5 Steps To Drive Autoimmune Disease Into Remission

Have you recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease? If so, you’re not alone. In the United States, approximately 50 million people—or one-sixth of the population—are living with at least one autoimmune condition. Once diagnosed, your chances of developing additional autoimmune diseases increase, unless you take action to reduce the inflammation and halt the immune system’s self-attacking response.

The conventional medical approach often treats autoimmune diseases as incurable, focusing on symptom management. However, in functional medicine, we take a different view. We now know that while the genetic switch for autoimmunity may be “flipped on,” you can use the power of epigenetics—your environment and lifestyle choices—to dim that switch and drive your condition into remission.

When dealing with an active autoimmune disease, the goal in functional and integrative medicine is to calm the hyperactive immune response and extinguish the inflammatory fires that accompany it.

5 Steps to Put Out Your Autoimmune Fire and Achieve Remission

While autoimmune diseases may target different organs or tissues, the path to remission follows the same five key steps.

Step 1: Manage and Reduce Stress

This isn’t just theoretical. We all know stress contributes to illness, but for those with autoimmune conditions, stress triggers specific immune pathways that can worsen symptoms. Here’s how:

• Stress activates immune cells called Th17, which contribute to autoimmune tissue destruction.
• It also engages the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), causing a cascade of inflammation.

By shifting into parasympathetic mode (rest and digest), you can reverse these effects. The more often you activate your parasympathetic system, the more effectively you’ll reduce inflammation. Consider using a meditation app like Headspace or Waking Up. You could also try biofeedback tools like Heartmath or Muse to monitor and improve your stress response.

Step 2: Identify Food Triggers

Certain foods can provoke an immune reaction, leading to inflammation. This happens when the immune system mistakes food proteins for harmful invaders, a process that can lead to molecular mimicry, where the immune system starts attacking your own tissues.

Food sensitivities often involve IgG antibodies, which cause delayed reactions like eczema, joint pain, congestion, or headaches. To identify problem foods, consider an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing.

Step 3: Address Microbial Triggers

Research links gut dysbiosis—an imbalance of microbes like viruses, bacteria, yeast, or parasites—to autoimmune diseases. It’s essential to evaluate your gut microbiome annually to detect any microbial imbalances that may be fueling your autoimmune condition. A comprehensive test like the GI-MAP is the best tool for assessing your gut health.

Step 4: Boost Regulatory T Cells (Treg Cells)

Treg cells help calm the autoimmune response by downregulating the harmful Th17 cells. Activating your parasympathetic system can increase Treg cells, but there are other strategies too:

• Oxytocin-boosting activities like love, affection, and even petting your dog or cat.
• Exercise and Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), which raise natural endorphins.
• The Fasting Mimicking Diet, once a month until you reach remission. Learn more here.
• Meditation practice or biofeedback tools like Heartmath or Muse.
• Movement practices like yoga, tai chi, or Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement®.
• Ensuring your circadian rhythms, sleep, and stress hormones are well-regulated.

Step 5: Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients

Several nutrients work by reducing inflammation through different pathways. Some target the prostaglandin system, which is the same pathway used by over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. Others boost Treg cells or inhibit the inflammatory NF-kB pathway. Key nutrients include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish (research shows flax oil isn’t as effective).
• GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an anti-inflammatory fatty acid found in evening primrose or borage oil.
• Vitamins E, A, and D, which support immune function.
• Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.
• Turmeric, particularly in well-absorbed forms like curcumin.
• Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by healthy gut bacteria.
• Probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri, L. casei, and L. plantarum.
• Glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant.
• Fruits and non-starchy vegetables, especially cruciferous veggies and blueberries.

By following these five steps, you can make significant strides in controlling your autoimmune disease and entering remission.

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start?

I’m here to support you. My four-month Road to Remission program is specifically designed to guide women through these five critical steps, helping you take control of your health and move towards lasting recovery. Together, we’ll address the root causes of your autoimmune condition and empower you with the tools you need to regain balance and thrive.