Digestive & Immune

Autoimmune Disease Treatment in Greenville, SC

Integrative autoimmune disease treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry addresses gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and immune triggers naturally. Call (864) 365-6156.

What Is Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues — causing chronic inflammation and damage in specific organs or systemically. There are over 80 recognized autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. Collectively, autoimmune disease affects more than 23 million Americans and is the third most common category of illness in the U.S.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue and malaise — often the most prominent complaint

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness

Skin rashes, redness, or photosensitivity

Recurring low-grade fever

Gastrointestinal symptoms — abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating

Neurological symptoms — numbness, tingling, and weakness (condition-dependent)

Hair loss and skin changes

Flares and remissions — symptoms that wax and wane, often triggered by stress or illness

Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Autoimmune disease arises at the intersection of genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation. The gut is central: the majority of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract, and intestinal permeability (leaky gut) is found in virtually every autoimmune condition. Leaky gut allows bacterial antigens to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune activation that can cross-react with self-tissues through molecular mimicry.

Environmental triggers include: specific infections (EBV triggers multiple sclerosis and lupus susceptibility), dietary antigens (gluten in celiac disease and related conditions), heavy metal exposure, pesticides, and hormonal factors (explaining the female predominance in autoimmune disease — estrogen modulates immune reactivity). Vitamin D deficiency is a significant modifiable risk factor for autoimmune development.

How We Treat Autoimmune Disease at IHP

Dr. Hendry's functional medicine approach to autoimmune disease focuses on the modifiable factors that drive immune dysregulation: healing intestinal permeability through dietary changes and targeted supplementation (glutamine, zinc carnosine, colostrum), eliminating dietary antigens that perpetuate immune activation (systematic elimination and reintroduction), optimizing vitamin D status, supporting regulatory T cell function, and reducing environmental toxin burden.

Acupuncture has immunomodulatory effects — regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune activity. For inflammatory arthritis, acupuncture reduces joint inflammation and pain. For autoimmune conditions involving the gut (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), acupuncture regulates gut motility, reduces mucosal inflammation, and supports mucosal immunity. Chinese herbal formulas with documented immunomodulatory activity are an important component of Dr. Hendry's autoimmune protocols.

Dr. Hendry's Approach

Dr. Hendry coordinates care with the patient's rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, or other specialist, viewing functional medicine as a complement to conventional disease-modifying treatment rather than a replacement. His goal is to reduce the autoimmune burden through lifestyle and nutritional medicine, potentially enabling lower medication doses and fewer flares over time.

Treatments We Use for Autoimmune Disease

Frequently Asked Questions About Autoimmune Disease

Can autoimmune disease be reversed?

Some autoimmune conditions can achieve remission — where disease activity is minimal or undetectable. The degree of reversibility depends on the specific condition, the extent of existing tissue damage, and how early intervention begins. Addressing gut health and inflammatory triggers can produce dramatic improvements in many cases.

What is the connection between leaky gut and autoimmune disease?

Intestinal permeability allows bacterial and food antigens to enter the bloodstream, where they stimulate an immune response. When these antigens structurally resemble self-tissues (molecular mimicry), the resulting immune response attacks both the foreign antigen and the body's own tissue. Healing the gut lining is often the most powerful intervention in autoimmune management.

Should I give up gluten if I have an autoimmune condition?

Many patients with autoimmune conditions benefit significantly from a gluten-free trial. Gliadin (a gluten protein) is one of the best-documented intestinal permeability triggers and molecular mimicry antigens. Dr. Hendry recommends a strict 60-90 day elimination trial with antibody testing to assess your individual response.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause autoimmune disease?

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor — epidemiological studies show that autoimmune disease is more prevalent at higher latitudes with less sun exposure. Vitamin D regulates T regulatory cell function, suppressing autoimmune reactivity. Maintaining optimal 25-OH vitamin D levels (60-80 ng/mL) is a core part of Dr. Hendry's autoimmune protocol.

Is acupuncture safe with immunosuppressive medication?

Yes, with appropriate precautions. Dr. Hendry works with patients on immunosuppressive medications and takes appropriate measures (sterile technique, avoidance of points near inflamed joints during active flares) to ensure safety. Acupuncture is widely used in rheumatology integrative programs.

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