Your immune system is designed to protect you from harmful organisms and other threats. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own cells, tissues, or organs.
There are many different autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any part of the body. Symptoms can also vary significantly from person to person.
Understanding how autoimmune conditions work—and why symptoms may change over time—can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare professional.
What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases. Some primarily affect one organ or system, while others can affect multiple areas of the body.
Examples include:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Type 1 diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Each condition has its own characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.
What Are Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Conditions?
Symptoms depend on the specific condition and which tissues are affected.
Some people may experience:
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Digestive symptoms
- Skin changes
- Swelling or inflammation
- Changes in weight
- Recurring symptoms or flare-ups
- Fever
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
These symptoms are not specific to autoimmune disease. Fatigue, digestive problems, and other common symptoms can occur for many reasons.
What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?
The exact causes of most autoimmune diseases are not fully understood.
Research suggests that autoimmune disease can involve a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental or other factors.
Potential influences may include:
- Genetics
- Infections
- Environmental exposures
- Hormonal factors
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Other lifestyle and health factors
Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will develop an autoimmune disease.
The Role of Genetics
Genetics can influence a person's susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases.
However, genetic predisposition does not necessarily determine whether someone will develop an autoimmune condition. Environmental and physiological factors can also play important roles.
This is one reason personalized healthcare can be useful when evaluating complex health concerns.
Can Gut Health Be Related to Autoimmune Health?
The digestive tract and immune system are closely connected.
A significant portion of the body's immune activity is associated with tissues in and around the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome also interacts with the immune system and may influence immune regulation.
Researchers continue to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome, intestinal barrier function, inflammation, and autoimmune disease.
However, the science is complex, and claims that simply “healing the gut” can cure autoimmune disease are not supported for all autoimmune conditions.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose every autoimmune disease.
Diagnosis may involve:
- Medical history
- Symptoms and physical examination
- Blood tests
- Imaging
- Disease-specific diagnostic criteria
- Other testing when appropriate
Some autoimmune conditions can take time to diagnose because their symptoms overlap with many other health conditions.
If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, working with an appropriate healthcare professional can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Treated?
Many autoimmune diseases can be managed with appropriate medical care.
Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include medications, lifestyle strategies, nutritional approaches, physical therapy, or other interventions.
People with autoimmune diseases should work with qualified healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Complementary or naturopathic approaches should be discussed with your medical team rather than used to replace necessary treatment.
Supporting Overall Health With an Autoimmune Condition
While specific recommendations vary, foundational health practices can support overall wellbeing.
These may include:
- Eating a nutritious and balanced diet
- Getting adequate sleep
- Staying physically active within appropriate limits
- Managing stress
- Avoiding tobacco
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Keeping regular medical appointments
Some people may also benefit from identifying individual factors that appear to worsen their symptoms.
A Whole-Person Perspective
Autoimmune conditions can affect more than one aspect of health. Someone living with an autoimmune disease may also experience digestive symptoms, hormonal changes, fatigue, sleep difficulties, or nutritional concerns.
A naturopathic approach may consider these factors alongside conventional medical care.
Dr. Lauren Deville focuses on personalized naturopathic care and considers the connections between digestive health, hormone balance, immune function, nutrition, and other aspects of whole-person wellness.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Talk with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms, especially if they are affecting your daily activities or becoming progressively worse.
If you already have an autoimmune diagnosis, regular medical monitoring is important to manage the condition and identify changes that may require treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are autoimmune diseases curable?
There is currently no single cure for all autoimmune diseases. Some individual autoimmune conditions can be effectively managed, and treatment depends on the specific disease and individual circumstances.
Can stress cause an autoimmune disease?
Stress can affect immune, hormonal, and nervous system function, but autoimmune diseases generally involve multiple contributing factors. Stress alone should not be assumed to be the cause of an autoimmune condition.
Can diet help with autoimmune disease?
Nutrition can play an important role in overall health, but there is no universal “autoimmune diet” that works for every condition or individual. Dietary changes should be personalized and, when appropriate, discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Are autoimmune diseases genetic?
Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases, but having a genetic predisposition does not mean that a person will necessarily develop an autoimmune condition.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. People with suspected or diagnosed autoimmune conditions should work with qualified healthcare professionals for individualized care.