What Is Autoimmune Disease? Causes, Symptoms & How to Beat It God’s Way

QUICK SUMMARY

What is autoimmune disease, and how do you beat it God’s way? Autoimmune disease happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs in your own body. Instead of only defending you from viruses, bacteria, toxins, and other outside threats, the immune system begins treating “self” like the enemy. (1)

But here’s the hope-filled truth from the very beginning: God did not create you to live in fear of your diagnosis. Beating autoimmune disease God’s way is not about making a reckless medical promise. It is about standing on God’s Word, refusing hopelessness, praying for healing and wisdom, seeking root-cause answers, stewarding your body well, and walking in spiritual victory while you pursue the next right step.

There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases, and autoimmune or autoimmune-related conditions can affect the thyroid, joints, skin, gut, nerves, pancreas, blood vessels, connective tissue, and more. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. (1)

The exact cause is still not fully understood, but research points to a combination of genetics, infections, gut health, chronic inflammation, environmental exposures, stress, diet, sleep, and other lifestyle factors. That is why a biblical health approach looks at the whole person: spirit, soul, and body. We pray, we seek God, we take action, and we keep going until we see breakthrough.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is autoimmune disease?” If so, you’re in good company because millions of people are trying to understand what autoimmunity disorders are, what the root causes can be, and why so many families are affected by them.

But for the Natural Living Family, this question goes deeper than biology. We also ask, “How do I face autoimmune disease with faith instead of fear? How do I seek God’s wisdom? How do I steward my body as His temple? And how do I fight for the abundant life Jesus promised without pretending this journey is easy?”

Traditional diet and treatment for autoimmune diseases usually centers on symptom relief and often never addresses the main issue. If we don’t know what’s triggering the disease, we’ll never find a remedy! Thankfully, not all healthcare providers think this way as more doctors seek to find a root cause resolution.

What is Autoimmune Disease?

As we strive to answer “What is autoimmune disease?” the more we understand that we really don’t know too much about it. For example, MedlinePlus states that the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown and that there is no known prevention for most autoimmune disorders. (1) Yet, one thing we do know is that there is hope, and people need to know that fear does not get the final word!

When your immune system is operating correctly, it only strikes against foreign cells and menacing pathogens. God designed your immune system to be intelligent, protective, responsive, and wonderfully made.

To answer the question, “What is autoimmune disease?” it is, therefore, to remember that an autoimmune reaction happens when your immune system determines that your own cells are in danger. In addition to the viruses, bacteria, toxins, and cancer cells that are a regular threat, your white blood cells begin to target healthy, normal cells. If not resolved promptly, the immune system could operate in hyper-drive, which can cause immune fatigue and will ultimately lead to widespread problems.

This is important: autoimmune disease is not simply “a weak immune system.” In many cases, the immune system is overactive, misdirected, inflamed, exhausted, or dysregulated. That is why the goal is not always to “boost” the immune system as much as possible. The goal is to stabilize, regulate, calm, nourish, and steward the body toward balance.

And spiritually, the goal is just as important: to keep your eyes on God, not your diagnosis. Your condition may be part of your story right now, but it does not get to become your identity.

Various reports claim that 80 – 100 diseases today fall into the what is autoimmune disease or autoimmune-related category. MedlinePlus states that there are more than 80 autoimmune diseases, and a large U.S. prevalence study identified 105 specific autoimmune diseases in electronic health records. (1, 2) Some of the more common autoimmune diseases are:

• Alopecia areata (hair loss)
• Anemia
• Celiac disease (gluten allergy)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• GI disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (a nervous system disorder)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Narcolepsy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin conditions (psoriasis and scleroderma)
• Thyroid disorders
• Type I diabetes

A large U.S. electronic health record study estimated that more than 15 million people, or 4.6% of the U.S. population, had at least one diagnosed autoimmune disease from 2011 to 2022, and 34% of those people had more than one autoimmune diagnosis. (2) Advocacy groups and older estimates have often cited higher numbers, including up to 50 million Americans affected. Either way, the takeaway is the same: autoimmune disease is a major health crisis, and families need real answers.

When the immune system is in high gear, medical doctors are trained to address autoimmune conditions by prescribing powerful immune-suppressing drugs. These medications can be necessary in serious cases, but they also may not address the underlying reason the immune system became dysregulated in the first place.

Hopefully, this clears up some of the confusion and helps answer the question, “What is autoimmune disease?” But our goal is not just to define the disease. Our goal is to help you fight it God’s way: with truth, wisdom, perseverance, and hope.

