Understanding Autoimmunity: Causes, Symptoms, and the Role of the Gut

Autoimmune conditions are on the rise, yet many people don’t fully understand what’s happening inside their bodies. Put simply, autoimmunity occurs when your immune system — designed to protect you — mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells. Over time, this can lead to chronic symptoms, inflammation, and conditions that affect different parts of the body.

These conditions are usually named after the body part most affected — for example:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis targets the thyroid

• Type 1 diabetes affects the pancreas

• Rheumatoid arthritis focuses on the joints

• Psoriasis – affects the skin

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) – targets the digestive tract

• Lupus – can affect skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs

• Celiac disease – damages the small intestine

• Multiple sclerosis – targets the nervous system

• Ankylosing spondylitis – affects the spine and large joints

While they appear in different areas, many autoimmune conditions begin with the same root issues at the gut–immune interface, where the immune system and digestive system constantly communicate. There are over 100 different autoimmune conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, lupus, and more. Despite their differences, they share common drivers: immune dysregulation, inflammation, and gut imbalances.

How Autoimmunity Happens

Autoimmunity can be triggered by a mix of factors, including:

• Gut imbalances – a compromised gut lining and disrupted microbiome can provoke immune responses

• Infections – chronic or past infections may contribute to immune dysregulation

• Toxins – environmental chemicals and heavy metals can increase inflammation

• Food intolerances – certain foods may aggravate symptoms

• Stress and lifestyle factors – poor sleep, chronic stress, and inactivity can worsen immune imbalance

Flares and Remission

Many people with autoimmune conditions experience cycles of flares and remission. A flare is when symptoms intensify, while remission is a period of reduced or absent symptoms. Lifestyle, diet, stress, and other triggers can influence these cycles. Understanding what drives your flares — and what supports remission — is key to managing autoimmune health effectively.

Modern medicine often focuses on managing specific autoimmune conditions and their symptoms, rather than addressing these underlying drivers. That’s why approaches targeting root causes — like gut health, inflammation, and immune balance — can be so effective.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

• Fatigue or low energy

• Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea

• Joint pain or swelling

• Skin changes, rashes, or hair loss

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Tracking symptoms can help you identify patterns and understand how food, lifestyle, and other factors affect your immune system.

Taking Action: The 30-Day AIP Reset

If you’re looking for a structured way to address these root causes, the 30-Day AIP Reset provides a step-by-step program designed to:

• Calm inflammation and support gut healing

• Identify foods that trigger symptoms

• Provide practical tools for meal planning, symptom tracking, and lifestyle support

• Guide you through elimination, reintroduction, and long-term balance

By targeting the underlying factors common to many autoimmune conditions, this reset can help you feel empowered, reduce flare-ups, and support long-term balance — no matter which autoimmune condition you’re managing.

As these core drivers are addressed, other contributing factors like infections, toxins, or food sensitivities are less able to provoke symptoms, allowing your body to settle and recover more effectively."

With clear guidance, simple step-by-step instructions, and AIP-friendly recipes, the 30-Day Autoimmune Reset takes the guesswork out of managing your immune health. You’ll have practical tools for meal planning, symptom tracking, and lifestyle support — everything you need to regain control, reduce flare-ups, and feel your best.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the 30-Day Autoimmune Reset – From Triggers to Recovery Protocol below.

START YOUR RESET NOW