Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system starts attacking itself… organs, tissues, and cells within the body; nothing is safe In summary, adopting autoimmune holistic treatment empowers you to take charge of your health, reverse symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. By understanding the importance of a balanced immune system, the 7 central mechanisms, and incorporating natural remedies, you can gain the knowledge necessary to effectively reverse your autoimmune conditions and enhance overall wellness.
from a dysfunctional immune system. The associated symptoms can be incapacitating, spanning from persistent fatigue to joint discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, and mental health challenges such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. The gut-brain axis is now well established in science, and when the gut is out of whack, it always drags the brain into its mess.
My Observation on Conventional Therapies’ Inefficiencies
While there might be conventional therapies, they don’t focus on actually reversing autoimmune disease. Allopathic medicine focuses on treating the symptoms, which is like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. The typical biologics or immunosuppressants used have nasty side effects that often end up creating more autoimmune disease and sometimes even cancer.
My focus for the past 20 years has been on the natural treatment for autoimmune disease because it significantly improves the quality of life through reversal and prevention. A significant number of the patients I see have been told by their traditional (allopathic) doctors that there are no natural remedies for autoimmune disorders,and I’m here to tell you that is FALSE. I have helped thousands of patients reverse their autoimmune conditions using natural treatments that don’t have nasty side effects and won’t contribute to creating more disease.
This guide will discuss autoimmune disease and the natural remedies that can help you reverse symptoms and the disease itself, effectively by addressing the 7 central mechanisms.
The importance of a balanced immune system
Maintaining a balanced immune system is essential for overall health and well-being. Ensuring your 7 central mechanisms are functioning properly is the key to a balanced immune system (which we will dive into below).
As you learn about the immune system, one key perspective to understand is that you do not want to “boost” the immune system. What you want to do is rebalance immunity. You don’t want the underactive immune issues like colds, flus, and infections, nor do you want the overactive immune responses like allergies, asthma, eczema, or autoimmune disease itself.
For healing autoimmune disease naturally, you’ll address your 7 central mechanisms that are key to creating a balanced immune system. Here are some of the key benefits of a balanced immune system:
1. Preventing Autoimmune Responses:
Here’s what it does to prevent an autoimmune response: –
2. Stronger defense:
It effectively fights off real foreign cells, bacteria, viruses, yeast/mold/candida, parasites, reducing the burden on the system and preventing mistaken attacks.
3. Regulation mechanisms:
Healthy systems have better “calming” mechanisms to shut down overactive responses before they damage healthy tissues.
4. Tolerance training:
A healthy system learns to recognize and ignore harmless substances, reducing the risk of mistaking “self antibodies” for a threat.
5. Effective Pathogen Defense:
If you have a well-functioning, balanced immune system, it will efficiently recognize and combat pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It produces white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that work together to neutralize and eliminate these invaders before they can cause infections or diseases.
6. Regulating Inflammation:
Autoimmune disease often involves chronic inflammation. A balanced immune system helps regulate this, preventing it from becoming excessive or chronic.
7. Faster Healing:
A balanced immune system facilitates rapid recovery from injuries, cuts, and wounds by deploying immune cells and growth factors that repair damaged tissues. This promotes quicker healing and reduces the risk of complications.
8. Reduced Fatigue:
A strong, balanced immune system minimizes the frequency and severity of illnesses, leading to less downtime and fatigue. When the body’s defenses are effective in warding off common ailments, energy is conserved, and you experience increased vitality and reduced overall fatigue.
Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Conditions
1. Gastrointestinal System
The gut plays a central role in immune function, with approximately 70% of the immune system located in the digestive tract. Autoimmune-related gastrointestinal symptoms include:
- Digestive distress: Chronic bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Inflammatory bowel conditions: Bloody stools, urgency, tenesmus, and severe abdominal cramping (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Malabsorption symptoms: Steatorrhea (fatty stools), unexplained weight loss, nutrient deficiencies
- Celiac-related symptoms: Severe reactions to gluten, including brain fog, headaches, and dermatitis herpetiformis
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): Excessive gas, belching, and food intolerance progression
Importantly, many autoimmune conditions may have subclinical gut dysfunction without obvious digestive symptoms, making comprehensive testing essential.