Causes Of Autoimmune Disease

Although the answer to “what is autoimmune disease?” still befuddles many doctors, some dots have been connected, which has helped paint a clearer picture. There has been major advancement in understanding the true nature of this disease.

Current research points to a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. In plain English, your genes may load the gun, but your environment, infections, gut health, diet, stress, toxic burden, sleep, and daily choices may help pull the trigger. Studies indicate that autoimmune diseases likely result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. (3)

This is where faith and wisdom meet. We do not blame ourselves, and we do not blame God. Instead, we ask, “Lord, what is burdening this body? What needs to be removed? What needs to be restored? What next step are You leading me to take?”

• Genetics – Research offers insight as to why autoimmune disease affects common disease pathways such as GI disorders and skin conditions. Research also suggests there is a close genetic relationship among autoimmune diseases, which helps explain why multiple family members often suffer from the same disorder. Genetics matter, but they are not the whole story. Your family history may inform your journey, but God still gets the final word over your hope.
• Chronic inflammation – According to Mark Hyman, MD, “Autoimmune conditions are connected by one central biochemical process: A runaway immune response also known as systemic inflammation that results in your body attacking its own tissues.” When you think about how our culture’s diet is so rich in processed and inflammatory foods, it’s no wonder so many families are struggling.
• Gut health – The gut microbiome is one of the most important areas of autoimmune research today. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 80 randomized controlled trials found that gut microbiota-based therapies may improve symptoms and/or inflammatory markers in several autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others, although results varied by condition. (4)
• Infections and hidden triggers – Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can sometimes trigger or worsen autoimmune activity, especially in someone who is already genetically susceptible. This does not mean every infection causes autoimmunity, but it does mean hidden infections are worth investigating with a qualified provider.
• Environmental toxic burden – Research suggests that autoimmune diseases are influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, and environmental exposures are an active area of study. (3, 5) This is why reducing toxic burden through pure air, organic food, clean water, and non-toxic home choices matters.
• Stress and sleep – Stress is not “just in your head.” Chronic stress can dysregulate inflammatory and immune pathways. That is one reason prayer, deep breathing, healthy relationships, sleep, movement, time outside, Scripture meditation, and calming essential oils can be so important in a biblical health lifestyle.

This is not about blaming yourself. It is about taking your power back under God’s leadership. Your body is fearfully and wonderfully made, and under the right conditions, it can often calm down, rebuild, restore resilience, and function better than you may have been told.

So when we talk about causes, we are not giving fear more information. We are giving faith a strategy.

The Simple Sneeze Domino Effect

Recently I ran into a woman at Starbucks who asked me if I had allergies or was sick because I was sneezing. My sneeze was triggered by a wisp of pollen or dust that simply slipped up my nose and triggered a reaction. She was a complete stranger and was sitting just a few feet from me at the café. I was enjoying a nice breezy, summer day outside doing some research for an article that I was writing.

Her out-of-the-blue comment took me by surprise. I politely replied that I was neither sick nor had allergies, and she apologized for her abrupt question and for interrupting my work.

Why was she so concerned that I might be sick?

She said that she had Crohn’s disease and, because the medication that she was on had depleted her immune system, she was recently in bed for over 2 weeks with a cold when a young girl sneezed on her at a recent family get-together.

Like many people with autoimmune disorders, her immune system was virtually wiped out and she would get sick at the drop of a hat. I have seen this time and time again with my patients.

• People on autoimmune drugs are often restricted in their ability to enjoy life.
• Their immune systems may walk a fine line between calming inflammation and being vulnerable to infection.
• Many live in perpetual fear, never knowing when the next attack will happen.
• They are often apprehensive about what foods to eat and some, like the woman I ran into at Starbucks, are hesitant to even go out in public and spend time around other people.

This is one reason the spiritual piece matters so much. Autoimmune disease does not only attack the body. It can attack peace, confidence, fellowship, joy, and hope. And that is exactly why we must fight this thing God’s way.

Fear says, “Hide.” Faith says, “Seek wisdom.”

Fear says, “This diagnosis owns me.” Faith says, “God is still leading me.”

Fear says, “There is nothing I can do.” Faith says, “Show me the next step, Lord.”

