Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Disease
Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad, MD, has extensive experience in treating autoimmune conditions using an integrative and functional medicine approach. She specializes in helping patients with conditions such as:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
Rather than simply managing symptoms with immunosuppressive medications, Dr. Nambudripad’s approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of inflammation. By targeting diet, environmental exposures, gut health, and hormonal imbalances, she aims to prevent and even reverse disease progression while supporting long-term immune regulation.
Healing the Gut: The Foundation of Immune Health
A healthy gut microbiome is critical to a balanced immune system. Since nearly 70 percent of the immune system is housed in the gut, Dr. Nambudripad prioritizes gut healing as a first step in autoimmune treatment. She may recommend functional gut microbiome testing to assess digestive health and identify potential triggers such as:
- Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria)
- Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
- Infections or overgrowths (such as SIBO or Candida)
- Food sensitivities that contribute to inflammation
By healing the gut, the immune system can achieve better regulation, reducing autoimmune flare-ups and promoting overall healing.
Food as Medicine: An Anti-Inflammatory Approach
Dr. Nambudripad strongly believes in the power of food as medicine. Dietary choices have a profound impact on immune function and inflammation. She tailors individualized nutrition plans based on:
- Food allergy testing
- Elimination diets to reduce inflammatory triggers
- Nutrient optimization, ensuring adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D with K2, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Zinc, and Magnesium
Anti-inflammatory foods and targeted natural supplements can significantly improve autoimmune symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and support the body’s ability to heal.
The Role of Hormonal Balance in Autoimmune Disease
Hormones play a key role in immune system function. Estrogen dominance, thyroid imbalances, and adrenal dysfunction can all contribute to autoimmunity. Dr. Nambudripad evaluates hormonal imbalances and works to restore equilibrium through natural and bio-identical approaches. By bringing the body into balance, she enhances its ability to regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
Personalized Care
Every patient’s autoimmune condition is unique, requiring an individualized and comprehensive treatment plan. Depending on the specific condition, Dr. Nambudripad:
- Guides patients through customized diet and lifestyle changes to support immune balance
- Recommends targeted supplements and functional medicine protocols for healing
Many patients see stabilization or significant improvement within 3 to 6 months, with some achieving complete remission—both symptomatically and in their lab markers.
For a deeper understanding of autoimmune disease and how functional medicine can help, watch Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad’s video on Autoimmune Disease.
Dr. Rajsree is a caring and compassionate physician, who is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Integrative/Holistic medicine. She is passionate about helping patients optimize their health through a preventative approach involving healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, targeted nutritional supplementation, and optimizing hormones. Her practice is unique in the personalized attention she devotes to each and every patient.
