Autoimmune Disease by the Numbers: What the Stats Reveal

Autoimmune diseases are no longer rare, mysterious conditions.
With rates on the rise, they now affect millions worldwide, often with life-altering symptoms and delayed diagnoses. Yet despite their prevalence, autoimmune conditions remain misunderstood by both the medical community and the general public.

In this post, we’ll explore key statistics and facts about autoimmune disease—and how functional medicine offers a proactive, root-cause approach to healing.

Autoimmune Disease: Key Statistics You Should Know

1. Over 50 million Americans are living with autoimmune diseases.
   (That’s more than cancer and heart disease combined.) [Source: AARDA]

2. There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, including:

   • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

   • Rheumatoid arthritis

   • Psoriasis

   • Lupus

   • Type 1 diabetes

   • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

   • Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

3. Women are disproportionately affected, comprising nearly 80% of all autoimmune cases.

   • Autoimmunity is a leading cause of chronic illness in women under 65.

4. Diagnosis can take 4.5 years on average, with patients often seeing 5+ doctors before getting answers.

5. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, with incidence increasing 3–7% per year, particularly in industrialized nations.

6. Genetics play a role—but so does environment.
   Experts estimate that 70–80% of autoimmune risk stems from environmental triggers, including:

   • Gut dysbiosis

   • Chronic infections

   • Toxins (mold, heavy metals, pesticides)

   • Food sensitivities (e.g., gluten)

   • Chronic stress

Why Functional Medicine Is Changing the Autoimmune Conversation

While conventional care often focuses on symptom management and immunosuppressants, functional medicine digs deeper looking for the why behind the what.

Key principles of the functional approach:

• Identifying and removing triggers (gut imbalances, infections, toxins)

• Personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies

• Supporting detox pathways and mitochondrial health

• Addressing immune dysregulation, not just inflammation

Root-Cause Areas Functional Medicine Targets

Gut Health
– GI mapping, SIBO treatment, probiotics, L-glutamine

Chronic Infections
– Mold detox, EBV support, antimicrobial herbs

Toxin Overload
– Sauna, binders, liver support, clean water/air

Nutrient Deficiencies
– Micronutrient testing, repletion protocols

Hormonal Imbalance
– Cortisol support, adaptogens, thyroid support

Stress & Trauma
– HRV training, nervous system regulation

Takeaway: Autoimmune Disease Is Common—But It’s Not Hopeless

If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” or have been chasing symptoms without relief, you’re not alone. Autoimmune conditions often develop silently, years before diagnosis.

The good news? Functional medicine empowers you to take control of your health journey—starting with the root cause.

Having a personal history of three autoimmune issues and living medication free due to root cause treatments, I am passionate about helping people with autoimmune issues. That is why I wrote my “Autoimmune Wellness Program.” This program is an online, self-paced, affordable option to help individuals with autoimmune issues truly heal.

Check it out on our website! One-on-one care is also excellent, and we are here to help with that too!