Additionally, studies and medication guides have shown that anti-inflammatory and immune suppressant drugs like Advil, steroids, Methotrexate, and the new TNF-alpha blockers such as Enbrel and Remicade can carry serious risks. NSAID medication guides warn about ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and kidney problems including kidney failure. (6) Corticosteroids can cause side effects such as mood changes, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, weight gain, and osteoporosis risk, especially with longer use. (7) Methotrexate may cause severe liver, lung, gastrointestinal, and infection-related problems in some people. (8) TNF inhibitors suppress inflammation within the immune system and, when they work, also suppress immune defenses against infectious diseases. (9)

Depending on the drug, dose, duration, and person, side effects may include:

• Cancer or lymphoma risk in certain medication classes or combinations
• Depression or mood changes
• Diabetes or worsened blood sugar
• Infection
• Kidney problems or kidney failure
• Intestinal bleeding
• Muscle loss or weakness
• Osteoporosis

Reality check: medications are not the enemy, and some people absolutely need them. But symptom control should not be the only conversation. The real question is: what is driving the immune system to misfire in the first place?

And spiritually, the question is just as important: how do we help people stop living under fear and start walking in God-given hope?

Natural Approaches

If you or a loved one have struggled to answer the question “What is autoimmune disease and how can I beat it God’s way?” I understand your frustration and please believe me when I say that there is hope.

This is not about making a reckless medical promise. This is about refusing fear, seeking God’s wisdom, stewarding your body well, and believing that you can walk in victory spiritually while you pursue the root causes that may be burdening your immune system.

Research gives us reasons to care deeply about gut health, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, toxic burden, stress, sleep, food quality, and inflammation. Personal testimonies remind us that healing journeys are real and that hope is not naive. Many people have powerful testimonies of restored energy, reduced symptoms, remission, renewed peace, clearer direction, and deeper faith when they combine prayer, wise counsel, nutrition, gut support, stress relief, natural remedies, and daily obedience.

Put simply: beating autoimmune disease God’s way begins by putting God first, not the protocol. The protocol matters. The food matters. The testing matters. The remedies matter. But none of those things were designed to replace the Lord as your source of wisdom, peace, and hope.

If you expect that you have one of the autoimmune disorders that I have listed above, you’ll want to get in touch with your natural healthcare provider immediately. During your visit, don’t forget to ask about getting tested for celiac disease, hidden food allergies or sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, gut health issues, infections, mold exposure, and heavy metal toxicity. These can help give you a clearer picture of what you can and cannot eat, what needs to be removed, and what your body needs to rebuild.

Begin With God, Then Take the Next Right Step

Before we talk about supplements, oils, foods, or lifestyle changes, start here: ask God for wisdom.

James 1:5 tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously. That promise matters when you are facing a confusing health battle. Autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming because symptoms overlap, triggers are personal, labs can be confusing, and what helps one person may not help another.

This is why biblical health is not fear-based striving. It is Spirit-led stewardship. We pray. We seek. We test. We listen. We make changes. We remain flexible. And we refuse to let discouragement disciple our decisions.

5 Steps to Stabilizing Your Immune System

You’ll also want to implement these 5 steps right away.

1. Address hidden infections and triggers. Bacterial, viral, fungal, dental, gut, mold, and environmental triggers can keep the immune system inflamed. Oregano essential oil has strong antimicrobial activity in lab research, largely because of constituents such as carvacrol and thymol. (10) That does not mean you should self-treat a serious infection or ingest oregano essential oil casually. Work with a trained provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, have liver disease, or have a serious autoimmune diagnosis. Pray for discernment as you investigate what may be burdening your body.
2. Heal your gut. Start with clean, anti-inflammatory meals, remove personal food triggers, support digestion, and consider a live probiotic supplement when appropriate. Gut microbiota-based therapies may improve symptoms or inflammatory markers in several autoimmune diseases, although results vary by condition and person. (4) A healthy gut is one way we steward the body God gave us.
3. Implement a core nutrition strategy. Build your meals around colorful plants, clean protein, healthy fats, herbs, spices, and foods rich in bioactive compounds. Consider targeted support such as fish oil, vitamin C, and vitamin D3. In the VITAL randomized trial, vitamin D supplementation for five years reduced autoimmune disease incidence by 22%, and the combination of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acids showed a larger effect compared with placebo. (11) Food is not your savior, but it is one of the most practical stewardship tools God has given you.
4. Engage in natural anti-inflammatory activities. A consistent home fitness program can support blood sugar, circulation, lymphatic flow, mood, sleep, weight, and inflammatory balance. The key is choosing movement your body can tolerate. For some people this means walking, stretching, rebounding, light strength training, swimming, or restorative movement before more intense exercise. Movement can also become worship when you thank God for what your body can do today.
5. Counteract stress daily. Use deep relaxation methods such as prayer, Scripture meditation, deep breathing, Tai Chi, gratitude journaling, time outside, healthy fellowship, and special essential oils for stress. Lavender essential oil inhalation has been studied in clinical trials for anxiety reduction, and a 2023 systematic review reported that most included trials showed significant anxiety reduction with lavender inhalation. (12) Stress relief is not optional when you are beating autoimmune disease God’s way; peace is part of the path.

