Coming to APNS in 2028
Autoimmune disorders develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs. Depending on the condition, this abnormal immune response may contribute to inflammation, fatigue, discomfort, digestive problems, skin changes, joint symptoms, neurologic concerns, and progressive tissue damage.
Examples of autoimmune disorders include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Autoimmune-related skin disorders
Conventional treatment remains essential for diagnosing autoimmune disease, preventing organ damage, controlling serious inflammation, and monitoring disease progression. However, some patients continue to experience persistent symptoms despite receiving appropriate specialist care.
Combining Medical and Naturopathic Approaches
APNS Autoimmune Adjunctive Therapy will combine selected evidence-informed off-label medical treatments with naturopathic and lifestyle interventions. The goal is to support a patient’s existing treatment plan—not replace their rheumatologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, or other specialist.
Depending on the condition and available evidence, adjunctive care may explore:
- Selected off-label prescription medications
- Low-dose naltrexone
- Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating strategies
- Correction of vitamin, mineral, and nutritional deficiencies
- Digestive health and microbiome support
- Identification of individual food sensitivities or dietary triggers
- Sleep improvement
- Stress management and nervous-system regulation
- Appropriate physical activity and rehabilitation
- Evidence-informed vitamins, herbs, and supplements
- Strategies to support energy, function, and quality of life
Not every treatment is appropriate for every autoimmune condition. A therapy that may be helpful for one disorder could be ineffective or unsafe for another. Natural products may also cause side effects, interact with prescription medications, alter immune activity, or interfere with conventional treatment.
Adjunctive Care—Not a Replacement for Specialty Treatment
Autoimmune diseases can cause permanent joint, nerve, intestinal, skin, eye, kidney, lung, heart, or other organ damage when inadequately treated. APNS adjunctive therapy will not replace established disease-modifying medications, required laboratory monitoring, imaging, specialist examinations, or urgent treatment.
Instead, APNS will work alongside the patient’s existing healthcare team to explore additional options that may help:
- Reduce persistent symptoms
- Improve energy and daily functioning
- Support digestive and nutritional health
- Improve sleep and stress resilience
- Address medication-related concerns
- Identify modifiable lifestyle factors
- Support the patient’s overall treatment goals
Patients should never discontinue immunosuppressants, biologic medications, corticosteroids, or other prescribed autoimmune treatments without consulting the clinician who manages those medications.
The Future APNS Autoimmune Program
When the program launches, patients can expect:
- A detailed review of their autoimmune diagnosis and current treatment
- Evaluation of symptoms, lifestyle, nutrition, and treatment goals
- Medication and supplement interaction screening
- Review of available evidence for proposed off-label treatments
- Appropriate laboratory testing and monitoring
- Coordination with existing medical specialists when needed
- A personalized adjunctive plan combining medical and naturopathic options
- Clear explanations of expected benefits, limitations, and potential risks
Launching in 2028
The APNS Autoimmune Adjunctive Therapy program is currently under development and is expected to launch in 2028. APNS is using this time to evaluate emerging research, develop responsible clinical protocols, and determine which medical and naturopathic approaches can be offered safely through Telehealth.
Additional information about eligible conditions, available treatments, appointments, and pricing will be published as the program becomes available.