Autoimmune Disease is a Silent Epidemic
Autoimmune Disease is a Silent Epidemic
More than 24 million Americans are diagnosed with an autoimmune condition – but estimates suggest that another 50 million may be dealing with autoimmune-related symptoms that haven’t yet been recognized or labeled. That’s because autoimmune diseases often hide in plain sight. They can smolder for years before they’re officially diagnosed – if they ever are.
At Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine, we do things differently. We don’t wait for your labs to cross a threshold before we act. We ask: Why is your immune system struggling – and what can we do to help it recover?
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Autoimmune disease isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can show up in unexpected ways, often with symptoms that come and go, or get dismissed as stress, hormones, or “just aging.”
Common early warning signs include:
- Chronic fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest
- Brain fog, memory issues, or difficulty focusing
- Joint pain, stiffness, or muscle aches
- Skin issues: rashes, hives, or flare-ups with no clear cause
- Digestive troubles like bloating, IBS, or food sensitivities
- Unexplained weight changes, temperature sensitivity, or hair thinning
- Mood shifts, including anxiety or depression without obvious cause
These aren’t random symptoms. They’re often the immune system’s early distress signals.
Who’s at Risk?
Autoimmune conditions don’t discriminate – but certain groups face higher odds. You may be at elevated risk if:
- You’re female: Nearly 80% of autoimmune patients are women
- You have a family history of autoimmunity or thyroid disease
- You’ve had frequent infections or viral illnesses (like mono/EBV)
- You’ve been exposed to environmental toxins, mold, or chronic stress
- You have gut issues or long-term food intolerances
- You have hormonal imbalances, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or perimenopause
Despite these clear risk factors, many people go years without a diagnosis. Some are misdiagnosed with depression, fibromyalgia, or anxiety before autoimmune disease is considered.
Ask Better Questions – Get Better Answers
If you suspect autoimmunity, don’t wait. Bring these questions to your provider—or better yet, to a functional medicine practitioner:
- Could this be an autoimmune condition?
- Have I been tested for specific autoantibodies (e.g., ANA, TPO, anti-dsDNA)?
- What are my levels of vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and B12?
- Could a hidden infection or gut issue be triggering my symptoms?
- Is there advanced testing available to screen for autoimmunity earlier?
One of our go-to tools is the AVISE test – a next-generation panel that identifies autoimmune markers often missed by conventional testing. It screens for early immune dysfunction, helping to catch autoimmune patterns long before full-blown disease takes hold.
How Functional Medicine Approaches Autoimmunity
We’re not just managing your disease – we’re working to reverse the conditions that caused it in the first place.
In functional medicine, we focus on:
- Gut health: Healing leaky gut to stop immune overactivation
- Molecular mimicry: Identifying and removing trigger foods like gluten
- Chronic infections: Testing for stealth viruses like EBV and Lyme
- Nutrient repletion: Optimizing vitamin D, selenium, and zinc for immune control
- Lifestyle and stress: Calming the nervous system to reduce immune load
This approach is comprehensive, personalized, and data driven. We don’t wait for damage – we prevent it.
What You Can Do Right Now
While you wait for appointments, answers, or clarity—there’s still a lot you can do to support your body:
✅Try an elimination diet: Remove gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods for 30 days
✅Support your gut: Focus on fiber, fermented foods, and high-quality probiotics
✅Prioritize sleep and stress reduction – both are critical for immune balance
✅ Start tracking symptoms and flares – you may notice hidden patterns
✅Ask your provider about testing vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and autoimmune markers
You Deserve Real Answers
Autoimmune disease isn’t random. It’s a response to deeper imbalance—and it’s possible to restore that balance when we find the root cause.
At Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine, we believe your symptoms are real, your story matters, and your body can heal. If you’ve been told “everything is normal” but you know something’s wrong, we’re here to listen – and to help.
Ask us about the AVISE autoimmune panel, comprehensive root cause testing, and personalized care plans that focus on what your immune system truly needs to reset, rebuild, and recover.
