Healing Autoimmunity at the Root
Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. But this self-attack isn’t random—it’s typically triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.
In functional medicine, we ask:
What is overwhelming the immune system? What triggered this immune confusion?
The Functional Medicine Approach: Root Cause, Not Just Symptoms
Functional medicine views autoimmune disease as a systems imbalance, not a single organ failure.
Here are the five core root cause areas we investigate:
1. Gut Health and Intestinal Permeability ("Leaky Gut")
70–80% of the immune system resides in the gut.
A damaged gut barrier allows undigested food, toxins, and microbes into the bloodstream, which can trigger systemic inflammation and autoimmunity.
Common triggers: gluten, processed foods, infections, medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
Functional Tools:
GI mapping & stool testing
Elimination diets (AIP, gluten/dairy-free) and our Seed Wellness “Gut Repair Program”
Gut repair nutrients: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, collagen, probiotics
2. Toxins and Environmental Triggers
Exposure to heavy metals, mold toxins, pesticides, and xenoestrogens can dysregulate immune function.
Toxins can also trigger epigenetic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction, worsening autoimmunity.
Functional Tools:
Mycotoxin testing, heavy metal panels (We recommend Vibrant Total Tox Panel)
Sauna, binders (charcoal, chlorella), liver detox support
Clean air/water/home protocols
3. Chronic Infections and Immune Burden
Persistent infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme disease, and gut pathogens can overstimulate the immune system.
These infections may be “stealth,” flying under the radar of traditional testing.
Functional Tools:
Viral antibody and PCR testing
Herbal antimicrobials, ozone therapy, peptide support
Immune modulators (vitamin D, mushroom extracts, thymic peptides)
4. Stress and HPA Axis Dysfunction
Chronic stress dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, weakening the gut lining, raising inflammation, and disturbing immune tolerance.
Trauma and emotional stress can be major autoimmune triggers.
Functional Tools:
Cortisol rhythm testing (DUTCH, salivary)
Nervous system retraining (HRV, vagus nerve stimulation)
Adaptogens: ashwagandha, rhodiola, phosphatidylserine
5. Nutrient Deficiencies and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, zinc, B12, and omega-3s are essential for immune regulation.
Deficiencies are common in autoimmune clients due to gut malabsorption or increased demand.
Functional Tools:
Micronutrient panels
Mitochondrial support (CoQ10, PQQ, NAD+)
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Personalized Healing Is the Key
Every autoimmune case is unique. At Seed Wellness, we use comprehensive lab testing, deep history-taking, and lifestyle analysis to uncover your root causes—and craft a personalized plan to restore balance and reverse the autoimmune cascade.
The Functional Medicine Autoimmune Roadmap
Remove triggers (foods, toxins, infections)
Repair the gut and restore immune tolerance
Rebuild with nutrients, rest, and targeted support
Rebalance hormones and stress response
Reintroduce foods and build resilience
Conclusion: You’re Not Broken—Your Body Is Asking for Support
Autoimmune disease doesn’t mean your body is attacking itself out of malice. It’s a call for help.
Functional medicine listens closely to that message and responds with respect, precision, and care. By getting to the root cause, it’s possible to calm the immune system, reduce flares, and reclaim your health—naturally.
Ready to Explore the Root Cause of Your Autoimmunity?
Let’s work together to uncover what’s really going on—and create a roadmap to healing.
Book your initial consultation today.