How does the immune system work? What are some of the causes of autoimmune diseases? Is it possible to prevent or even reverse autoimmune disorders?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millions of people suffer from autoimmune diseases. Millions more are on an unhealthy trajectory to an autoimmune diagnosis. While genetics influence who develops autoimmunity and there\u2019s no known cure, Amy Myers believes that those suffering are far from powerless.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading for an overview of The Autoimmune Solution <\/em>by Amy Myers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Millions of people suffer from autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. According to The Autoimmune Solution <\/em>by Amy Myers, millions more are on an unhealthy trajectory to an autoimmune diagnosis. While genetics influence who develops autoimmunity and there\u2019s no known cure, Myers believes that those suffering are far from powerless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Shortform note: Other researchers share Myers\u2019s concern about the number of people already diagnosed or at risk of being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease<\/a>. A 2024 study found that almost 5% of the US population<\/a> received an autoimmune diagnosis between 2011 and 2022. Of those, more than half were women, which might shed light on who<\/em> is more likely to be on an unhealthy trajectory. However, some scientists believe we need more data to understand how factors like gender and genetics impact the risk of developing autoimmunity. These data will give patients the power to understand their risk factors and work toward preventing disease.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In The Autoimmune Solution<\/em><\/a> (2017), Myers argues that you can prevent or even reverse autoimmune conditions by making lifestyle changes<\/strong> that reduce inflammation and improve immune function. She recommends taking control of the environmental factors that trigger autoimmune symptoms: diet, stress, toxins, and infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Shortform note: It\u2019s possible that Myers is overly confident about the possibility of preventing or reversing autoimmunity. Lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms and prevent further progression, but they may not be able to fully restore health. For example, some autoimmune diseases make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients<\/a>, which limits the positive impact of a diet. Additionally, some people may have a strong genetic predisposition that outweighs the impact of lifestyle modifications.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers is a functional medicine<\/a> physician and former emergency room doctor with personal experience battling autoimmunity. She received a diagnosis of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, while studying medicine. After traditional medicine failed to improve her health, she turned to functional medicine, developed the method in The Autoimmune Solution,<\/em> and reversed her condition.<\/strong> She has written several bestselling books, including The Thyroid Connection<\/em><\/a> <\/em>(2016) and The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook<\/em><\/a> (2018). She also founded a wellness company, AMMD<\/a>, that sells supplements and health programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Shortform note: As a doctor and author who writes about her own diagnosis, Myers is in good company. Other examples include Paul Kalanithi<\/a>, a neurosurgeon who writes in When Breath Becomes Air<\/em><\/a> <\/em>about being diagnosed with lung cancer during his last year of residency. Likewise, psychiatrist Kay Jamison writes in An Unquiet Mind <\/em><\/a>about bipolar disorder, which she suffers from. Similar to how Myers hopes to help autoimmune sufferers, Jamison hopes to help psychiatrists understand bipolar disorder more deeply so they can better support their patients.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the first part of this guide, we\u2019ll explore the basic concepts of autoimmunity, including how a healthy immune system works and how it can become autoimmune. Then, we\u2019ll compare traditional medicine\u2019s approach to autoimmune conditions with the approach of functional medicine, which Myers endorses. We\u2019ll conclude with Myers\u2019 advice for preventing or reversing autoimmunity by adopting an immunity-friendly lifestyle. Throughout the guide, we also offer further context for Myers\u2019 claims and share perspectives from other health experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before learning how to prevent or reverse autoimmune diseases, it helps to first understand what they are and how they originate. Myers explains that autoimmune diseases are conditions where your immune system attacks your body as if it were a threat.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this section, we\u2019ll share Myers\u2019 explanations of how your immune system works, how it can become dysregulated, and how that dysregulation can lead to autoimmunity. Finally, we\u2019ll discuss how visualizing autoimmunity on a continuum can help you understand your autoimmune experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your immune system protects your body from harmful invaders<\/strong> like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. <\/strong>Myers explains that your immune system uses physical barriers like the skin and mucus, as well as specialized cells and antibodies that identify and neutralize threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When your immune system identifies a threat, it launches a response: acute inflammation.<\/strong> This is a normal, healthy response to specific threats, like an injury or the flu. Myers says that it manifests as responses such as redness, swelling, fever, and pain, and the response stops once the threat is gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers describes the two main components of your immune system: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Myers, your body needs both immune system components<\/a> to protect you in the short and long term.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although an active immune system is crucial for health, if it\u2019s too <\/em>active, it can lead to health problems. Myers argues that your immune system becomes overwhelmed when it faces constant challenges <\/strong>such as poor diet, environmental toxins<\/a>, infections, and stress. Instead of responding to specific threats with acute inflammatory responses, your immune system is constantly activated, resulting in chronic inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers explains that chronic inflammation can set the stage for autoimmune conditions.