Understanding Autoimmune Conditions
A Functional Perspective
Autoimmune conditions arise when the immune system, misdirected by internal and external triggers, begins attacking healthy tissues and organs. Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, a functional medicine approach seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes such as gut imbalances, food sensitivities, chronic infections, toxin exposure, or stress induced immune imbalance. It then works to rebuild resilience and restore balance.
The Institute for Functional Medicine frames autoimmune disease not as an inevitability but as a dynamic process rooted in immune system dysfunction.
https://www.ifm.org/articles/autoimmune-disease-treatments
Advanced testing such as autoimmune panels, gut microbiome assessments, or specialized inflammation markers can guide individualized protocols.
https://www.rupahealth.com/post/functional-medicine-protocol-for-autoimmune-diseases-balancing-the-immune-system
One of the best known voices in this field is Dr. Tom O’Bryan, a functional medicine educator and author. He focuses on how food sensitivities, intestinal permeability, and environmental toxins drive chronic immune dysregulation.
https://thedr.com
In his book The Autoimmune Fix, Dr. O’Bryan outlines strategies for reducing immune stress and restoring balance.
At our clinic we believe in a root cause, systems oriented approach. By combining targeted diagnostics, dietary and lifestyle interventions, and environmental detoxification, we aim to move beyond temporary fixes and support long term immune health and vitality.
At our clinic we believe in a root cause, systems oriented approach. By combining targeted diagnostics, dietary and lifestyle interventions, and environmental detoxification, we aim to move beyond temporary fixes and support long term immune health and vitality. To explore this topic further, read our latest insights on Understanding Autoimmune Conditions: https://improveurhealth.com/blog/understanding-autoimmune-conditions
Is your body fighting against you?
If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or unexplained digestive issues, you may be dealing with an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and a wide range of debilitating symptoms. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can disrupt daily life, making even simple tasks feel exhausting.
At our clinic, we take a root-cause approach to autoimmune conditions through functional medicine. Instead of just managing symptoms, we identify and address the underlying triggers—such as gut health imbalances, chronic infections, toxin exposure, and nutritional deficiencies. Using advanced testing, personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) therapy, we help restore immune balance and reduce inflammation. Our goal is to help you regain energy, reduce pain, and reclaim your health for the long term.
Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, DC, DCBCN
Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner
With nearly 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Shannon O’Keefe is the lead practitioner at O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota. https://improveurhealth.com/welcome-to-okeefe-matz-functional-health-clinic
She specializes in supporting complex and chronic health issues including gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalance, and systemic inflammation. https://improveurhealth.com/welcome-to-okeefe-matz-functional-health-clinic
Dr. O’Keefe holds board certification in clinical nutrition and has built her practice on a foundation of functional medicine principles, always seeking root causes rather than simply addressing symptoms. Her approach is highly personalized. She combines advanced lab testing, lifestyle and dietary strategies, chiropractic and structural modalities, and therapies such as neurofeedback, acupuncture, and frequency specific microcurrent to support whole body healing. https://improveurhealth.com
At O’Keefe Matz she collaborates with each patient to create a tailored roadmap toward balance, resilience, and optimal health. https://improveurhealth.com