2. Cortisol and Adrenal Function
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is both a cause and consequence of autoimmune disease:
- Adrenal insufficiency symptoms: Profound fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, salt cravings, hyperpigmentation, orthostatic hypotension
- Circadian rhythm disruption: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, morning grogginess
- Stress intolerance: Inability to handle physical or emotional stress, panic attacks, anxiety
- Blood sugar instability: both high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia), which can result in energy crashes, mood changes, and intense sugar cravings
- Temperature regulation issues: Feeling cold when others are warm, difficulty sweating
3. Food Sensitivities and Immune Reactivity
Food sensitivities in autoimmune conditions extend far beyond classical allergies:
- Delayed hypersensitivity reactions: Symptoms may appear 2–72 hours after consumption, or, in some cases, even weeks later
- Cross-reactivity patterns: Reactions to foods that molecularly mimic tissue antigens (molecular mimicry)
- Histamine intolerance: Flushing, headaches, digestive upset, anxiety after eating high-histamine foods
- Lectin sensitivity: Joint pain, digestive issues from nightshades, grains, and legumes
- FODMAP intolerance: Bloating and digestive distress from fermentable carbohydrates
With proper gut healing protocols, many food sensitivities can resolve as intestinal permeability improves and immune tolerance is restored.
4. Nutrient Absorption and Deficiencies
Autoimmune conditions frequently involve malabsorption and increased nutrient demands:
- B-vitamin deficiencies Fatigue, neurological symptoms, mood disorders, megaloblastic anemia
- Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies: Night blindness (vitamin A), bone pain (vitamin D), easy bruising (vitamin K), muscle weakness (vitamin E)
- Mineral deficiencies: Iron-deficiency anemia, zinc-related immune dysfunction, and magnesium deficiency, causing muscle cramps and arrhythmia
- Antioxidant depletion: Increased oxidative stress, poor wound healing, accelerated aging
- Protein malnutrition: Muscle wasting, edema, poor immune function despite adequate dietary intake
5. Chronic Infections and Pathogen Load
Hidden infections are major triggers and perpetuators of autoimmune disease:
- Viral reactivation symptoms: Chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent sore throats, cognitive dysfunction
- Fungal overgrowth: Chronic sinusitis, brain fog, skin issues, sugar cravings, digestive problems, and recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
- Bacterial infections: Joint pain and swelling, neurological symptoms, cardiac involvement
- Parasitic infections: Digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, allergic reactions, sleep disturbances
- Biofilm-related symptoms: Treatment-resistant infections, recurring symptoms despite antimicrobial therapy
6. Hormonal Disruption
Autoimmune diseases frequently involve multiple endocrine glands:
- Thyroid dysfunction: Temperature intolerance, weight changes, hair loss, cognitive symptoms, menstrual irregularities
- Reproductive hormone imbalances: Infertility, miscarriages, severe PMS, endometriosis, PCOS
- Blood sugar dysregulation: Pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, reactive hypoglycemia
- Growth hormone deficiency: Poor recovery, decreased muscle mass, cognitive decline, mood disorders
- Parathyroid dysfunction: Bone pain, kidney stones, depression, and cognitive impairment.
- Estrogen dominance: Excess estrogen relative to progesterone, which can contribute to PMS, weight gain, and mood swings
7. Environmental Toxin Burden
Modern environmental exposures significantly contribute to autoimmune disease development:
- Heavy metal toxicity: Neurological symptoms, fatigue, joint pain, kidney dysfunction
- Chemical sensitivities: Headaches, respiratory symptoms, skin reactions to perfumes, cleaners, pesticides
- “1”>Mold exposure: Chronic fatigue, brain fog, respiratory issues, multiple chemical sensitivities
- EMF sensitivity: Sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations
- Biotoxin illness: Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) with multi-system symptoms.
A Root-Cause Approach to Reversing Autoimmune Disease Naturally
It’s crucial to note that autoimmune disease often presents with overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis challenging for traditional providers. I often speak with patients who have been to many different doctors and have multiple possible autoimmune disease diagnosis.
With my natural approach for healing autoimmune disease that focuses on your 7 central mechanisms, we don’t need a specific diagnosis of “which autoimmune disease” Because autoimmune disease is ONE BIG disease that may attack any body part, by addressing your 7 central mechanisms, you create a balanced immune system and proper functioning mitochondria. Which gives your body’s innate healing ability all the tools it needs to reverse autoimmune disease naturally and prevent future disease.
