Better Health Starts at the Root.

A Root-cause Autoimmune Integrative Practice

What is Root-Cause Medicine?

Root cause medicine seeks to first identify and address the fundamental causes of health conditions, offering a pathway to resolve symptoms at their source, as opposed to the conventional allopathic medicine approach focusing on symptoms in hopes of indirectly finding the root problem. At HVIH our integrative practice focuses on systematically alleviating and removing immune dysfunction at the source.

Meet Dr. Somer

Dr. Somer brings a unique vision to pediatric healthcare, aiming to change the lives of children and their families dealing with complex health conditions. With over 20 years of experience, she's dedicated to identifying the underlying causes of immune dysfunction and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, PANS/PANDAS, and autoimmune disorders.

Noticing the limitations of traditional healthcare's focus on symptom management, Dr. Somer was inspired to integrate the depth of integrative care with the precision of medical science. Her education from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from SUNY Upstate Medical University, combined with mentorship from experts like Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Kenneth Bock, has equipped her with a global reputation for developing personalized treatment plans.

At Hudson Valley Integrative Health, Dr. Somer has introduced a revolutionary 10-key approach to address the root causes of immune dysfunction comprehensively. As a member of ILADS and a fellow in the American Academy of Ozone Therapy, she ensures her treatments are guided by the latest research, blending her expertise with genuine compassion to offer hope and improved quality of life to families.

Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Somer prioritizes nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health, highlighting her commitment to treating the whole patient. The Somer Institute, her brainchild, stands as a testament to her philosophy, combining rigorous, data-driven approaches with a nuanced understanding of health. It's this dedication to personalized, informed care that distinguishes Dr. Somer's practice, making it a beacon for those seeking alternatives to conventional medicine and fostering a healthier, empowered community.

Dr. Somer DelSignore (Founder/CEO), MSN, DNP, PCCNP, BC-PNP, AAOT Fellow, ILADS Member, MAPS Member

The10 Root-Causes of Immune Dysfunction

Understanding is the first step to healing. By breaking down complex immune disorders into ten digestible root causes, we transform what can seem overwhelming into manageable, targeted treatments. This comprehensive approach is essential for several key reasons:

  1. Comprehensive Understanding: This approach allows for a more complete understanding of each person's unique health challenges. By considering various factors like infections, genetics, and environmental impacts, we gain a complete view of the child's condition, ensuring no aspect of their health is overlooked.

  2. Personalized Treatment Plans: Understanding the specific root causes enables tailored treatments. This individualized approach is crucial especially for children, whose responses to illnesses and treatments can significantly differ from adults. It ensures that therapies are precisely targeted to their unique needs.

  3. Prevention of Misdiagnosis: Autoimmune disorders often present with overlapping symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions. By systematically evaluating all potential root causes, we reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, leading to more accurate and effective treatment strategies.

  • Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites, Including Common Viruses

    Infections compromise the immune system by directly attacking immune cells and triggering chronic inflammation. Common viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can overwhelm the body's defenses, leading to an overactive immune response that causes further damage. Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, often evade the immune system and create persistent infections, while opportunistic infections like Mycoplasma and Epstein-Barr Virus can weaken immune regulation, making the body more susceptible to other illnesses. Transient exposures to family members, siblings, and friends who may carry illness may also trigger further immune dysregulation.

  • Vitamins & Minerals, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids

    Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system by depriving it of essential nutrients necessary for its functioning. Lack of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids can lead to reduced production of immune cells and antioxidants like glutathione, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.

  • Gut Microbiome, Intestinal Permeability, Digestive Disorders

    Poor gastrointestinal health affects the immune system by disrupting the gut microbiome and increasing intestinal permeability. This can lead to a weakened barrier against pathogens and an imbalanced immune response, contributing to systemic inflammation and autoimmune reactions.

  • Toxins, Allergens, Occupational Hazards, Living Environment

    Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can compromise the immune system by inducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Heavy metals and mycotoxins, for instance, can accumulate in tissues, disrupting immune function and making the body more prone to autoimmune disorders.

  • Antibiotics, Immunosuppressants, Steroids

    Certain medications, such as antibiotics and steroids, can weaken the immune system by disrupting the natural balance of gut microbiota or suppressing immune responses. This can leave the body more vulnerable to secondary infections and reduce its ability to fight off diseases.

  • Stress Management, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity

    Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like poor stress management and inadequate sleep, impair the immune system by disrupting hormonal balance and increasing inflammation. Lack of physical activity can also weaken the body's natural defense mechanisms against diseases.

  • Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Stress, Cognitive Function

    Chronic stress and emotional instability can suppress the immune system by releasing hormones that promote inflammation and reduce the body's ability to combat infections, leading to increased susceptibility to illnesses.

  • Inherited Disorders, Gene Mutations, Epigenetic Changes

    Certain genetic factors predispose individuals to immune dysfunctions.For example, variations in the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes, which are crucial for the immune system's ability to recognize foreign substances, can increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. These genetic differences can change how the immune system handles infections and reacts to treatments, leading to a higher risk of autoimmune and other immune-related issues.

  • Endocrine Disorders, Menstrual Cycle, Age-related Changes

    Hormonal imbalances can compromise immune function by affecting the regulation and activity of immune cells. Imbalances in hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone can disrupt immune responses, making the body less effective at fighting off infections.

  • Alcohol, Recreational Drugs, Tobacco

    Substance abuse weakens the immune system by impairing its functions and increasing the body's vulnerability to infections. Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco can suppress immune responses and hinder the body's ability to recover from infections and inflammation.

How do we treat our patients?

Our Treatment Protocol

Starting with a comprehensive initial consult, our patient care unfolds in structured 8-week phases, each meticulously designed to assess progress, adjust treatments, and ensure every step we take together is tailored towards achieving your health goals.

