Why Autoimmunity Is on the Rise — And What You Can Do About It
Autoimmune diseases are no longer rare. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are becoming increasingly common. In fact, according to the Australian Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre, autoimmune conditions now affect an estimated 1 in 20 Australians — and numbers are climbing.
So, why is this happening? And more importantly — what can you do about it?
1. The Gut–Immune Connection
Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. This isn’t just trivia — it’s a critical piece of the autoimmune puzzle. Your gut lining acts as a barrier between the outside world (everything you ingest) and your bloodstream.
When the gut lining becomes damaged — a condition often called “leaky gut” — larger particles, like undigested food proteins or bacterial fragments, can slip into the bloodstream. Your immune system sees these as invaders and mounts a defence. Over time, in genetically susceptible individuals, this can trigger the immune system to attack your own tissues.
Multiple studies have linked altered gut microbiota to autoimmune conditions. For example, research in Nature Reviews Immunology has shown that disruptions in microbial diversity can skew immune regulation, leading to autoimmune activation.
2. Toxins and Autoimmunity
Our modern world is full of chemicals our immune systems weren’t designed to handle — from pesticides and heavy metals to industrial pollutants and synthetic additives.
Some toxins can act as “molecular mimics”, looking enough like your own tissues that your immune system gets confused and starts attacking you. Mercury, for example, has been implicated in autoimmune thyroid disease, while certain pesticides have been linked to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic, low-level exposure over time can tip an already stressed immune system into overdrive. And when combined with a leaky gut, these toxins have an even easier path into the body.
3. Chronic Stress and Inflammation
Stress isn’t just “in your head” — it’s biochemical. Ongoing stress changes the way your immune system functions. Cortisol, your main stress hormone, helps regulate inflammation in short bursts, but with chronic stress, your immune system can become less responsive to it, leaving inflammation unchecked. This constant low-grade inflammation can set the stage for autoimmune processes to ignite.
So… Is There Anything You Can Do?
If you’ve been told there’s “nothing you can do” about your autoimmune condition other than manage symptoms — that’s simply not true.
While there’s no magic cure, there’s a lot you can do to improve quality of life, reduce flares, and address underlying drivers of immune dysregulation.
A naturopath can:
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Investigate gut health through functional testing (including microbiome mapping)
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Identify and support detoxification pathways to reduce toxin load
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Address nutritional deficiencies that impair immune regulation
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Create personalised dietary strategies to calm inflammation
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Support stress and adrenal function for better immune resilience
The Bottom Line
Autoimmunity doesn’t just “happen” out of nowhere — it’s often the result of a perfect storm: a vulnerable immune system, gut barrier breakdown, toxin exposure, and chronic inflammation.
You don’t have to accept “there’s nothing you can do.” The right approach can uncover and address the triggers unique to you.
💬 If you’re living with an autoimmune condition — or suspect you might be — let’s talk.
At Bayshore Naturopathic Clinic, we help you get to the root of your health issues, not just manage the surface symptoms. Together, we can develop a personalised plan to support your immune system, heal your gut, and help you feel like yourself again.
📅 Book your consultation today — your immune health is worth it.