<\/strong> Your innate immune system becomes exhausted from battling constant threats to your health. Your adaptive system gets overworked and \u201cconfused\u201d as it begins creating antibodies for substances it doesn\u2019t need to fight. This can cause your body to develop new sensitivities or allergies because your immune system overreacts and mounts full-blown defenses against harmless substances, such as lactose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In extreme cases, your immune system can mistakenly identify your body\u2019s organs or fluids as threats, leading to autoimmune conditions. For example, in people with Hashimoto’s disease, their immune system attacks the thyroid. In people with multiple sclerosis<\/a>, the immune system targets the myelin around nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers argues that there isn\u2019t a specific point where a healthy immune system becomes so dysregulated that it creates an autoimmune condition. Instead, she believes people fall along an autoimmune continuum<\/strong>. This continuum includes those who experience mild to moderate symptoms and those with a full-blown autoimmune diagnosis. She describes the following parts of the continuum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the continuum shows a worrying progression, Myers believes it\u2019s a helpful way to frame autoimmunity. Why? It suggests that early intervention can make a difference in the evolution of a disease<\/strong>. Because autoimmunity develops gradually, there are opportunities to notice symptoms and take action to reverse the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re one of the millions of people suffering from an autoimmune condition, you\u2019ve probably been to several doctors, hoping to find help. However, according to Myers, traditional medicine can\u2019t help you reverse or prevent autoimmune conditions<\/strong>. It focuses too narrowly on genetics as the cause and medication as the treatment. In this section, we\u2019ll outline traditional medicine\u2019s narrow approach to autoimmune diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers explains that conventional medicine typically views autoimmune conditions as purely genetic in origin<\/strong>, suggesting that genes simply command your body to attack itself. This perspective leads doctors to tell patients their condition is inevitable and irreversible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Myers explains, conventional medicine\u2019s answer to autoimmunity offers little hope for reversing the disease because it focuses on managing symptoms through medication<\/strong>. Myers identifies three major problems with this approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve seen, Myers believes traditional medicine is ill-equipped to prevent or reverse autoimmune conditions. Instead, she argues that autoimmune sufferers need a functional<\/strong> medicine approach that holistically addresses the causes and treatments of autoimmune disease<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll begin this section by explaining what functional medicine is, and then we\u2019ll explore how it explains the causes of autoimmune diseases. We\u2019ll also discuss why Myers believes these causes are behind an autoimmune epidemic in the US. Finally, we\u2019ll explore functional medicine\u2019s approach to preventing and healing autoimmunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers describes functional medicine as a whole-body approach to health that considers how all bodily systems interact<\/strong>, rather than treating different parts in isolation. Instead of addressing individual symptoms, it seeks to restore overall health by dealing with root causes. Functional medicine treatments include special diets and lifestyle changes while using medications only when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While traditional doctors often point to your genes as the cause of your autoimmune condition, Myers explains that autoimmunity has multiple causes beyond just genetics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers believes that the genes predisposing you to develop an autoimmune condition activate when your immune system becomes chronically stressed and dysregulated<\/strong>. This means that while genetics play a role in causing autoimmunity, they\u2019re not the sole cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we\u2019ll explore five immune system stressors that can lead to autoimmunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers argues that digestive health is crucial for immune function<\/strong>. She emphasizes that about 80% of your immune system overlaps with your digestive system. For example, the saliva in your mouth and the good bacteria in your stomach neutralize many of the germs that enter your body through food or water. However, many factors can disrupt gut health, including the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Myers, an unhealthy digestive system can trigger autoimmunity by creating a <\/strong>leaky gut<\/em><\/strong>. Certain foods thin the lining of your intestines, allowing partially digested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to escape into your bloodstream. This triggers an immune response as your body attacks these invaders. Over time, this chronic inflammation and immune system<\/a> stress can lead to autoimmune conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers explains two ways that toxins can lead to autoimmunity. First, toxins can reduce the production of cells that regulate your immune system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, toxins can confuse your immune system,<\/strong> weakening its ability to distinguish between foreign tissue and your own body. This happens when toxins overstimulate your immune system. It also happens when toxins alter or damage cells in your body so your immune system no longer recognizes them as part of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Environmental toxins come from multiple sources\u2014we\u2019ll discuss four of them. The first source is water<\/strong> containing fluoride and chlorine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Secondly, environmental toxins are found in toiletries<\/strong>. These products contain harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and heavy metals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toxins are also found in a third source: food<\/strong>. For example, food can contain pesticides, heavy metals (especially fish), and chemicals leached from plastic containers and non-stick cookware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, indoor areas<\/strong> are sources of toxins. Homes can house toxins from building materials, furniture, carpeting, and mold growth. Indoor air can contain chemicals from cleaning products and building materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to facing toxins, our bodies also face environmental stressors in the form of germs that cause infections. Myers explains that there are two main ways infections can trigger autoimmunity<\/strong>. Your immune system might attack both the infection and similar-looking, healthy body tissues, or it might attack healthy tissue surrounding an infection. As a result, infections may not fully heal and the virus or bacteria may stay in your body, causing chronic inflammation. Some common infections researchers have linked to autoimmunity include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the E. coli bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chronic stress that\u2019s