Category Archive

I. Introduction A. Brief overview of the gut-brain connection Hello there, it’s Dr. Maggie Yu. Today, we’ll explore the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection. You might be asking, “What exactly is this gut-brain connection?” Simply put, it’s a complex bidirectional communication system that exists between your gastrointestinal tract and your brain. Intriguingly, it’s not just about the brain telling … Read More

I. Introduction A. Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, often abbreviated as RA, is an autoimmune disorder. This chronic condition primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation that leads to painful swelling, stiffness, and potential loss of function. However, RA isn’t confined to the joints—it can also impact other body systems, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart. While it … Read More

I. Introduction A. Brief Definition of Stress and Autoimmune Disorders Hello, I’m Dr. Maggie Yu. Let’s take a moment to define two critical terms: stress and autoimmune disorders. Stress, in its simplest form, is our body’s response to any demand or threat, whether real or perceived. It can manifest in many ways and often has both emotional and physical impacts. … Read More

I. Introduction A. Brief Overview of Hormones and Autoimmune Diseases Hello, I’m Dr. Maggie Yu. To understand the health challenges you might be facing, it’s crucial to grasp the roles of hormones and autoimmune diseases. Hormones, the body’s biochemical messengers, carry out a myriad of functions – from regulating metabolism and immune function to influencing our mood and energy levels. … Read More

I. Introduction A. Brief overview of celiac disease, asthma, pain, and fatigue Celiac disease, asthma, pain, and fatigue are conditions that, although different in nature, significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that is triggered by consuming gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames … Read More

I. Introduction A. Brief Overview of Connective Tissue Disorders Connective tissue disorders encompass a wide range of diseases that primarily affect the body’s connective tissues, the structural components providing support and stability to organs and tissues. These disorders may disrupt the normal functioning of major body systems, including skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and the musculoskeletal system. Connective tissue disorders vary … Read More

I. Introduction Narcolepsy Cataplexy is a neurological disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness coupled with a sudden, temporary loss of muscle tone known as cataplexy, typically triggered by strong emotions. This complex condition is unique and can greatly influence an individual’s everyday life, resulting in both physical and emotional strain. Grasping the intricacies of this disorder is of paramount importance, … Read More

I. Introduction: Decoding Addison’s Disease and Autoimmunity Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder affecting the adrenal glands. These small glands located on top of your kidneys play a pivotal role in the production of crucial hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. When these glands underproduce these hormones, the resulting condition is known … Read More

I. Introduction: Understanding Myasthenia Gravis and Autoimmunity A. Defining Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a long-term neuromuscular disease that is marked by varying degrees of weakness in the skeletal muscles, which control movement. This condition typically arises when normal communication between the nerves and muscles is interrupted at the neuromuscular junction—the place where nerve cells connect with the muscles … Read More

I. Introduction: Unraveling Wegener’s Granulomatosis A. What is Wegener’s Granulomatosis? Wegener’s Granulomatosis, also known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare and severe type of vasculitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. This disorder can lead to damage in various organ systems, but it primarily affects the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Characterized by the formation of … Read More

I. Introduction A. As an autoimmune disease specialist, I often meet individuals grappling with conditions that impact them not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. Among these conditions, Alopecia Areata stands out, a condition characterized by the sudden onset of hair loss in localized patches, sometimes extending to the entire scalp or body. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune … Read More

I. Introduction A. As a practitioner specializing in autoimmune diseases and functional medicine, I’ve encountered numerous women dealing with endometriosis. A distressingly common condition, endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, leading to severe pain and potentially infertility. Autoimmune diseases, on … Read More

I. Introduction: Vitiligo and Its Connection to Autoimmunity A. What is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. This results in the development of white patches that can appear on various parts of the body. Affecting all races and both sexes equally, Vitiligo can have an immense emotional … Read More

I. Introduction: Shedding Light on Scleroderma and Autoimmunity Scleroderma, often seen as a disease shrouded in complexity, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin but can also involve various other organs. Its name, derived from Greek words “sclero” for hard, and “derma” for skin, provides a clue to one of the most visible manifestations of the disease – … Read More