
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
- 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
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
2. Leaky gut (a.k.a intestinal permeability)
3. 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.
WELLNESS SERVICES
CONDITIONS WE SUPPORT
- Thyroid Conditions
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Graves’ Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Lupus
- Anxiety & Depression
- ADHD / ADD
- Maintenance Programs
- Other Autoimmune Conditions
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
RECENT ARTICLES
By Dr. Ian Hollaman Current peer-reviewed research is confirming what thousands, possibly millions, of people have suspected about their thyroid condition: It’s …
Many of my clients want that smoking bullet to help them treat and heal their particular concern, be it Hashimoto’s, Celiac, MS, …
Some Poison With Those Wheaties Honey? Celiac Linked to Round Up Pesticide! Glyphosphate is the active ingredient found in the pesticide roundup. …
Ever felt like something was still wrong? Well, then you can join the millions of Americans who may have been diagnosed with …
Whenever we talk to people about Neurofeedback, their first question always is “what the heck is that?”. After explaining that Neurofeedback is …
- Anonymous
- Joetta
- Mary
- Susie
Start Your Health Consultation
We’ve set up a comprehensive new patient special that includes everything necessary to determine the root cause of your condition and start you on the journey to getting your life back.
✓ 1-Hour Comprehensive Physical and Neurologic Exam
✓ Advanced Brain Mapping
✓ Complete Blood Panel – Examining Over 80 Unique Markers (Includes lab fees)
✓ Follow Up Session to Review Findings and Develop Customized Care Plan
Optimal wellness is just a click away.