According to the CDC, more than three out of four American adults are living with at least one chronic condition, and over half have two or more. While conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease often dominate the conversation, there’s another growing health concern that affects millions of Americans but receives far less attention: autoimmunity.

Autoimmune diseases may not always be immediately life-threatening, but they can gradually rob the body of its ability to function properly, severely impacting quality of life over time. Understanding what autoimmunity is, what may contribute to it, and how to support healthy immune function can help you take proactive steps toward better long-term wellness.

What Is Autoimmunity?

Your immune system works around the clock to protect you. Immune cells travel throughout the body searching for harmful invaders such as viruses, infections, and even abnormal cells. When functioning properly, the immune system identifies these threats and eliminates them.

With autoimmunity, however, the immune system becomes confused and overly reactive. Instead of targeting harmful invaders, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Over time, this repeated immune response triggers chronic inflammation that can damage the body and interfere with normal function.

Autoimmune Conditions Can Affect the Entire Body

Because the immune system operates throughout the entire body, autoimmune diseases can impact nearly any organ or system. Researchers have currently identified between 80 and 100 autoimmune diseases, with dozens of additional conditions suspected to have an autoimmune component.

Some common autoimmune-related conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Psoriasis
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Graves’ disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Unfortunately, once one autoimmune disease develops, the risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions often increases as the immune system remains chronically overstimulated.

What May Contribute to Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune disease is complex, and there is rarely a single cause. However, several factors may contribute to chronic immune activation and inflammation.

1. Low Stomach Acid

Stomach acid serves as one of the body’s first lines of defense, helping break down proteins and neutralize harmful pathogens that may enter through food. When stomach acid levels are too low, unwanted substances may pass into the digestive tract and bloodstream more easily, potentially increasing immune stress.

This may be especially relevant today, considering the widespread use of acid-reducing medications.

2. Intestinal Hyper-Permeability (“Leaky Gut”)

A compromised intestinal lining can allow particles and toxins to pass into the bloodstream that normally would remain contained within the digestive tract. This can trigger heightened immune responses and ongoing inflammation.

Factors that may contribute to intestinal hyper-permeability include:

• Poor digestion
• Chronic stress
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Certain medications, especially NSAIDs
• Harmful bacterial or yeast overgrowth
• Intestinal infections

3. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating immune responses and helping to calm excessive inflammation. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency has become increasingly common.

Supporting healthy vitamin D levels may help encourage balanced immune function. A quality supplement such as Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B can be a valuable addition to a wellness routine, alongside moderate sun exposure when appropriate.

4. Glyphosate Exposure

Some researchers believe glyphosate exposure may negatively impact gut bacteria and digestive health. Disruptions in beneficial gut microbes can impair digestion and potentially contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune-related concerns over time.

To reduce exposure, consider choosing certified organic foods whenever possible and avoiding glyphosate-based weed killers such as RoundUp.

5. Tonsil Removal and Immune Function

Tonsils were once widely considered unnecessary, leading to routine tonsillectomies for many individuals. Today, we better understand that tonsils play a role in immune defense by helping trap and neutralize pathogens entering through the mouth and nose.

Research suggests that individuals who have had a tonsillectomy may face a higher incidence of autoimmune disease later in life.

Ways to Support Healthy Immune Function

While no single strategy can guarantee prevention, supporting overall immune balance and gut health may help promote healthier inflammatory responses.

Focus on Gut-Friendly Foods

Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods such as:

• Fresh vegetables
• Fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut
• High-quality proteins
• Fiber-rich foods

At the same time, try to minimize processed foods, refined sugars, seed oils, and heavily processed grains.

Support Healthy Digestion

Digestive support can play a major role in overall wellness. If you experience bloating, indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux, your body may benefit from additional digestive support rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Digestizol Max contains a full-spectrum blend of 15 plant-derived enzymes designed to support comfortable digestion and nutrient breakdown. Its soothing ingredients, including fennel, ginger, peppermint, and coriander, may also help calm digestive discomfort naturally.

Consider Complementary Wellness Approaches

Acupuncture has shown promise in helping support individuals with autoimmune conditions by encouraging balanced inflammatory responses and assisting with pain management.

Make Informed Decisions About Medications

Many commonly used medications can influence gut health and immune function, including antibiotics, NSAIDs, acid reducers, and hormonal medications. It’s important to discuss risks, benefits, and potential alternatives with a trusted healthcare provider.

Supporting Long-Term Wellness

Autoimmunity is complex, but supporting digestion, gut health, nutrient status, and healthy inflammatory balance can help encourage a more resilient immune system and improved overall well-being.

Small, consistent lifestyle choices often make the biggest difference over time.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia