EP17: Hope for Healing: Getting to the Root Cause of Autoimmune Disorders with Dr. Tricia Thompson

In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, host Angela Belford speaks with Dr. Tricia Thompson, a former emergency physician turned functional medicine physician. They discuss the differences between traditional and functional medicine, focusing on the importance of understanding the root causes of chronic illnesses, particularly inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healing, which includes nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes, rather than solely relying on pharmaceuticals. The conversation highlights the potential for recovery and improvement in quality of life for those suffering from chronic conditions.

Takeaways

• Tricia Thompson transitioned from emergency medicine to functional medicine to address chronic health issues.
• Functional medicine focuses on finding the root causes of health problems, particularly inflammation.
• Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) can lead to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases.
• Traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing underlying causes.
• Autoimmune disorders are often linked to gut health and can be managed through functional medicine approaches.
• Patients can see significant improvements in their health within weeks of starting functional medicine treatments.
• The body has an innate ability to heal if given the right tools and nutrients.
• Holistic approaches to health include diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
• Many patients are unaware of the options available to them outside of traditional medicine.
• Functional medicine practitioners can often identify health issues through patient history rather than extensive testing.

Titles

• Healing Beyond Symptoms: A Functional Medicine Approach
• The Power of Inflammation: Understanding Chronic Illness

Sound Bites

• "I want people to get better."
• "Our bodies only know how to heal."
• "We deal with all of you."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Functional Medicine

02:56
Understanding Inflammation and Its Impact

05:51
The Role of Traditional Medicine

08:47
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

11:54
Autoimmune Disorders and Their Management

14:44
Finding the Root Cause of Illness

17:34
Holistic Approaches to Healing

20:38
Conclusion and Resources