At the end of the day, Functional Medicine experts like Mark Hyman, MD have shown time and time again that many patients respond well to root-cause steps like these. Make it your aim to beat this thing spiritually, get your immune system on track, and walk in the abundant life God has called you to today!

What It Means to Beat Autoimmune Disease God’s Way

Beating autoimmune disease God’s way does not mean pretending symptoms are not real. It does not mean shaming people who use medication. It does not mean making a guaranteed medical claim that every person will have the same outcome.

Beating autoimmune disease God’s way means fear does not get to disciple you.

It means you refuse hopelessness. It means you seek God first, ask Him for wisdom, steward the temple He gave you, pursue root-cause answers, remove what is burdening your body, add what helps rebuild resilience, and keep taking faithful action even when the journey takes longer than you wanted.

For some people, victory may include major symptom improvement or remission. For others, it may begin with peace, endurance, clearer direction, better daily habits, a stronger prayer life, and the courage to keep going. Either way, the enemy does not get to define your story.

The Truth About Essential Oils and Autoimmunity

Here’s the thing: essential oils can be powerful tools, but they are not a one-size-fits-all cure for autoimmune disease.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still very little research proving which essential oils are best for specific autoimmune conditions, what dose should be used, what the contraindications are for each disease, and how to use them safely and effectively to treat autoimmune disease itself. That means we need wisdom, humility, and caution.

For most people with autoimmunity, essential oils fit best as part of a bigger biblical health strategy:

• Use calming oils like lavender, bergamot, frankincense, Roman chamomile, or ylang ylang for stress support.
• Use diluted topical oils for occasional muscle tension or joint discomfort.
• Use antimicrobial oils like oregano, tea tree, clove, cinnamon, thyme, or eucalyptus carefully and strategically, not casually or excessively.
• Avoid aggressive internal use unless you are working with a trained professional who understands your diagnosis and medications.

Application: Before reaching for any oil, pause and pray. Ask God for wisdom, then use essential oils as tools, not idols. If you have autoimmune disease and take immunosuppressants, biologics, methotrexate, steroids, blood thinners, seizure medications, or other prescriptions, keep your healthcare provider in the loop before using essential oils internally or in high-dose protocols. Diffusion, personal inhalers, and properly diluted topical use are usually gentler places to start.

The Spiritual Component

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” —Romans 5:3-5

“And hope does not disappoint…”

To wrap up our answer to “what is autoimmune disease,” and how can we beat it God’s way, let me leave you with a spiritual exhortation.

Why some people get sick and others don’t, I’ll never know. Be that as it may, I can’t let myself believe that God smites people with autoimmune disease, or any sickness for that matter, to teach them a lesson or to prepare them for some great act of service. If this were so, we’d have millions of health crusaders proclaiming their healing and giving God the glory all over the world. Instead, we unfortunately have millions of people who live a life of misery and die never having conquered autoimmunity.

Maybe the reason so many people suffer from AI conditions is that it’s virtually impossible to find pure air, organic food, and clean water nowadays. Maybe it’s because we live in the most toxic environment the world has ever known, and it’s only by the grace of God that we are all not dead at this point. One thing I am quite certain about is that He has gifted our bodies with the remarkable ability to adapt to their surroundings and to heal themselves under the right conditions, which is why it’s so important that we do our part!

Inspired by Romans 5, my suggestion is that you approach autoimmunity with your spiritual armor on, tightly knitting these words to your chest in the very order that the Bible lays them out:

• Tribulation
• Persevere
• Character
• Hope
• Love

We must not confuse Paul’s message about boasting in our sufferings to be a badge of honor. Autoimmunity is not a burden to bear passively. The key is to fight through the tribulation, never giving up until you gain the victory God has for you!

You need to be prepared to persevere against all odds and never stop seeking the breakthrough that works for you. This experience will develop in you a proven character that can inspire everyone around you; a character defined by hope in God, His undying care for you, and the love He has for all people.

To answer the question, “What is autoimmune disease?” and to start beating it God’s way, following these five steps is critical.

