Can Autoimmune Disease Be Reversed Naturally? A Doctor’s Perspective
If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, you may have heard that it's something you just have to live with. Conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with medications — and while these tools can be life-saving, they rarely address the root causes.
But here's what I want you to know: autoimmune disease can be reversed — not necessarily "cured," but put into remission — when we understand and address what’s driving the immune system to misfire in the first place.
As both a rheumatologist and a functional medicine practitioner, I’ve seen hundreds of patients improve their energy, reduce flare-ups, and reclaim their quality of life by shifting the focus from suppression to restoration.
What Does "Reversing Autoimmunity" Actually Mean?
In functional medicine, we don’t treat the disease in isolation. Instead, we look at the terrain of the body: the gut, immune system, hormones, mitochondria, and nervous system. When we remove the triggers that are over-activating the immune system and support the body's natural repair processes, symptoms begin to resolve.
Reversing autoimmunity means:
Fewer or no flare-ups
Reduced inflammation
Normalised lab results (antibodies, CRP, ESR)
Improved energy, digestion, mood, and quality of life
The 5 Pillars of Reversing Autoimmune Disease
Heal the Gut – Most autoimmune disease begins in the gut. Leaky gut and dysbiosis must be addressed.
Balance Hormones & Blood Sugar – Especially important for women. Imbalances can drive inflammation.
Support Mitochondria & Nutrient Deficiencies – Low B vitamins, glutathione, magnesium, and CoQ10 are common.
Calm the Immune System (Not Suppress It) – With targeted anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, and stress regulation.
Regulate the Nervous System – Trauma, chronic stress, and poor sleep can keep the immune system in attack mode.
Natural Tools That Work
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP diet): A powerful short-term reset for the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory nutrients: Omega-3s, curcumin, vitamin D, magnesium, quercetin, and glutathione.
Detox support: For those with mould, heavy metal, or environmental toxin exposure.
Stress and trauma work: Somatic therapy, breathwork, vagus nerve activation.
Functional lab testing: To uncover root causes like infections, gut dysfunction, nutrient depletion, or toxin burden.
Why This Approach Isn’t More Widely Used
Traditional medicine is excellent at diagnosing and managing acute illness. But autoimmune disease is chronic, complex, and multifactorial. The root-cause approach takes time, personalisation, and a shift in mindset.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between medication and natural care. Functional medicine works alongsideconventional care — and many of my patients are able to reduce or even come off medications under supervision, as their symptoms improve.
You Are Not Your Diagnosis
Having an autoimmune condition doesn’t mean your body is broken. It means your body is doing its best to protect you, even if it’s been misdirected. When we support it properly, the immune system can learn to regulate itself again.
Ready to start your reset?
My Autoimmune Reset course gives you a 12-week roadmap for reversing autoimmune symptoms naturally. It includes functional testing guidance, meal plans, supplement protocols, and support for nervous system regulation and mindset.
🌟 Join the waitlist [here]
📖 Get my e-book, "Autoimmune Reset," now available in the store