Autoimmune Disease
When the immune system turns against itself. Autoimmune diseases are exploding— but they're not random. They have root causes that can be addressed.
What Is Autoimmunity?
Normal Immunity
The immune system has sophisticated mechanisms to distinguish "self" from "non-self." It attacks pathogens, cancer cells, and foreign invaders while leaving your own tissues alone.
Autoimmunity
The immune system loses tolerance and begins attacking the body's own tissues. Which tissue is attacked determines which autoimmune disease you get—thyroid, joints, nervous system, etc.
The Autoimmune Triad
Research shows three factors must be present for autoimmune disease to develop:
1. Genetic Susceptibility
Certain genes (like HLA variants) predispose to autoimmunity. But genes are not destiny—they just load the gun.
2. Leaky Gut
Intestinal permeability allows antigens to contact the immune system. This is the environmental trigger that pulls the trigger.
3. Environmental Trigger
Infections, toxins, stress, or food antigens trigger the attack. Molecular mimicry can confuse self with invader.
Remove leaky gut or the trigger, and the disease can be reversed or put into remission.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
Hashimoto's
Attacks thyroid. Most common autoimmune disease. Causes hypothyroidism.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Attacks joints. Causes inflammation, pain, deformity.
Lupus (SLE)
Attacks multiple organs. Skin, joints, kidneys, brain.
Multiple Sclerosis
Attacks myelin in brain/spinal cord. Neurological symptoms.
Type 1 Diabetes
Attacks pancreatic beta cells. No insulin production.
Celiac Disease
Attacks intestinal lining when gluten is consumed.
Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis
Attacks digestive tract. Inflammation, pain, bleeding.
Psoriasis
Attacks skin cells. Rapid turnover causes plaques.
Graves' Disease
Stimulates thyroid. Causes hyperthyroidism.
⚠️ Root Causes & Triggers
Leaky Gut
Required for autoimmunity. Heal the gut, calm the immune system.
Gluten
Opens tight junctions in everyone. Major trigger especially for thyroid autoimmunity.
Infections
EBV, Lyme, yersinia, H. pylori linked to various autoimmune diseases via molecular mimicry.
Toxins
Heavy metals, mold, pesticides can trigger immune dysfunction.
Chronic Stress
Dysregulates immune system. Major trigger for flares.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D regulates immune tolerance. Low levels = higher autoimmune risk.
Microbiome Disruption
Antibiotics, C-sections, formula feeding disrupt immune training.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, postpartum, menopause are common onset times. Explains female predominance.
Poor Sleep
Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers and immune dysfunction.
✅ Addressing Root Causes
Heal the Gut
Address leaky gut with the 5R protocol. This is foundational.
Eliminate Gluten
100% elimination for at least 3-6 months. Cross-reactivity matters.
Optimize Vitamin D
Target 60-80 ng/mL. Powerful immune modulator.
Address Infections
Test for and treat chronic infections that may be triggers.
Reduce Toxin Load
Clean up environment. Support detoxification pathways.
Manage Stress
Stress is a major flare trigger. Prioritize rest and recovery.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
AIP (Autoimmune Protocol), Wahls Protocol, or similar elimination diet.
Sleep 7-9 Hours
Sleep is when the immune system rebalances. Non-negotiable.
Support Glutathione
NAC, glycine, glutamine support the master antioxidant.
Metabolic Connections
Leaky Gut
Intestinal permeability is required for autoimmunity to develop
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation drives and sustains autoimmune attacks
Vitamin D
Powerful immune modulator—deficiency increases autoimmune risk
Glutathione
Low glutathione is common in autoimmune conditions
Stress
Chronic stress triggers and exacerbates autoimmune flares
Thyroid
Hashimoto's is the most common autoimmune disease