROID DISEASE: Confirmed a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and AITD incidence
..
3️⃣LUPUS: Vitamin D levels also appears to be related to the risk of developing the disease in genetically predisposed individuals
..
4️⃣RHEUMATOID: VD treatment ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) suppressing Th17 cells and increasing Tregs
..
4️⃣TYPE 1 DM: Lower vitamin D concentration, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy, was associated with T1DM of the offspring
..
✅TAKEAWAY FROM THE ANALYSIS: immune-modulatory effects of vitamin D can improve autoimmune diseases treatment. Thus, it is necessary to integrate vitamin D in autoimmune patients, especially those who are taking corticosteroids
__
How many of you take Vitamin D⁉️What’s your dose⁉️
___
#autoimmunedisease #autoimmune #autoimmunewarrior #rheumatoidarthritis #ra #rheumatoid #rheumatoidarthritiswarrior #hashimotosdisease #hashimotos #hashimotoswarrior #hypothyroidism #hashimotosthyroiditis #hashimotosweightloss #thyroid #hypothyroidmom #lupus #lupuswarrior #multiplesclerosisfighter #multiplesclerosiswarrior #type1diabetes #type1diabetic #antiinflammatory #antiinflammatorydiet #inflammation #inflammatory #vitamind #vitaminddeficiency #vitamind3 #vitamindtherapy

Where are all my pharmacists at? _ How many of you

Where are all my pharmacists at?
_
How many of you are local and attending the MPA convention this weekend? @mipharmacists
_
Come listen to my talk on functional medicine in Pharmacy!
_
Super excited about this content!
_
Should I record the lecture for those that can’t make it?! _
#functionalpharmacist #holistichealing #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holisticmedicine #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #integrativenutrition #functionalnutrition #pharmacist #pharmacistlife #pharmacists

ESTROGEN PROGESTERONE BALANCE __ So I’ve poste

ESTROGEN PROGESTERONE BALANCE
__
So I’ve posted previously about Th1/Th2 balance…. Th1 are the T-helper cells that are elevated with autoimmune disease. But what else elevates Th1 and throws off this needed balance and exacerbates autoimmune……ESTROGEN!
__
🌀Estrogen and prolactin drive Th1 where progesterone suppress Th1 response
__
🌀A progesterone estrogen imbalance can interfere with thyroid function as well as result from diminished thyroid function
__
🌀Estrogen and thyroid hormones have opposite effects: estrogen causes calories to be turned into fat, and thyroid hormone causes fat calories to be turned into energy
__
🌀When progesterone is low and estrogen is dominant (even when TSH is normal) if symptoms of hypothyroidism are present estrogen could be the cause. Weigh gain can also upset the progesterone - estrogen balance.
__
🌀To counteract this effect of estrogen, some practitioners recommend the use of progesterone cream
__
🌀Higher levels of progesterone activate estrogen receptor sites in the body and cause the estrogen to be used before it can do harm.
__
🌀Low progesterone in women between the ages of 30 and 50 may lead to autoimmune hypothyroiditis as a consequence of immune stimulation by the dominant estrogen
__
🌀I am so in tune with my body I can just tell when my hormones are imbalanced! Limiting exposure to Xenoestrogens is a place to start!
__
Xenoestrogens are substances that imitate estrogen and are found in:
1️⃣PCBs and BPAs found in plastics
2️⃣phytoestrogens like in soy or tofu
3️⃣Endocrine disrupters found in many protein powders
4️⃣Oral contraceptives
5️⃣Mycoestrogens found in stored grains
____
Please share your thought below on your hormone experiences!! 👇🏼
__
#autoimmunedisease #autoimmune #autoimmunewarrior #hashimotosdisease #hashimotos #hashimotoswarrior #hypothyroidism #hashimotosthyroiditis #hashimotosweightloss #thyroid #hypothyroidismweightloss #hypothyroidmom #hypothyroid #thyroidawareness #thyroidawarenessmonth #estrogen #estrogendominance #progesterone #hormone #hormonebalance #hormoneimbalance #hormones #hormonereplacementtherapy #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #functionalpharmacist

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that a

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities
__
Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors
__
Thus the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors
__
Indoor #pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes
__
Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants of the home
__
High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants
__
Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by: infiltration, natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation
__
When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can increase
__
The most helpful parameter for understanding the effectiveness of portable air cleaners is the clean air delivery rate (CADR) expressed in cfm
__
A higher CADR relative to the size of the room will increase the effectiveness of a portable air cleaner
__
The most widely used #airfilter test method for HVAC filters is reported as a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ranging from MERV 1 to MERV 16
__
Units tested by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) carry an AHAM-Verified® label that suggests the appropriate maximum room size for the device
__
Portable air cleaners often achieve a high CADR by using a HEPA filter
__
What you should look for in a room area:
💨100 sqft = CADR: 65 cfm
💨200 sqft = CADR: 130 cfm
💨300 sqft = CADR: 195 cfm
💨400 sqft = CADR: 260 cfm
💨500 sqft = CADR: 325 cfm
💨600 sqft = CADR: 390 cfm
__
Adding this to my detox lifestyle… I just got an #airpurifier by @airthereal
__
#saynotochemicals #toxinfree #notoxins #toxicfreeliving #toxinfreebeauty #chemicalfree #nontoxic #toxinfreehome #nontoxiclife #detox #detoxify #livercleanse #detoxification #cleanair #airpollution #allergies