unresolved or continues escalating for months or years can lead to an overactive immune system<\/strong>. According to Myers, this shows that humans evolved to handle acute rather than chronic stress. In addition, emotional and psychological stress can depress your immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers adds that, although they\u2019re lifesaving, modern sanitation and medical practices may contribute to autoimmune conditions<\/strong> by reducing exposure to beneficial bacteria. Factors like being born by C-section, drinking formula instead of breastmilk, and overusing antibiotics deprive children of microbes that help them develop healthy immune systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Myers, these environmental and lifestyle stressors are driving<\/strong> an autoimmune epidemic in the United States<\/strong>. She points to the fact that autoimmune diagnoses have tripled in the US over the past half century. Myers argues that genetic changes occur too slowly to explain such a rapid and recent increase, which suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors are behind the epidemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Myers, a multi-dimensional understanding of autoimmunity opens up more opportunities for prevention and treatment<\/strong> because many of the risk factors are in your control. <\/strong>She recommends you reorganize your lifestyle to limit those risk factors. This includes eliminating problematic foods, healing your gut, reducing your exposure to toxins, addressing hidden infections that haven\u2019t fully healed, and managing stress. Unlike conventional medicine’s symptom-focused approach, this method addresses the root causes of autoimmunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next section, we\u2019ll explore Myers\u2019 specific recommendations for dealing with each risk factor to improve your chances of preventing or reversing autoimmune conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve discussed why a holistic approach is an effective way to prevent or reverse an autoimmune disease, we\u2019ll explore what that approach involves. Myers offers a method to prevent or reverse autoimmunity, which she refers to as The<\/em> Myers Way<\/a>. <\/em>Her method has four prongs: improving gut health, eliminating inflammatory foods, reducing your exposure to toxins, and addressing hidden infections while managing stress<\/strong>. In addition, she advocates for several health-promoting strategies with a 30-day meal plan as the central element. Since these themes and strategies often overlap, we\u2019ve reorganized Myers\u2019 insights into one overarching goal, two guiding strategies, and lifestyle changes to support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Myers, supporting<\/em><\/strong> your immune system, rather than <\/strong>suppressing <\/em><\/strong>it, is central to preventing and reversing autoimmunity<\/strong>. Her method focuses on strengthening and balancing your immune system through diet, detoxification, and lifestyle changes. She argues that her method reduces the stress on your immune system<\/a>, which in turn reduces autoimmune symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers\u2019 method has two guiding strategies to achieve better health: restoring your body\u2019s healthy digestion<\/strong> and avoiding unnecessary stress on your immune system.<\/strong> These strategies help you achieve the goal of supporting your immune system so it retains or regains balance. Below, we\u2019ll explore each strategy and the lifestyle changes to implement them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers argues that because your digestive and immune systems overlap, healthy digestion helps balance your body\u2019s immunity responses<\/strong>. In addition, a healthy digestive system helps your body absorb the nutrients from the food you\u2019re eating, which supports your overall health. Below, we\u2019ll explore the lifestyle changes she offers to help you restore your body\u2019s healthy digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To restore healthy digestion, Myers recommends a strict 30-day diet where you don\u2019t eat any toxic or inflammatory foods.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve discussed, toxic and inflammatory foods disrupt your digestive system, triggering or exacerbating autoimmune conditions. Eliminating these problematic foods and replacing them with nutrient-dense, healing foods will reduce inflammation, support digestive healing, and restore proper immune function\u2014all crucial aspects of reversing autoimmune dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myers shares several toxic and inflammatory foods to avoid during the 30-day diet:<\/strong> corn products, dairy, gluten, grains, and soy. Myers also suggests eliminating some foods commonly thought to be healthy<\/strong> which are actually inflammatory, including legumes, nightshade vegetables, nuts, and seeds. She argues that these foods trigger inflammation because they have compounds that irritate the gut, similar to gluten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The healthy foods to focus on eating are high-quality proteins, organic vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOverview of The Autoimmune Solution<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Basics of Autoimmunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How a Healthy Immune System Works: Acute Inflammation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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When Your Immune System Becomes Dysregulated: Chronic Inflammation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Autoimmune Continuum<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Traditional Medicine\u2019s Narrow Approach to Autoimmune Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The One-Dimensional Cause: Genetics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The One-Dimensional Answer: Medication to Manage Symptoms<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is Functional Medicine?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Multi-Dimensional Cause: Much More Than Genetics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stressor 1: An Unhealthy Digestive System<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Stressor 2: Toxins<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Stressor 3: Infections<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Stressor 4: Emotional and Psychological Stress<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Stressor 5: Modern Hygiene Procedures<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The Autoimmune Epidemic<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Functional Medicine\u2019s Multi-Dimensional Answer: Alter Your Lifestyle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Myers\u2019 Method to Prevent or Reverse Autoimmune Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Myers\u2019 Goal: Support Your Immune System<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Strategy 1: Restore Your Body\u2019s Healthy Digestion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Change 1: Implement a Strict 30-Day Diet<\/h5>\n\n\n\n