When you choose to work with an autoimmune disease doctorlike me, who is board-certified in Functional Medicine, we use appropriate testing to figure out which of the 7 central mechanisms need to be addressed first and create a personal plan for you. Eventually, all of the 7 central mechanisms will be addressed,, and lab testing will help us get to the root quicker.
Reset Calm & Cortisol Supplement Bundle (Cortisol Levels Reset & L-Theanine Cortisol Assist)
Recommended Supplements
1. For the Gut
- Calcium/Magnesium Butyrate, an essential end product of a healthy microbiome, fuels gut cells, fortifying the gut lining and repairing leaky gut.
- Healthy Gut Probiotic is a powerful probiotic supplement featuring four carefully selected strains that restore gut balance, support digestion, strengthen immune function, and promote a healthy gut barrier.
- MegaSporeBiotic – 60 capsules is a probiotic blend of 5 Bacillus spores that have been shown to maintain a healthy gut barrier and immune function.
- L-Glutamine is a vital amino acid crucial during trauma or metabolic stress.
2. For Cortisol Imbalance
- The Reset Calm & Cortisol Supplement Bundle is a natural supplement combination that aims to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and balance cortisol levels by targeting the adrenal glands and promoting relaxation.
- Cortisol Levels Reset helps in stress adaptation, correcting stress hormone levels for natural healing, boosting energy and mental clarity, and supporting a healthy stress response, immune system, and restful sleep.
- L-Theanine – This plant-based amino acid promotes relaxation without inducing drowsiness and helps manage stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.
3. For Invisible Infections
- pH Structured Silver Solution is a 30 parts per million silver solution designed for general internal use and is known for its unique benefits, like microbial defense along with immune support.
4. Food Sensitivities
- WheatRescue™ is a blend of digestive enzymes and probiotics designed to support gluten digestion. It contains DPP-IV and Tolerase G® enzymes, probiotic spores, and yeast, promoting intestinal health and barrier function.
- You can also join our free 7-day email courseto get the steps on how to do an elimination diet and a proper food reintroduction.
5. Vitamin Deficiencies
- Multiplex Complete™ offers over 200 nutrients, including superfoods and organic aloe vera. It provides complete multivitamin and mineral support with no additives, promoting overall health and wellness.
- Dr. David Bilstrom’s Multivitamin – Iron Plus is a comprehensive formula designed for individuals who need extra iron. It supports bone, thyroid, and adrenal health, contains antioxidants, and features optimal mineral absorption.
- Dr. David Bilstrom’s Multivitamin – Iron Free for Men is designed to support men’s unique nutritional needs, including prostate, liver, and adrenal health, with broad-spectrum antioxidant support and optimal mineral absorption.
- The MTHFR Methyl B Complex helps reverse and prevent autoimmune conditions. It contains active B vitamins, vital for methylation, detoxification, and gene expression.
6. For Hormone Imbalances
- Pregnenolone is Dr. David Bilstrom’s supplement associated with stress resistance, hormone balance, brain fog relief, and inflammation control.
- DHEA Pure 5 (dosage for women) and DHEA Pure 25 (dosages for men) a hormones produced by the adrenal glands with diverse health benefits, including hormone production, heart and bone health, and brain function.
7. For Environmental Toxins
- “The Nurse Practitioners’ Guide to Autoimmune Medicine” offers a natural approach to detoxifying and explaining the proper order of healing autoimmune disease to ensure a detox isn’t done too soon. Detoxing before detox pathways are ready can send toxins right back into the bloodstream, causing more issues. This guide is highly recommended for healthcare professionals and patients seeking insightful and actionable information on healing autoimmune disease naturally.
- G.I. Detox™+ is a multi-ingredient detoxification formula with zeolite clay, activated charcoal, apple pectin, and more, supporting full-body cleansing, microbial balance, and mold metabolite clearance.
- HM Protect™ is a comprehensive blend of antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients designed to support the body’s response to environmental heavy metal exposure. In my book, there is a protocol for how to use this supplement to support detoxing in a gentle and effective way.
- Mineral-Plex by NuMedica is a multi-mineral formula in capsule form. It contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D and C, catering to optimal nutritional needs.
