Understanding Autoimmunity: Causes, Triggers, and Natural Support

Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions where the immune system misidentifies healthy cells as foreign invaders. This leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and a wide range of symptoms depending on the organ or system affected.

Most Common Autoimmune Diseases

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – immune attack on the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism

• Graves’ disease – thyroid overactivity due to immune stimulation

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – inflammation of joints and synovium

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – widespread inflammation affecting skin, joints, kidneys, and more

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) – immune attack on nerve coverings (myelin)

• Type 1 diabetes – destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affecting the gut

• Celiac disease – immune reaction to gluten damaging the small intestine

  
  

What Causes Autoimmunity?

While genetics play a role, environmental and lifestyle factors account for 90–95% of risk. Key contributors include:

• Genetic predisposition (family history of autoimmunity)

• Infections that trigger immune dysregulation

• Stress long term or chronic stress can impair the immune system

• Environmental toxins (chemicals, pollutants, heavy metals)

• Gut health issues such as leaky gut and dysbiosis

• Dietary triggers that overstimulate the immune system

  
  

Food Triggers

Certain foods are known to worsen autoimmune conditions by promoting inflammation or gut permeability:

• Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)

• Dairy (casein and lactose)

• Eggs (especially egg whites)

• Grains (corn, rice, oats, millet)

• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant – for some individuals)

• Soy and industrial seed oils

• Sugar and refined carbohydrates

• Processed meats and additives

• Alcohol

Healing diets like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or Mediterranean diet emphasize anti-inflammatory foods: leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, wild-caught fish, olive oil, berries, turmeric, ginger, and bone broth.

Supplements That May Help

Supporting immune balance and gut repair can be achieved with:

• Vitamin D – modulates immune activity

• Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation

• Probiotics – restore gut microbiome balance

• Zinc & selenium – support thyroid and immune function

• L-glutamine – helps repair gut lining

• Curcumin (turmeric extract) – anti-inflammatory properties

One should not rely on these supplements alone. Dietary changes and stress management should be included.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy offers a gentle, individualized approach. Remedies are chosen based on symptom patterns rather than disease labels. Commonly used remedies include:

• Arsenicum album – for fatigue, anxiety, and digestive issues

• Sulphur – for skin flare-ups and systemic inflammation

• Rhus toxicodendron – for joint stiffness and pain (RA, lupus)

• Sepia – for hormonal and thyroid-related autoimmune conditions

• Calcarea carbonica – for sluggish metabolism and immune imbalance

Autoimmunity is not caused by a single factor but by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, stress, diet, and gut health. Identifying food triggers, supporting the immune system with targeted supplements, and considering holistic approaches like homeopathy can empower individuals to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Every meal and lifestyle choice can either fuel inflammation or foster healing. By combining these insights with holistic strategies, we can create a more balanced path toward wellness.

I have managed my Hashimoto's symptoms for years with these natural measures. If you would like help with your autoimmune disease, I'm happy to discuss.