What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that can occur on its own (known as primary Raynaud’s), or it can be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disease (known as secondary Raynaud’s). It is estimated to affect an average of 6.5% of people (8-10% of women and 3-5% of men). It is commonly associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome.
Raynaud’s affects the arteries and blood vessels, causing vascular ‘spasms’ that restrict blood flow to extremities such as the ears, toes, and nose. These spasms can be triggered by mild cold or even emotional distress.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon Symptoms
Do you suspect or know that you have Raynaud’s phenomenon? You may experience symptoms such as these:
- Sensitivity to cold in ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose
- Fingers that turn pale or white then blue when exposed to cold, or during stress or emotional upset, then red when the hands are warmed
- Hands that may become swollen and painful when warmed
Triggers for Raynaud’s Phenomenon
What can trigger or fuel Raynaud’s phenomenon?
- Gluten sensitivity or other food triggers
- Viral infection such as Epstein Barr virus (EBV)
- Plastics like BPA, phthalates, parabens
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Mold toxicity
- Low glutathione status
- Hormonal imbalances
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Leaky gut
- Blood sugar dysfunction
- Low vitamin D
How Can Dr. Autoimmune Help?
It can be frustrating trying to find help with chronic and complex conditions, which is why we have chosen to dedicate our practice to exactly that. Instead of treating the symptoms, the functional medicine approach focuses on uncovering the causes.
All autoimmune diseases start in the gut. We design custom plans of dietary intervention, supplements and lifestyle recommendations to help heal the gut and support the immune system. In supporting these fundamental functions of the digestive tract we can reduce inflammation and see dramatic changes in symptoms.
Finding the Root Cause
We know that autoimmunity requires 3 things to develop:
- Genetic predisposition
- Leaky gut (a.k.a intestinal permeability)
- An environmental trigger
It All Starts in the Gut!
Our small intestine consists of 25 feet of tubing, the inside surface area being equivalent to that of a doubles tennis court!
Proteins called “tight junctions” prevent a flood of material into the gut. Low vitamin D levels coupled with inflammation in the gut starts to widen the space between cells, allowing materials (bacteria and food) to start seeping through. This triggers inflammation and antibodies are formed against your own tissue.
