We specialize in providing comprehensive care and personalized strategies to help patients optimize their immune function and address immune-related health issues. Located in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, our dedicated team is committed to empowering individuals to achieve better immune health through the principles of functional medicine and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Understanding Immune Problems

The immune system plays a critical role in protecting the body against pathogens, infections, and other foreign invaders, as well as in maintaining overall health and well-being. Immune problems can arise when the immune system becomes overactive (leading to autoimmune disorders) or underactive (leading to increased susceptibility to infections and illness). Common immune-related health issues include:

1. Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.

2. Chronic Infections: Chronic infections occur when the body is unable to effectively fight off infections, leading to persistent or recurrent infections that can significantly impact health and quality of life.

3. Allergies: Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens) such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, congestion, and skin rashes.

4. Immune Deficiencies: Immune deficiencies occur when the immune system is weakened or compromised, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and illness. Examples include primary immunodeficiency disorders and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Our Approach

At Dr. Pappas Health, we take a holistic approach to addressing immune problems, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to immune dysfunction. Our approach includes:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, immune function, lifestyle factors, and any underlying health conditions to assess the state of your immune health. This comprehensive assessment allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

2. Functional Medicine Approach: Our team utilizes a functional medicine approach to address the root causes of immune problems, such as inflammation, hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, nutrient deficiencies, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. By addressing these underlying factors, we can help restore balance to your immune system and promote optimal immune function.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on our assessment findings, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates a variety of interventions to support immune health and address specific immune-related health issues. These interventions may include dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, detoxification protocols, and other evidence-based approaches.

4. Nutrition Guidance: Nutrition plays a crucial role in immune function and overall health. We’ll provide you with evidence-based nutrition guidance, emphasizing the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to support immune health. Our nutrition recommendations focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of red wine.

5. Lifestyle Modification: Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, sleep quality, physical activity, and environmental exposures can significantly impact immune function. We’ll work with you to identify and address lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your immune problems, providing guidance and support to help you adopt healthier habits and routines that support immune health and overall well-being.

6. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Optimizing immune health requires ongoing support and monitoring. We’ll provide you with regular follow-up visits, monitoring of your symptoms, immune function, and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed to ensure that we’re effectively addressing your immune problems and optimizing your overall health and well-being over time.