Raising Resilience: Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions in Kid
Autoimmunity in Kids Is Rising — But There’s Hope
Autoimmune conditions — where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues — are becoming more common in children. These diagnoses can feel overwhelming for parents, especially when symptoms affect daily life, growth, and learning.
At hhc+, we believe the goal isn’t just to manage symptoms but to build resilience, calm inflammation, and address the root triggers that are pushing the immune system out of balance.
What Is Autoimmunity?
In a healthy immune system, defense cells recognize the difference between the body’s own tissues and harmful invaders. In autoimmunity, this “self vs. non-self” recognition breaks down.
Common pediatric autoimmune conditions include:
Type 1 diabetes (pancreas)
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (thyroid)
Celiac disease (small intestine)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (joints)
Vitiligo (skin pigment)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
What Causes Autoimmunity in Kids?
Autoimmunity is multifactorial, meaning several factors combine to trigger it:
Genetics — Some children are more predisposed.
Gut health imbalances — “Leaky gut” or microbiome disruption can overactivate the immune system.
Environmental triggers — Infections, toxins, mold, and allergens can tip the immune balance.
Nutrient deficiencies — Low vitamin D, zinc, selenium, or omega-3s may impair immune regulation.
Chronic inflammation — Can result from poor diet, stress, or unresolved infections.
The Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Care in Kids
1. Investigating Root Triggers
We take a detailed history and use advanced testing to uncover contributing factors, such as:
Comprehensive stool testing (microbiome, inflammation, pathogens)
Nutrient testing (vitamin D, zinc, selenium, omega-3s)
Food sensitivity or allergy testing
Environmental toxin or mold testing (as indicated)
2. Calming Immune Overactivation
Our first goal is to reduce inflammation through:
An anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet
Removing food triggers (often gluten, dairy, soy) when indicated
Increasing antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and herbs
3. Restoring Gut Integrity
We support the gut lining with:
L-glutamine, zinc, and omega-3s
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Gentle detox support to reduce inflammatory burden
4. Optimizing Nutrient Status
Correcting deficiencies can improve immune balance and reduce flare-ups. This may include:
Vitamin D supplementation
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or algae oil
Trace minerals like zinc and selenium
5. Supporting the Whole Child
We integrate stress management, movement, and sleep support — all critical for immune regulation.
Case Example: Finding Balance with Hashimoto’s
A generalized example based on real hhc+ cases.
A 12-year-old girl was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis after experiencing fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss. Her labs showed high thyroid antibodies, low vitamin D, and markers of gut inflammation.
Her plan included:
Gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet
Vitamin D and selenium supplementation
Probiotic therapy for microbiome support
Gentle movement and sleep optimization
After six months, her energy improved, hair shedding decreased, and thyroid antibodies dropped by 40%.
Tips for Parents Supporting a Child with Autoimmunity
Work with a team — Your pediatrician, functional medicine provider, and specialists should collaborate.
Focus on whole foods — Fresh, unprocessed foods help reduce inflammation.
Be mindful of environmental exposures — Reduce household toxins, mold, and synthetic fragrances.
Support mental and emotional health — Autoimmune conditions can be stressful for kids; counseling, mindfulness, or peer support can help.
FAQ: Autoimmune Conditions in Kids
Can autoimmunity be reversed?
Some children achieve remission, while others maintain stable, low-symptom states. Our focus is on reducing flare-ups and protecting long-term health.
Does my child need to avoid gluten even without celiac disease?
Sometimes. For certain autoimmune conditions, removing gluten can reduce inflammation and antibody levels.
How quickly will we see improvement?
It varies — some children notice changes in weeks, others take months as the immune system gradually rebalances.
Your Next Step
If your child has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition — or you suspect one — the earlier we act, the better. Our pediatric functional medicine team at hhc+ can help identify triggers, calm inflammation, and build a foundation for lifelong resilience.
Book a Pediatric Visit to create a personalized autoimmune care plan for your child.
hhc+ | Heal for Real
Pediatric Functional Medicine in Farmington, CT & Telehealth Nationwide