Phase 01: Learn

Gather information, build a comprehensive patient picture

Phase 02: Plan

Data-driven decision-making based on data prioritizing your health goals.

Phase 03: Act

Engage in a personalized plan to suit your life and work together to make it successful.

Phase 04: Adapt

Review and adjust to meet changing health goals, challenges, and objectives.

Our Treatment Protocol.

Starting with a comprehensive initial consult, our patient care unfolds in structured 8-week phases, each meticulously designed to assess progress, adjust treatments, and ensure every step we take together is tailored towards achieving your health goals.

    • Review the Immune Dysfunction Assessment to understand symptom patterns and severity.

    • Collect an in-depth medical history to identify any underlying conditions and hereditary factors.

    • Discuss lifestyle and environmental factors that could influence immune function.

    • Analyze the correlation between reported symptoms and the 10 root causes of immune dysfunction.

    • Engage in a dialogue about symptom onset, duration, and previous management efforts.

    • Prioritize symptoms based on the patient's subjective experience and objective assessment.

    • Classify symptoms based on the urgency and impact on the patient's daily function and quality of life.

    • Set clear, attainable health outcomes for the immediate, short-term, and long-term phases.

    • Align symptom management strategies with the patient's personal health objectives.

    • Our team works closely with both the patient and partnered labs to determine which tests will provide the most valuable insights into their immune dysfunction across all ten categories.

    • Utilizing the latest advancements in medical diagnostics, we ensure a broad and thorough analysis, covering areas from infection to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

    • The results from our partner labs form the basis of our personalized treatment plans. By analyzing this data, we can identify underlying health issues and craft targeted interventions that address the root causes of symptoms.

    • Provide immediate care strategies for acute symptom relief to enhance patient comfort.

    • Evaluate the efficacy of acute treatments as a gateway to understanding broader health issues.

    • Ensure acute care aligns with overall health goals and doesn't interfere with long-term treatment plans.

    • Personalized Objectives: We align the treatment plans with the individual's health goals, whether it's managing a chronic condition or optimizing overall well-being.

    • Dynamic Adaptability: As we monitor the patient's progress, the treatment plans are continuously refined to adapt to evolving health needs.

    • Collaborative Care: We actively involve patients and their families in the decision-making process, ensuring that each treatment step resonates with their preferences and lifestyle.

    • Encourage patients to engage actively in the treatment process, reinforcing their autonomy.

    • Set up a feedback loop for patients to report back on their treatment experience and outcomes.

    • Adapt treatment plans in response to patient feedback, fostering a collaborative care experience.

    • Schedule systematic reassessments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

    • Use ongoing patient feedback and the latest medical insights to refine treatment approaches.

    • Focus on long-term health optimization, adjusting strategies to support sustained wellness and quality of life.

What we specialize in.

Mold/Mycotoxin and Enviromental Treatment

We understand the interconnected effects of other exposures. Environmental exposures can pose an impediment to your healing. We specialize in mycotoxin, environmental and heavy metal testing. We provide comprehensive treatment to resolve this component of illness

Tickborne Co-infection Management

We delve deeper than just treating Lyme disease symptoms, using our unique 10-key approach to identify and address various factors contributing to immune dysfunction, ensuring a thorough treatment plan.

Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease Treatment

Specializing in the mental health impacts of Lyme disease, we recognize that these infections can trigger or worsen neuropsychiatric conditions, and we provide targeted, integrative care.

Pediatric Autoimmune and Neuroinflammatory Expertise

Our clinic is dedicated to children's health, understanding that tick-borne infections can often be the trigger for underlying autoimmune and neuroinflammatory conditions in young patients.

Integrative Approach to Chronic Illness and Immune Disorders

We treat chronic illnesses like PANS, PANDAS, and SIBO by looking at the bigger picture, considering how infections might activate these dormant conditions and focusing on overall immune health.

Customized Advanced Infusion Therapy Options

Offering a range of infusion therapies, including immune support, mycotoxin treatment, and SOT (Selective Oligonucleotide) Infusion therapy, along with limited IVIG options, available for both in-home and in-clinic treatments within the Tri-State Area of New York.

Comprehensive Integrative Nutritional Support

We provide nutritional plans as part of our comprehensive care, understanding that diet plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from the effects of tick-borne diseases and related immune challenges.

Let’s get you healthy

We just need a few details to get you started, we’re so excited to be part of your journey to better health.

FAQs

  • We specialize in the treatment of Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, autoimmune diseases, and pediatric autoimmune and neuroinflammatory conditions. We also focus on chronic illnesses and immune dysregulation conditions such as PANS, PANDAS, and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth).

  • Our approach to Lyme disease and its co-infections is comprehensive and integrative. We focus not just on the infection itself but also on the overall immune response and potential neuropsychiatric impacts. We use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient.

  • We offer a range of infusion therapies including immune support, mycotoxin treatment, nutritional infusions, and SOT (Selective Oligonucleotide) Infusion therapy. These therapies can benefit patients with various immune-related conditions, including those with chronic infections and autoimmune disorders. We also provide limited IVIG options for both in-home and in-clinic treatments within the Tri-State Area of New York.

  • Yes, we provide specialized care for children with neuroinflammatory conditions. Our treatments are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients, including those with conditions triggered by infections and environmental factors. Our team is experienced in managing these complex cases with a gentle, child-friendly approach.

Visit Us

291 Main St, Suite 101

Beacon, New York 12508

(By Appointment Only)

Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10am-5pm

Friday
10am–1pm

Closed Saturday/Sunday

Phone
(845) 592-0727

Info@somerinstitute.com