1. Faith. The first step is to wholeheartedly believe in God’s promises to be your provider, your healer, and your redeemer. Faith is the foundation in which your entire life is built upon. Make sure your foundation is built on solid rock, not sand!
2. Prayer. Not to state the obvious, but falling on your knees to seek God’s merciful hand is just what the doctor ordered. You’d be surprised to learn about the number of people who literally don’t think to pray for healing or to ask God for wisdom about what their body needs. Somehow, it either slips their mind or they don’t think God is concerned about their health condition. In addition to the many studied health benefits associated with prayer and spiritual practices, trust me, it moves God’s heart. Prayer works! (13)
3. Seek. The third step is to follow God’s leading and to find the solution. Easier said than done, right? I understand that this can be an arduous task for some people, but don’t despair. The key here is to test, research, study, and test again. If something doesn’t settle right in your spirit, don’t do it. Barring rare emergencies, you usually have time to make a sound decision, so you’ll do well to follow godly wisdom, informed research, and your intuition. Working with a spiritually-minded health care provider is key because she can help be your guide through this process.
4. Action. The fourth step is to follow the instructions God is giving you. At this point, you should have a better understanding of how the Spirit is directing you to beat this thing. Remember, “faith without deeds is dead,” so you have got to do your part!
5. Repeat. Make this your new anthem: Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. Healing is a journey for many of us so don’t be dogmatic in your thinking. Keep repeating Steps 1 – 4 until you get the victory!

To help you along your way, here are some healing affirmations that I recommend you write out and tape on your bathroom mirror immediately. Read them every day until they take firm root into your spirit, and make them part of your daily meditation!

I serve an awesome God who proclaims that He is my healer!

~ Exodus 15:26

I serve a faithful God who promises to never leave me nor forsake me!

~ Deuteronomy 31:6

I serve an unconditionally loving God who says He sees what I do and will heal me anyway!

~ Isaiah 57:18

I serve a merciful God who commits to taking sickness from among me!

~ Exodus 23:25

I serve a gracious God who promises to restore me to health and to heal my wounds!

~ Jeremiah 30:17

I am made in God’s image and He has given my body the ability to heal itself!

~ Genesis 1:27

I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind!

~ 2 Timothy 1:7

I know that God will perfect that which concerns me to the end!

~ Psalm 138:8

Last of all, don’t forget to go to your church leaders for prayer. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”

~ James 5:14-15

Autoimmune Disease FAQs

What is autoimmune disease in simple terms?

Autoimmune disease is when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Instead of only fighting outside threats, the immune system begins attacking “self,” which can lead to inflammation, pain, fatigue, organ dysfunction, and chronic symptoms. Spiritually, it is also a place where many people must learn to fight fear with faith and ask God for wisdom one step at a time.

What causes autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune disease usually develops from a combination of genetics and triggers. Common triggers may include infections, gut microbiome imbalance, chronic inflammation, environmental exposures, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, poor sleep, chronic stress, and other lifestyle factors. A biblical health approach asks God for wisdom while investigating root causes and stewarding the body well.

Can you beat autoimmune disease God’s way?

Yes, you can fight autoimmune disease God’s way by refusing fear, standing on God’s promises, praying for healing and wisdom, seeking root-cause answers, taking action, and continuing in faith until you see breakthrough. This is not a guaranteed medical claim that every person will have the same outcome. For some people, breakthrough includes major symptom improvement or remission. For others, it begins with peace, endurance, clearer direction, and the strength to keep going while they work with a qualified provider.

What foods should autoimmune patients avoid?

Common triggers may include gluten, conventional dairy, refined sugar, ultra-processed foods, industrial seed oils, artificial additives, and any food that personally triggers symptoms. Some people also react to grains, eggs, nightshades, soy, or corn. The goal is not fear-based restriction forever. The goal is to prayerfully identify what inflames your body and replace it with nutrient-dense, bioactive-rich foods that support healing and stewardship.

Are essential oils good for autoimmune disease?

Essential oils may help support stress relief, sleep, mood, occasional pain, and inflammatory balance, but there is not enough research to claim one specific oil treats every autoimmune disease. If you have autoimmunity, start with gentle methods like diffusion, personal inhalers, and properly diluted topical use. Use oils as God-given tools within a broader biblical health lifestyle, not as a replacement for prayer, wisdom, nutrition, rest, and qualified care.

What is the best first step if I think I have autoimmune disease?

Start with prayer, then track your symptoms, family history, food reactions, stress patterns, sleep, and flares. Work with a qualified healthcare provider who understands both testing and root-cause care. Ask about autoimmune labs, thyroid markers, celiac testing, inflammatory markers, nutrient status, gut health, infections, mold, and toxic burden when appropriate. God can guide the process, but you still need to take faithful action.