Do you have a thyroid issue OR are you wondering i

Do you have a thyroid issue OR are you wondering if you do but can’t get your provider to complete a COMPREHENSIVE THYROID PANEL⁉️⁉️
__
I’ve partnered with @palomahealth to provide one follower with a free at home test kit
__
Before I agreed to this, I wanted to try it for myself!
__
It was incredibly easy to do and the results aligned to my blood work I had just recently completed!!
__
Paloma Health offers an at-home thyroid test kit to help you better understand how your thyroid is functioning. Take a blood sample from the comfort of your jammies, and get your results to your online dashboard within a matter of days! This test measures:
1️⃣TSH
2️⃣fT3
3️⃣fT4
4️⃣TPO antibodies
...
This comprehensive test gives you the big picture. Your results will contain levels of each marker tested, giving you insight into how they compare to the appropriate standards
__
RULES:
1️⃣Follow @drautoimmunegirl AND @palomahealth
2️⃣Like the post
3️⃣Tag a friend in the comments
4️⃣The friend must follow BOTH @drautoimmunegirl and @palomahealth
.
✅You can tag as many friends as you want- unlimited entries!!
.
YOU HAVE 48 HOURS!! Winner will be picked on Friday, 2/14/2020 ❤️
….
Giveaway runs through 1:00pm on 2/14 and the winner will be contacted via DM. Giveaway open to US residents (excluding NY, NJ, and RI), 18 years and over. Please note that this giveaway is not endorsed by Instagram.⁣⁣
...
...
... #hashimotosdisease #hashimotos #hashimotoswarrior #hypothyroidism #hashimotosthyroiditis #hashimotosweightloss #thyroid #hypothyroidismweightloss #hypothyroidmom #hypothyroid #thyroidawareness #thyroidawarenessmonth #autoimmunedisease #autoimmune #autoimmunewarrior #thyroidchecked #gravesdisease #hyperthyroidism #hyperthyroid #hypothyroidmom #tsh #hashimotos #takeownership #functionalpharmacist #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #integrativehealth

Diet and diet related changes in gut microbiota in

Diet and diet related changes in gut microbiota influence the gut-brain axis and may in turn influence behaviors including anxiety and depression
__
📍The connection between the brain and the gut are powerful. The enteric nervous system or the "gut brain" has more neuro-transmitters than the brain
__
📍Given the emerging role of the gut-brain axis in a variety of brain disorders, such as anxiety and depression, it is important to understand the contribution of bidirectional interactions between hormones release from the gut and intestinal bacteria in the context of this axis
__
📍The brain and the gut are engaged in continuous bidirectional communication
__
📍Magnesium deficiency has been associated with anxiety in humans, and rodent studies have demonstrated the gut microbiota to impact behavior
__
SO, how doe this all relate?
__
📍A study looked at 6 weeks of dietary magnesium deficiency on gut microbiota composition and anxiety-like behavior and where there was a link between the two
__
📍A magnesium deficient diet altered the gut microbiota and was associated with altered anxiety-like behavior
__
📍While many studies have demonstrated the benefits of magnesium for anxiety and depression, the question we have to ask is, HOW?
…….
📍Is it due to the impact the magnesium has on the bacteria within our gut, and if so, how can probiotics paly a role in impacting an appropriate microbiota environment for that communication between the gut and the brain!
__
⁉️ What are your thoughts⁉️
—
—-
—
#leakygut #guthealth #guthealing #guthealthmatters #healyourgut #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyhelp #anxietysupport #anxietyawareness #stress #stressrelief #stressfree #stressed #stressreliever #probiotics #prebiotics #goodbacteria #microbiome #gutbrainconnection #gutbrainaxis #lactobaccilus #bifidobacterium #magnesium #antiinflammatory #antiinflammatorydiet #inflammation #inflammatory #functionalpharmacist

Do I even need to caption this?!?! .. How cool is

Do I even need to caption this?!?!
..
How cool is this special edition of @time magazine
..
For everyone who is apart of this movement... keep it up!!
..
#timemagazine #alternativemedicine #integrativemedicine #integrativenutrition #functionalmedicine #functionalpharmacist #integrativepharmacist #naturalhealing #naturalhealth #naturalhealthcare #achievingbalance #balancednutrition #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticmedicine #plantbased #powerofplants #pharmacist #dontgiveup

Before we jump into this lets start with some basi

Before we jump into this lets start with some basics…
__
What is adrenal fatigue?
📍Symptoms of fatigue because the adrenal glands are not functioning properly
📍Low adrenal output (cortisol) due to prolonged period of stress
📍Adrenal glands are burnt out - diagnosed using four point salivary cortisol test
📍Not recognized as a medical diagnosis unless it's Adrenal insufficiency - autoimmune disease Addison's disease
…….
What outside factors impact adrenal physiology?
📍IL-6 inhibits cortisol secretion (chronically)
📍TNFalpha - inhibits ACTH stimulated cortisol secretion
📍Proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to influence the number and function of glucocorticoid receptors (glucocorticoid receptors are where cortisol binds)
📍Arsenic can inhibit this glucocorticoid receptors
📍Leptin inhibits CRH and ACTH causing low cortisol
……
I say this all the time and I'll say it again… FOOD IS MEDICINE! Reducing inflammatory markers through a change in diet is a great place to start. Focusing on antioxidant intake and anti-inflammatory foods can help target the root of #chronicfatigue
__
How many of you have noticed a change in energy after doing an elimination diet⁉️
.....
.....
⠀⠀ #fatigue #adrenalfatigue #chronicfatiguesyndrome #fatigue #immunesystem #immuneboosting #immunesupport #immunehealth #immunebooster #immuneboost #antiinflammatory #antiinflammatorydiet #inflammation #inflammatory #aippaleo #foodismedicine #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #integrativenutrition #functionalnutrition #functionalpharmacist

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Learn more from Dr. Donna

AutoimmuneGirl

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!