Auto-immune disease

The human immune system is
complex and powerful.

It must be on guard at all times to distinguish
between friend and foe.

The gastrointestinal tract, being the largest surface organ in the human body, is the main defence line and the immune system is concentrated there. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get it right and sometimes attacks the body’s own cells, causing a multitude of “autoimmune” diseases, from Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease to Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is emerging clinical evidence that point to auto-immunity and changes in the microbiome.

How auto-immune disease can manifest

Autoimmune Diseases Symptoms

Diagram 2 - Illustrates how Auto-immunity has the potential to affect different areas of the body and trigger a wide range of symptoms.

In many cases, symptoms can have a gradual onset and may affect more than one organ or system. These symptoms may fluctuate or persist chronically — lasting three months or longer. This is illustrated in Diagram 2.

Brain – Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Skin – Eczema, Dermatitis, Acne, Psoriasis, Rashes, Vitiligo, Scleroderma.

Thyroid and Hormonal System – Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, Adrenal dysfunction, Diabetes.

Blood and Immune System – Leukaemia, Lymphatic disorders, Anaemia.

Gastrointestinal Tract – Ulcerative colitis, Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease.

Musculoskeletal System – Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Polymyalgia rheumatica, Ankylosing spondylitis.

Nervous System – Peripheral neuropathy, Dementia

A Personalised Approach to Autoimmune Care

AAt Lantern Clinic, our experienced clinicians use a Functional Medicine approach to get to the root cause of your health issues. We look beyond the diagnosis to understand your full story and create a personalised treatment plan.

Your journey begins with a month of in-depth assessment, followed by a tailored plan and ongoing clinical support. Most patients work with us for 3–6 months or more, depending on the complexity of their condition.

  • We use the first month of working together to collect a rich current and past medical history using the Living Matrix questionnaire. We are interested in hearing all that you feel is relevant to your past and current health concerns. We then build a comprehensive health timeline report which helps us to understand the state of your health and assess your needs.

  • We utilise the latest cutting-edge functional lab testing to diagnose and then develop a personalised treatment plan. Testing may include:

    • Nutritional: food intolerances, allergies and sensitivities

    • Gut health: microbiome testing

    • Hormonal: female and male hormones

    • Toxic burden: heavy metals

    • Allergies

  • Knowledge is power. However, too much information can be overwhelming and confusing. At the Lantern Clinic, we are with you every step of the way, helping you understand your body and your symptoms to make the most informed choices based on your test results.

  • At different points in your bespoke treatment plan you will receive consultations and health coaching. These sessions are so that we can review our findings with you and recommend precision medicine and preventative lifestyle measures based directly on your personal data and testing results. Ongoing coaching is an important part of the Functional Medicine journey and will allow us to monitor your progress and review your treatment plan. These sessions are where you get to explore any problem areas of your treatment plan and seek further advice. Your journey to better health and wellness is a collaborative one and we are honoured to support you every step of the way.

  • We offer supplementation and functional herbal therapy based on your test results and personal data. You can rest assured that you are only taking what is needed and that supplementation is targeted and effective.

  • After an initial month working together, we will create a bespoke treatment plan for you which may involve:

    • Targeted nutritional advice

    • Movement therapy

    • Supplementation and functional herbal therapy

    • Bespoke medication advice

    • Lifestyle modifications

    • Ongoing support and guidance

    This is a personal treatment plan created for you based on the analysis and data received from your testing and health timeline. You will be invited to carry out the plan for a period of 4-6 weeks after which time, we will meet for a review of your progress. During the 4-6 week period we will be on hand to offer support and troubleshooting.

  • Your health and wellbeing is not always linear and there may be times (even after you have recovered) that you need our ongoing support. Once you have joined the Lantern Clinic and worked with us on an initial treatment plan, you will be able to book in as a returning patient to troubleshoot specific health issues should the need arise. At certain times, you may also wish to retest and check in on your health and we can support and accommodate further testing.

Functional Medicine Services

Lantern Clinic, founded by Dr. Kitova-John, is home to a dedicated team of functional practitioners focused on your health and well-being. Our personalised treatment plans are tailored to your unique symptoms and health history—because no two patients are alike.

We recommend evidence-based functional testing only when essential to uncovering the root cause of your symptoms. Our lean approach to supplements and medications ensures you get only what’s truly necessary.

With a focus on nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep, we support your overall health and long-term wellness.

Together, we’ll help you achieve your health goals!

Not sure which plan is for you?

Functional Treatment Plan

Tired of battling persistent symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, allergies, or gut issues?

Frustrated that conventional medicine hasn’t uncovered the root cause on your health challenges? Our doctors combine decades of clinical experience with advanced training in functional medicine to guide you back to optimal health. 

We create personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your unique needs—helping you feel like yourself again.

When I came to the Lantern Clinic, I was experiencing frequent, severe flare-ups of lymphocytic colitis. The only treatment offered through the NHS was steroids, which only masked the symptoms temporarily and worsened an underlying condition. The prospect of living with this disease long-term felt bleak.

The testing provided by Lantern Clinic was incredibly thorough — far beyond anything available through the NHS — and gave real insight into what was driving my symptoms.

Within just 8 weeks of targeted supplements, my symptoms had virtually disappeared. The impact on my life has been enormous. I’ve also felt fully supported throughout, with the ability to contact the team whenever I had a question. The nutritionist’s guidance was invaluable, and she was always accessible. You truly can’t put a price on care that restores your long-term health.

Our Journal

Browse our blog articles written by Dr Margarita on a range of health and wellness topics.