EP10: Autoimmune Disorders with Dr. Matthew McNamee.

Imagine your body as a fortress, with an army of immune cells constantly patrolling the walls, ready to defend against invaders. But what happens when these loyal soldiers become confused and start attacking the very castle they're meant to protect? This is the essence of autoimmune disorders, a group of conditions that are silently affecting millions of people worldwide.

Dr. Matthew McNamee, Chief Medical Officer at Tiger Medical Institute, describes this phenomenon aptly: "Autoimmunity is when your immune system gets confused with basically thinking that your own tissues, your own cells are foreign, essentially." It's as if your body's defense mechanism has gone rogue, unable to distinguish between friend and foe.

Autoimmune disorders are on the rise, with an estimated 20% of the population affected by some form of autoimmunity. This isn't just a statistic; it's a wake-up call. These conditions, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are not just inconveniences – they can be life-altering, sometimes even debilitating.

But here's the kicker: most people don't even know they're at risk until it's too late.

Dr. McNamee uses a powerful metaphor to describe the early stages of autoimmune disorders: "It's kind of like the smoldering fire." This hidden inflammation can simmer beneath the surface for years, even decades, before symptoms become apparent.

"Autoimmunity takes many, many years, typically, to develop, you know, up to even a decade or sometimes longer," Dr. McNamee explains. This means that by the time you start feeling symptoms, significant damage may have already occurred.

Dr. Alessio Fasano, a renowned researcher at Harvard, has identified three key factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders:

It's like a three-legged stool – all three elements need to be present for autoimmunity to develop. But here's the good news: we have control over two of these factors.

Our bodies are facing an unprecedented challenge. Dr. McNamee points out, "I think we had about, you know, I think 10,000 known toxins in the environment in 1950s. We've got over 80,000 now." Our bodies simply haven't had time to adapt to this onslaught of new chemicals and lifestyle changes.

It's as if we're trying to run modern software on an ancient operating system. No wonder things are starting to glitch!

Traditional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms once they appear. But what if we could catch the fire while it's still smoldering? This is where functional medicine shines.

Dr. McNamee's approach involves:

1. Eliminating triggers: "Gluten is one of the most cross-reactive agents," he explains. Removing it from your diet can be a game-changer for many people.

2. Healing the gut: Addressing intestinal permeability is crucial. It's like repairing the broken windows in your immune system's fortress.

3. Modulating the immune system: Tools like low-dose naltrexone (LDN) can help "turn down the volume" on an overactive immune response.

4. Personalized interventions: By understanding your unique autoimmune profile, targeted interventions can be implemented.

Dr. McNamee shares a powerful story about his sister, who had a complex case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. After implementing a functional medicine approach, including the use of LDN, her antibody levels "plummeted. Lowest they've ever been in her whole life."

This isn't an isolated case. Many patients who embrace this approach find significant improvements in their quality of life, even if complete remission isn't always possible.

The most exciting aspect of this approach is its potential for prevention. Dr. McNamee emphasizes, "If you get people like this gentleman you spoke to a few weeks ago, though, and it's in the smoldering fire, they're asymptomatic. You can probably have a big impact there."

Imagine being able to identify your risk for autoimmune disorders before symptoms even appear, and taking steps to prevent them from developing. It's like having a high-tech fire prevention system for your body.

If you're reading this, you might be wondering: "Could I be at risk? Is there a smoldering fire in my body that I don't know about?"

The truth is, in today's world, we're all facing increased risks. But knowledge is power, and now you have the tools to take action.

Here's what you can do:

1. Get tested: Comprehensive testing can reveal hidden inflammation and autoimmune markers.

2. Address your gut health: Start by eliminating common triggers like gluten and focus on healing your gut lining.

3. Reduce your toxic load: Be mindful of environmental toxins and take steps to minimize your exposure.

4. Work with a functional medicine practitioner: A personalized approach can make all the difference in preventing or managing autoimmune disorders.

Remember, autoimmunity isn't a life sentence. As Dr. McNamee says, "I would say you'd be able to get some, a positive impact on most of them with quality of life, for sure."

Don't wait for the fire to rage out of control. Take action now to protect your health and vitality for years to come. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to take the first step? Consider scheduling a comprehensive health assessment with Tiger Medical Institute. It's time to unmask the hidden threats to your health and take control of your immune system. Your body's fortress is counting on you!

Get your Optimal Health Assessment here: www.OptimalHealthAssessment.com