Quick answer: Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Natural support focuses on calming inflammation and the triggers that can drive flares: gut health, food sensitivities, stress, sleep and nutrient status. Vitamin D, omega-3s, curcumin and probiotics are commonly used, always alongside, not instead of, the care from your medical team.
Key takeaways
Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system targets the body’s own tissues.
Natural support focuses on calming inflammation and common flare triggers such as gut health, food sensitivities, stress and sleep.
Vitamin D, omega-3s, curcumin and probiotics are commonly used, always alongside the care from your medical team.
Quick answers
What is autoimmunity?
It is when the immune system reacts to the body’s own tissues. Genetics, gut barrier changes, infections, stress, sleep and vitamin D status all play a role.
Which nutrients are commonly discussed?
Vitamin D, omega-3s, curcumin, NAC and probiotics are commonly used to support immune balance, always alongside your medical care.
Can I take supplements with immune medications?
Some interact, so always check with your specialist and never stop a prescribed medication on your own.
Where can I see the products I use?
They are in my practitioner-grade catalog, and the 2-minute supplement quiz can help you find the right guides.
Educational information only, not medical advice.
What drives autoimmunity
Autoimmunity can be driven by genetic susceptibility and gut barrier and microbiome changes. Infections and environmental exposures, chronic stress and poor sleep, and low vitamin D can also contribute.
Lifestyle foundations
Support the gut barrier (see supporting leaky gut), and follow an anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet; some people benefit from a trial off gluten or dairy. Add daily stress reduction such as breathwork or time outdoors, along with seven to nine hours of sleep and morning light.
Nutrients and herbs commonly used
Vitamin D supports immune regulation; guided by testing, and omega-3s support resolution of inflammation. Curcumin supports a healthy inflammatory response, glutathione or NAC support antioxidant defenses, and probiotics support immune balance through the gut.
Medicinal mushrooms contain immune-modulating beta-glucans, so ask first if you take immune medications. Quercetin supports a balanced histamine response, and sulforaphane and green tea support antioxidant pathways.
Amounts should be individualized. Never stop immune-suppressing or disease-modifying medication without your specialist.
Is testing helpful?
Your doctor may check antibodies such as ANA, thyroid antibodies, rheumatoid factor and inflammation markers. Stool testing can add gut insight. Functional labs are optional. They can be helpful in more complex cases.
Autoimmunity and healthy aging
Autoimmune disease involves chronic inflammation and disrupted communication between immune cells, which also drive aging. Over time, ongoing inflammation adds oxidative stress, senescent cells and mitochondrial strain. Calming the immune system supports both. Related: inflammaging and thyroid and Hashimoto’s.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
It may be time to see a naturopathic doctor if you have an autoimmune condition and want natural support, or if you still have symptoms despite your current care. The same is true if you have gut symptoms along with an autoimmune condition, or if you want to coordinate supplements with your specialist.
See a medical provider promptly for a new rash with fever, joint swelling with fever, sudden vision changes, or shortness of breath.
If you are looking for an integrative doctor who works alongside your rheumatologist or primary care team, the pages on integrative medicine in Annapolis and the Maryland holistic and integrative doctor guide describe how these visits fit with the care you already have.
What the research shows
The largest trial on supplements and autoimmunity is the VITAL randomized trial reported by Hahn and colleagues in 2022. It enrolled 25,871 US adults, men 50 and older and women 55 and older, who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day, 1,000 mg of marine omega-3s a day, both, or placebos for a median of 5.3 years. New autoimmune conditions confirmed by medical records, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune thyroid disease, occurred in 123 people on vitamin D versus 155 on placebo, about 22% fewer. The omega-3 group had 15% fewer cases, which was not statistically significant.
This trial looked at new cases in older adults without autoimmune disease, so it does not show whether vitamin D changes the course of an existing autoimmune condition. The number of cases was small relative to the size of the study, and benefit appeared to grow after the first two years. Anyone with an autoimmune condition should coordinate supplements with their rheumatologist or primary care clinician, especially when taking immune-modulating medications.
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Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Which flare triggers, such as gut health or food sensitivities, are worth investigating for my autoimmune condition?
Which labs or assessments would help us understand autoimmunity in my case?
Which daily habits are most likely to make a difference for autoimmunity for me?
How long would it be reasonable to try these steps for autoimmunity before we review them together?
Frequently asked questions
Can diet help autoimmune disease?
Is gluten bad for autoimmune conditions?
Some people, especially those with celiac disease or Hashimoto’s, feel better gluten-free. Test for celiac before removing gluten.
Does vitamin D help autoimmunity?
Vitamin D supports immune regulation. Testing helps guide how much you need.
Can I take supplements with immune medications?
Some interact. Always check with your specialist.
Sources
- Hahn J, Cook NR, Alexander EK, et al. Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2022. PMID: 35082139. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35082139/
- Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2012. PMID: 22109896. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22109896/
- Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med 2007. PMID: 17634462. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17634462/
- Serhan CN. Resolution phase of inflammation: novel endogenous anti-inflammatory and proresolving lipid mediators and pathways. Annu Rev Immunol 2007. PMID: 17090225. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17090225/
- MedlinePlus: Autoimmune Diseases
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D (Consumer Fact Sheet)
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
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