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What We Treat

Autoimmune Disorders

A Root-Cause Approach to Autoimmune Health

At KALE Functional Medicine in Houston, we understand that autoimmune disorders represent one of the most complex and challenging areas of medicine. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells and tissues, the resulting inflammation and damage can manifest in countless ways throughout your body, leading to chronic symptoms and diminished quality of life.

Our functional medicine approach identifies and addresses the underlying factors that triggered your autoimmune response in the first place. By treating the root causes rather than just symptoms, we offer a comprehensive path to reducing inflammation, rebalancing your immune system, and potentially slowing or even reversing disease progression.

Understanding Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system fails to distinguish between your own healthy cells and harmful invaders like viruses or bacteria. This case of mistaken identity causes your immune system to produce antibodies that attack your own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in affected areas of the body.

While conventional medicine often treats these as separate diseases based on the organs or tissues affected, functional medicine recognizes that they share common underlying mechanisms and contributing factors that can be identified and addressed.

There are over 80 recognized autoimmune conditions, with common examples including:

  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Lupus
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • Psoriasis
  • Celiac disease
  • Type 1 diabetes

The Autoimmune Triad

A Functional Medicine Perspective

Current research suggests that for autoimmune disease to develop, three key factors must typically be present – what some functional medicine practitioners call the “autoimmune triad”: a genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and intestinal permeability (i.e., leaky gut).

Genetic Factors

While you can’t change your genetic makeup, your genes are not your destiny. Functional medicine focuses on how your environment and lifestyle influence gene expression – the process that determines which genes are activated or suppressed.

Various environmental factors can trigger or worsen autoimmune responses, including:

  • Food sensitivities and allergies
  • Toxin exposure
  • Chronic infections
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Chronic stress
  • Nutrient deficiencies

Our comprehensive testing helps identify your specific triggers, allowing for personalized treatment protocols.

Perhaps the most crucial modifiable factor in autoimmune disease is gut health. Functional Medicine practitioners have long recognized that dysregulation of tight junctions, or intestinal permeability, can play a critical role in the development of autoimmune disease.

When your gut barrier becomes compromised (often called “leaky gut”), partially digested food particles, toxins, and microbes can enter your bloodstream, triggering immune reactions that may lead to or worsen autoimmune conditions.

Our process

The KALE Way

Most health issues in women can be linked to hormonal imbalances. Unlike conventional approaches that often focus solely on symptom management, our functional medicine protocol aims to restore optimal hormonal balance by addressing the underlying causes of these disruptions.

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Initial Consultation

Our approach begins with 30/60 minute long appointment where we dive deep into your health history and determine what testing may helps us understand your unique hormonal profile through. We have worked with thousands of women through these life stages to achieve whole-body wellness by targeting the root cause whether it’s hormone, gut, or nutrition-related.

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the key factors contributing to your autoimmune condition:

  • Detailed Health History: We take time to understand your complete health timeline, identifying potential triggers and patterns.
  • Advanced Laboratory Testing: We utilize specialized testing that goes beyond standard bloodwork to uncover hidden imbalances. Learn more about our Testing Services.
  • Gut Health Analysis: Comprehensive stool analysis and intestinal permeability testing help assess the state of your digestive system and microbiome.
  • Food Sensitivity Evaluation: Identification of inflammatory foods that may be triggering immune reactions.
  • Environmental Toxin Screening: Assessment of toxic burden that may be contributing to immune dysregulation.
  • Nutrient Status Assessment: Evaluation of key nutrients needed for proper immune function.

Based on your unique test results, health history, and goals, we create individualized treatment plans that may include:

  • Nutritional Support: Targeted dietary recommendations to support hormone production, metabolism, and detoxification.
  • Targeted Supplementation: Evidence-based supplements to address specific hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on sleep, stress management, exercise, and environmental factors that influence hormonal health.
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Custom-formulated hormones that match what your body naturally produces, minimizing side effects while maximizing benefits. Learn more about our hormone therapy options.

Addressing autoimmune disease is a journey, not a quick fix. Our approach includes regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, adjust protocols as needed, and provide continuous support as your body heals.

The KALE Difference in Autoimmune Care

Focus on Prevention

For those with family history of autoimmune conditions or early warning signs, we offer preventative protocols to help reduce your risk of developing full-blown autoimmune disease. Learn more about our Preventative Health services

Comprehensive Testing

Our advanced functional medicine testing goes beyond standard lab work to identify key imbalances that conventional testing might miss, allowing for more targeted interventions.

Root Cause Resolution

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, our goal is to identify and address the underlying factors driving your autoimmune condition, creating the potential for true healing.

Personalized Care

Every autoimmune patient is unique, which is why we develop fully customized protocols based on your specific test results, symptoms, and health goals.

Collaborative Approach

We work with you as an active participant in your healing journey, providing the education and support you need to implement lasting lifestyle changes.

Begin Your Healing Journey

If you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition and looking for answers beyond symptom management, our functional medicine approach offers a path to addressing the root causes of your condition and restoring balanced immune function.

Schedule Your Autoimmune Consultation Today

Patient Success Stories

I was happy to find a female – personal preference – doctor (MD) who could assist with all of my medical needs versus a nurse practitioner or chiropractor who was also doing holistic medicine. Dr. Rowley’s smile and compassion put me at ease immediately…

Donna J.

Member

Dr. Rowley is professional, relatable, and personable. I appreciate that she was a great listener and was patient in answering my questions. What’s more, I LOVE that I can contact her through telemedicine now!! Truly revolutionary experience in a doctor’s office!

Jess

Member

Second visit and I know so much. Melissa is kind, incredibly smart and not overwhelming in her advice. Excited to start my journey towards a healthier life. Front office and her nurse are wonderful as well!

Sally M.

Member