Functional medicine care
Autoimmune & Inflammatory
What is autoimmune & inflammatory conditions care with Dr. Christine Maren?
Autoimmune disease happens when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, and it affects women far more often than men, especially in midlife. Dr. Christine Maren treats autoimmune and inflammatory conditions by looking for the triggers that keep the immune system activated, such as gut imbalances, nutrient gaps, chronic stress, hormones, infections and environmental exposures, and building a plan to calm inflammation and protect your health.
Conventional care often waits until damage is severe, then suppresses the immune system. Our approach works alongside that care to find and reduce what is driving inflammation in the first place.
What are signs of autoimmunity or chronic inflammation?
- Persistent fatigue
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- Rashes or skin flares
- Digestive issues
- Brain fog
- Low-grade fevers or feeling run down
- Positive antibodies on lab work
- Symptoms that flare with stress or hormone changes
Recognize yourself here? These symptoms are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with.
How does Dr. Maren treat autoimmune disease?
Map your immune picture
Antibodies, inflammation markers, nutrients, thyroid and hormone labs help define what is happening and how active it is.
Find the triggers
Gut testing, food sensitivities, infections, mold and toxin exposure, and stress are investigated as possible drivers.
Calm and rebuild
Anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut repair, targeted supplements and stress support work alongside conventional treatment.
Coordinate your care
We work with your specialists so functional and conventional care support each other.
Learn more about autoimmune & inflammatory conditions
Dr. Maren has written and spoken extensively on this topic. Start with these articles, guides and podcasts.
- The functional medicine solution for autoimmune disease
- Autoimmune disease and perimenopause
- How stress affects autoimmune disease
- Hashimoto's: the most common autoimmune disease in women
- Could mold exposure be causing your mystery illness?
Related services
Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions FAQs
What causes autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune disease develops from a mix of genetic susceptibility and triggers such as gut permeability, infections, chronic stress, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies and environmental exposures. Identifying your triggers is central to treatment.
Why are women more likely to have autoimmune disease?
Estrogen, progesterone and genetic factors shape immune activity, and women account for roughly 80 percent of autoimmune cases. Risk often rises around pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause.
Can functional medicine help autoimmune disease?
Functional medicine works alongside conventional treatment to reduce inflammation and immune triggers. Many patients see fewer flares, better energy and improved lab markers.
Does perimenopause affect autoimmune disease?
Yes. Shifting estrogen and progesterone influence immune balance, so some women develop new autoimmune conditions or see flares during perimenopause and menopause.
How is the gut linked to autoimmunity?
About 70 percent of the immune system sits around the gut. Increased intestinal permeability and microbiome imbalances can expose the immune system to triggers and are commonly found in autoimmune conditions.
Will I have to stop my current medications?
No. Dr. Maren's care complements treatment from your rheumatologist or other specialists. Any medication changes are made thoughtfully and in coordination with your care team.
The path to vibrant health starts here
We see patients virtually in California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Start with a brief application so we can understand your goals.