Understanding Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease is a broad term describing a set of disorders in which the body’s own immune system misfires and begins attacking self-cells, tissues or organs rather than only defending against external threats. An autoimmune condition means your immune system cannot reliably distinguish between a “foreign” invader and your own tissue.
There are more than 100 known autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Why Does Autoimmunity Happen?
There isn’t one single cause — it’s a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Common triggers include:
Chronic stress or trauma
Gut microbiome imbalance and intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
Viral or bacterial infections
Exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals, mold, chemicals)
Nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin D and omega-3s)
These factors can disrupt immune balance, leading your defence system to misidentify your own tissues as threats.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Autoimmune diseases can affect nearly any system; symptoms vary widely. Common signs include:
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or poor concentration
Muscle or joint pain
Digestive issues or food sensitivities
Skin rashes or changes
Fluctuating weight or temperature intolerance
Periods of “flare-ups” of symptoms and remissions
If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while and standard testing keeps coming back normal, an autoimmune or inflammatory process could be part of the picture.
The Immunology of Autoimmunity
Your immune system relies on a balance between different types of immune cells that either promote or control inflammation.
Th17 Cells and IL-17
Th17 cells are part of your body’s first line of defence, helping to fight off bacteria and fungi.
They produce a pro-inflammatory cytokine called IL-17, which recruits more immune cells to the site of infection.
When this system becomes overactive, IL-17 can cause excessive inflammation and tissue damage — a key factor in conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Treg Cells (Regulatory T Cells)
Think of Treg cells as the “brakes” of your immune system.
They release anti-inflammatory signals (like IL-10 and TGF-β) that tell the immune system when to stop attacking.
When Treg cells are weak or outnumbered, inflammation can spiral out of control — allowing autoimmunity and systemic inflammation to proliferate
Finding Balance: Th17 vs. Treg
In a healthy body, Th17 and Treg cells keep each other in check.
Too many Th17 cells = too much inflammation.
Too few Treg cells = not enough regulation.
Modern lifestyles — with chronic stress, processed food, poor sleep, and gut dysbiosis — often shift this balance toward Th17 dominance, fueling inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
The Role of Th2 and Antibodies
Another type of helper immune cell, called Th2, helps B cells make antibodies.
In some autoimmune diseases (like lupus), this system becomes hyperactive, producing auto-antibodies — proteins that mistakenly attack healthy tissues.
Lab Tests to Explore Autoimmunity
When autoimmune disease is suspected, specific lab tests help identify inflammation and immune activity. Common examples include:
General inflammation markers
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
Autoimmune screening
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) – screens for systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus or scleroderma
ENA panel – includes anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-SSA/SSB, and others to pinpoint specific autoimmune types
RF and Anti-CCP – used for rheumatoid arthritis
TPO antibodies – to screen for autoimmune thyroid disease
Organ and metabolic health
CBC & Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – assess liver, kidney, and blood health
Urinalysis – checks for inflammation or kidney involvement
Your healthcare provider may also consider vitamin D, omega-3, and thyroid hormone levels, as well as functional testing, to get a fuller picture.
Supporting Immune Balance Naturally
Understanding the immune imbalance helps guide a more targeted, root-cause approach to healing. Naturopathic strategies often include:
Optimizing gut health – repairing the intestinal barrier and supporting a healthy microbiome
Reducing inflammatory triggers – such as food sensitivities, processed foods, and environmental toxins
Nutrient support – assessing for nutrient deficiencies and correcting where appropriate
Stress regulation – using mindfulness, adaptogenic herbs, or acupuncture to reduce the impact of chronic stress on immune function
Lifestyle foundations – regular movement, restorative sleep, and balanced nutrition
These steps help shift the immune system back toward tolerance — increasing Treg activity, calming Th17-driven inflammation, and reducing the likelihood of flares.