The Root Causes of Autoimmune Conditions and How to Heal Naturally, According to Dr. Amy Myers
Understanding Autoimmune Disease and How to Reverse It
Autoimmune conditions have become alarmingly common, yet they’re often dismissed as inevitable or “normal.” On Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, functional medicine expert and two-time New York Times bestselling author Dr. Amy Myers shares her journey of healing from Graves’ disease and how she now helps patients reverse their autoimmune conditions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder or suspect you might have one, this conversation is a must-read. Dr. Myers breaks down what causes autoimmune diseases, the overlooked role of gut health, and the steps you can take to heal naturally.
Dr. Amy Myers’ Personal Autoimmune Journey
Dr. Myers was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a hyperthyroid autoimmune condition, during her second year of medical school. Despite seeking medical help, her symptoms were initially dismissed as stress. Only after persistently advocating for herself did she receive an official diagnosis.
She faced a common issue in conventional medicine: a lack of solutions aimed at true healing. Instead, she was given three choices—medications with severe side effects, surgery, or radioactive iodine treatment to destroy her thyroid. Ultimately, she underwent thyroid ablation, a decision she now regrets.
This experience led her to dedicate her career to functional medicine, where she helps others avoid the same fate.
The Five Root Causes of Autoimmune Conditions
According to Dr. Myers, autoimmune diseases don’t just happen randomly. There are five key factors that contribute to their development:
- Leaky Gut – The gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins, bacteria, and food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.
- Diet – Inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods fuel autoimmune conditions.
- Toxins – Environmental toxins, mold exposure, and heavy metals can overwhelm the immune system and lead to autoimmune flare-ups.
- Stress – Chronic stress weakens the immune system and is a major trigger for autoimmune disease.
- Infections – Viral and bacterial infections can contribute to the onset of autoimmunity.
Dr. Myers emphasizes that these factors are reversible. By addressing them, you can heal your immune system and potentially reverse autoimmunity.
The Role of Gut Health in Autoimmune Disease
A staggering 80% of your immune system is housed in your gut. If you have an autoimmune condition, something is likely off in your digestive system. Conventional medicine often overlooks this connection, but functional medicine sees gut healing as the first step toward reversing disease.
Dr. Myers uses the 4R Approach to heal the gut:
- Remove – Eliminate inflammatory foods, toxins, and infections (e.g., Candida, parasites, or SIBO).
- Replace – Restore essential digestive enzymes and stomach acid.
- Reinoculate – Reintroduce beneficial bacteria with high-quality probiotics.
- Repair – Use gut-healing supplements like L-glutamine, slippery elm, and marshmallow root.
By repairing the gut, the immune system can begin to function normally again, reducing the attack on healthy tissues.
How to Reverse Autoimmune Disease Naturally
Dr. Myers’ approach focuses on lifestyle changes that support immune balance and overall health. Here’s what she recommends:
1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Remove gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, and processed foods.
- Opt for organic, whole foods.
- Consider an autoimmune paleo diet to eliminate triggers.
2. Heal Your Gut
- Take digestive enzymes and probiotics.
- Address gut infections (Candida, SIBO, parasites).
- Support your gut lining with supplements like L-glutamine and collagen.
3. Reduce Toxin Exposure
- Filter your water and air.
- Avoid plastics and household chemicals.
- Check for toxic mold in your home.
4. Manage Stress and Address Emotional Health
- Meditate or practice breathwork.
- Engage in grounding activities like nature walks or yoga.
- Heal unresolved trauma, which can be a hidden root cause of autoimmunity.
5. Look for Underlying Infections
- Chronic viral infections (like Epstein-Barr) and Lyme disease can trigger autoimmunity.
- Work with a functional medicine doctor to test and treat hidden infections.
Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Reversed?
Yes—depending on where you are on the autoimmune spectrum. According to Dr. Myers, autoimmune disease is not an all-or-nothing condition. Some people may be able to fully reverse their condition, while others may need ongoing support to manage symptoms.
For those who catch it early, lifestyle changes can stop the immune attack before significant tissue damage occurs. Even if you’ve had an autoimmune condition for years, healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and managing stress can dramatically improve symptoms.
The Emotional Connection: Your Mind and Body Are Linked
Dr. Myers shares a powerful story of a patient with Vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition. This patient was an interpreter for refugees, constantly reliving trauma by saying “I” when recounting their horrific experiences. Dr. Myers suggested she quit her job to remove herself from that emotional burden. Within months, her Vitiligo completely reversed.
This illustrates the profound connection between mental and physical health. If you’re struggling with autoimmunity, addressing stress, trauma, and mindset is just as important as diet and supplements.
Final Thoughts: Become the CEO of Your Health
One of the most empowering messages from Dr. Myers is that you must take control of your own health. Conventional medicine often dismisses autoimmune conditions as “normal” or “incurable,” but functional medicine proves that healing is possible.
If you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition, don’t accept that there’s nothing you can do. Start with diet, gut healing, reducing stress, and addressing toxins. And most importantly, advocate for yourself.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos podcast via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