Benefits of healing autoimmune disease naturally
Here are some potential advantages associated with natural approaches to reversing autoimmune conditions:
1. Reduced Side Effects
Many conventional pharmaceutical treatments for autoimmune conditions, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, can have significant adverse effects. These can range from organ damage to a compromised immune system, which ironically increases vulnerability to infections and cancer. Natural approaches, on the other hand, typically involve lifestyle and dietary modifications. By addressing the underlying issues, many people find they can reduce their dependence on these powerful medications, thereby minimizing the risk of side effects associated with long-term drug use. This is particularly crucial for chronic conditions where sustained well-being is the ultimate goal.
2. Whole-Body Wellness
Instead of just managing symptoms, natural protocols take a holistic view of your health. This approach incorporates several pillars of well-being, including:
- Dietary changes to reduce inflammation and identify trigger foods.
- Addressing hidden infections (like viruses or gut dysbiosis) that can trigger an immune response.
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins that can disrupt immune function.
3. Targeting the Root Causes
A core principle of natural healing is to identify and address the root cause of the immune dysfunction, rather than simply suppressing the immune system. This often involves:
- Improving Gut Health: A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract, also known as the gut. Conditions like “leaky gut” (increased intestinal permeability) can allow particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Holistic treatment for autoimmune disease focuses on healing the gut lining and balancing the microbiome through diet, probiotics, and targeted nutrients.
- Balancing Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, particularly with cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, can significantly influence autoimmune activity. Natural approaches use diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal support to help regulate these crucial chemical messengers.
- Nutrient Repletion: Many individuals with autoimmune diseases have underlying nutrient deficiencies (such as Vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins) that are critical for proper immune function. A natural approach focuses on identifying and correcting these deficiencies through nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation.
4. Empowerment and Personalization
Natural treatment protocols are rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. They empower you to become an active participant in your own health journey. By tracking your symptoms, food intake, and lifestyle factors, you can identify your unique triggers and learn what works best for your body. This individualized approach puts you in control of your health, leading to more sustainable and long-lasting results. You learn to listen to your body’s signals, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of your own wellness.
Autoimmune Hope
Empower yourself with the knowledge of how and why autoimmune disease occurs, and uncover the science-based Functional Medicine approach to its reversal and prevention. Without using harmful medications that cause nasty side effects.
Our Personalized Approaches to Natural Treatment
My approach offers a personalized and holistic approach to the natural remedies for autoimmune disorders by addressing your 7 central mechanisms involved in a balanced immune system and well-functioning mitochondria. By addressing the root causes of autoimmune conditions, reversal and prevention are happening at the same time. Through advanced testing, nutritional therapies, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions grounded in scientific data, you can achieve optimal health and wellness.
Begin your natural healing journey and benefit from my 20 years of experience in Autoimmune Functional Medicine by joining my Autoimmune Hope course, your path to healing autoimmune disease naturally and restoring lasting wellness.
Conclusion:
In summary, adopting autoimmune holistic treatment empowers you to take charge of your health, reverse symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. By understanding the importance of a balanced immune system, the 7 central mechanisms, and incorporating natural remedies, you can gain the knowledge necessary to effectively reverse your autoimmune conditions and enhance overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medication adjustments should always be supervised by a healthcare professional. Natural therapies can often reduce reliance on medications over time, but stopping prescription drugs without guidance can be dangerous. Combining natural strategies with conventional care is often the safest approach.
No, the natural treatment programs target the underlying immune dysfunction and the 7 central mechanisms, rather than a specific disease label. This approach allows for holistic and personalized healing, even if you have multiple overlapping autoimmune conditions.
Yes. By addressing root causes like gut health, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and environmental toxins, natural protocols can reduce the risk of flare-ups, improve immune regulation, and support long-term wellness.
While diet and lifestyle changes form the foundation, targeted supplementation often helps correct deficiencies, support gut integrity, and balance hormones. Examples include probiotics, vitamin D, omega-3s, adaptogenic herbs, and methylated B-vitamins. Supplements should be chosen based on personal lab testing and needs.
Lifestyle modifications like stress reduction, regular exercise, sleep optimization, and avoiding toxins can significantly support immune health. However, combining these with dietary, hormonal, and gut-targeted interventions generally produces the most consistent results.
