What Is Autoimmunity? Understanding the Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease

Erin Stefanacci
Sep 24
3 min read

If you've ever been told “your labs are normal” but you still don’t feel well, or you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and left with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Autoimmunity is complex, often misunderstood, and deeply personal. Understanding the basics and the root causes of autoimmune disease is a powerful first step toward reclaiming your health.

What Is Autoimmunity?

At its core, autoimmunity happens when the immune system, which is meant to protect you from harmful invaders, starts to misidentify your own cells as a threat. Instead of fighting off bacteria or viruses, it mistakenly targets healthy tissues, creating chronic inflammation and often causing long-term damage.

There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, including:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Celiac disease
Multiple sclerosis
Psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Crohn's disease

Many people live in a "gray zone" for years, dealing with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and digestive issues without ever receiving a formal diagnosis.

What’s Happening in the Body?

When someone is diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, the immune system has entered a state of confusion. Normally, the immune system uses proteins called antibodies to recognize and neutralize harmful invaders. In autoimmunity, the body begins producing autoantibodies—antibodies that mistakenly target its own tissues.

This leads to an ongoing cycle:

The immune system attacks specific tissues (like the thyroid, joints, or skin).
That attack triggers inflammation in those areas.
The inflammation causes damage, which sends more signals to the immune system.
The immune system responds with even more activity, creating a feedback loop.

Over time, this chronic immune activation can wear down the body's ability to regulate itself. What began as a protective response becomes something that contributes to long-term illness. This is why symptoms can vary so widely, and why autoimmune conditions often affect more than one area of health.

What are the root causes of autoimmune disease?

There’s no single cause of autoimmunity. It usually develops from a combination of factors that create a state of immune confusion.

Common contributors include:

Genetics: You may be more susceptible if autoimmunity runs in your family.
Environmental triggers: Chronic viral infections, mold exposure, or toxins can set off the immune response.
Gut health imbalances: A disrupted microbiome or intestinal permeability can confuse the immune system.
Chronic stress: Both emotional and physical stress can be major drivers of immune dysregulation.
Diet and lifestyle: Inflammatory foods, nutrient deficiencies, and poor sleep can push the body out of balance.

Autoimmune conditions rarely appear overnight. They tend to build quietly over time, which is why early detection and a deeper look at root causes matter so much.

What Can You Do About It ?

Here’s the good news. Autoimmunity isn’t a life sentence. While it may not be curable in the traditional sense, there is so much we can do to reduce inflammation, calm the immune system, and help your body restore balance.

At Asheville Functional Medicine, our approach includes:

Finding the root causes: We look beyond standard labs to uncover the deeper patterns behind your symptoms.
Personalized care: Your plan is designed for your body, your life, and your goals.
Whole-person healing: We explore everything from gut health and nutrition to sleep, stress, and hormones.
Sustainable strategies: You won’t find quick fixes here. Just small, consistent steps that lead to lasting change.

You Are Not Alone in This Journey

Living with autoimmunity can feel isolating, especially if you’ve been told "there’s nothing wrong" or that your symptoms are in your head. But your experience is real. Your symptoms are signals, not something to silence.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, know this: your body wants to heal. And with the right support, it can.

Curious about the next step in your healing journey? Let’s explore it together. Book a free health strategy session.