Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune disease
The number of individuals affected by autoimmune diseases is rising globally, with hundreds of thousands of cases in Scotland and rising every year. There are currently over 100 different types — including psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, MS, Crohn’s disease, Graves’ disease and lupus. Although complex, systemic inflammation lies at the heart of their development and progression. There is generally no single cause: the condition can arise from allergens, environmental stressors, pathogenic infections or exposure to toxins, leading to an abnormal immune response in which the body attacks its own tissues.
Research shows that autoimmune disease is often associated with a leaky gut, which triggers responses to foreign proteins that should not be present in the bloodstream — causing inflammation in tissues well beyond the gut.
Underlying drivers
Causes
Identifying the triggers of autoimmune disease is a complex process that involves an in-depth examination of your health history. While genetics may play a role, lifestyle, diet and environment are often greater contributing factors. We also investigate potential infections — particularly viral and bacterial ones that may have gone undiagnosed.
For example, the H. pylori bacteria that causes stomach infections has been linked to thyroid autoimmunity, and Hashimoto’s has been associated with the hard-to-detect Epstein-Barr virus. Other factors that can trigger autoimmune disease include mould toxicity, long covid, heavy metal toxicity, hormonal imbalances and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Once we identify the underlying condition or trigger, we can work to correct imbalances and provide support to manage the condition successfully.
Symptoms we see
Common symptoms
- Joint pain
- Digestive issues
- Connective tissue pain
- Brain fog
- Thyroid issues
- Anxiety / depression
- Skin issues (psoriasis, rosacea)
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep dysregulation
- Unexplained symptoms
Treatment approach
Our objective is to aid you in achieving optimal health and wellbeing
We strive to understand the underlying imbalance, dysfunction or trigger that led to the body’s abnormal immune response. We work closely with our patients to conduct a thorough investigation of their health history, which often reveals valuable insights into the cause of the disease.
Unlike conventional medicine, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we develop individualised treatment protocols that may involve botanical herbal treatments to address hidden infections, correcting leaky gut, addressing hormonal imbalances, removing environmental toxins, enhancing immune function, and managing stress and the associated HPA imbalance.
Nutrition is a crucial component of our protocols, and we ensure our patients consume nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in their microbiome.
Why choose us
Care built around understanding why
Our mission
We provide a supportive environment paired with cutting-edge expertise in nutrition and functional medicine.
Our mission is to help you uncover the root causes of your health concerns and guide you through them with personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Our values
We practise root-cause medicine — because true healing starts with understanding why symptoms arise.
Our goal is to uncover the underlying drivers of your health concerns and empower you with the tools to make lasting, sustainable changes.
Support
Once you begin with us, our collaborative approach guides you through every step. We collect the information we need through detailed intake forms and tailor our support to motivate and assist you throughout the process.
Success stories
What our clients say
★★★★★Working with Rob was a truly transformative experience. His guidance not only helped me navigate a wide range of symptoms but also gave me the knowledge and tools to build lasting, healthy habits. I feel more empowered and informed about my health than ever before. Edinburgh CFM is setting a new standard for how healthcare should be delivered — I can’t recommend Rob highly enough.
Alex
★★★★★Edinburgh CFM has been life-changing for me. Living with eczema was overwhelming — it felt like it was taking over every part of my life. I joined the 6-month programme hoping for some guidance, and what I got was so much more. With Rob’s support I now understand the specific foods and lifestyle triggers that were making things worse. For the first time my eczema is under control without relying on steroids — and I finally feel empowered in my own skin.
Rebecca
★★★★★My daughter was having health challenges and someone recommended the centre. She received a diagnosis of gut issues and found out she had SIBO. With the help of our practitioner we were able to get her back to school so she could continue her studies for her exams. Highly recommended.
Joan
★★★★★I came to the centre with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. I hadn’t been able to find a clinic that would provide understanding and a way to approach the disease without just suppressing symptoms. I feel like I matter and so do my symptoms. Progress has been far greater than through any other treatment option, and at each appointment I can share where I am and look at the next steps. I would highly recommend this clinic.
Marcus
Contact us to start your journey at the Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine
We work with patients all over Scotland online.