Personalised Support for
Autoimmune Disease & Chronic Inflammation Conditions
Whilst conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases often focus on managing symptoms or suppressing the immune system, functional medicine takes a more holistic view. We look deeper to uncover and address the underlying drivers of immune imbalance, with the goal of helping the body find its way back to health and resilience.
Because there is no single “one-size-fits-all” approach to autoimmunity, we create personalised support plans. Our key strategies for supporting clients with autoimmune conditions – and helping them feel their best – may include one or more of the following:
Personalised nutritional support
Targeted dietary interventions to reduce inflammation, support gut integrity, and optimise nutrient status.
Comprehensive gut health assessment and support
Addressing dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, SIBO, and other microbiome imbalances that may drive immune activation.
Environmental and lifestyle medicine
Exploring the impact of mould exposure, toxins, chronic infections, and stress on immune function.
Targeted supplementation
Using evidence-based nutrients and botanicals to modulate the immune response, support detoxification, and reduce symptom burden.
Conventional & functional testing
Identifying root causes through advanced laboratory testing, including immune markers, hormone profiles, microbiome analysis, and food sensitivities.
Stress and nervous system regulation
Recognising the impact of trauma, chronic stress, and dysregulated vagal tone, and supporting emotional resilience.
Education and empowerment
Helping clients understand their condition, advocate for themselves, and implement sustainable lifestyle changes.
Collaborative care
We engage where possible with other healthcare providers to ensure an integrated and well-coordinated approach.
This holistic and system-wide approach allows us to work at a depth that truly changes lives. By addressing the biological, environmental, and emotional layers that influence immune health, we support clients in transforming the way their body functions day to day. Over time, many individuals experience improved energy, greater stability in their symptoms, and a renewed ability to engage fully in their personal and professional lives.
Most importantly, this approach helps clients rebuild trust in their bodies. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, confused, or dismissed, they gain clarity about what is driving their symptoms and what they can do to support lasting change.
With the right framework, consistency, and guidance, it is possible to regain control, confidence, and hope.
-- Wherever you are in your journey, you do not have to navigate it alone.
We are here to help you take the next step, understand your body more deeply, and work towards greater stability, resilience, and quality of life.
The AIP Diet: A powerful tool to reduce inflammation
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is a therapeutic elimination diet designed to help reduce inflammation and calm immune system overactivity. It works in phases: first, by removing foods commonly known to trigger immune reactions; then, gradually reintroducing them to identify which foods are personal triggers.
The AIP diet can be a powerful therapeutic intervention for some to improve symptoms like joint pain, digestive upset, fatigue, and skin issues in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and others.
By eliminating potential irritants (such as grains, dairy, legumes, eggs, nightshade vegetables, processed foods, and added sugars) during its elimination phase, the diet aims to support gut healing and reduce intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)—a factor often implicated in autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory conditions.
It’s best however to follow AIP under professional guidance. Working with a healthcare professional ensures that elimination is tailored to your needs and done safely and that nutritional needs are met, especially since the diet is quite restrictive. The reintroduction phase is crucial for identifying which foods are well tolerated and for expanding dietary variety while maintaining symptom control.
At The Autoimmune Clinic, AIP may be one of the tools we use as part of a personalised plan, alongside lifestyle, functional medicine, stress regulation, and somatic work. When used appropriately, AIP offers real potential to reduce flare frequency, improve gut and immune health, and contribute to better quality of life.
Autoimmunity
OUR APPROACH TO HELPING PEOPLE WITH AUTOIMMUNITY AND UNEXPLAINED SYMPTOMS
Over the past 50 years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence and rates of autoimmune diseases. This rise cannot be solely attributed to improved diagnostic capabilities but rather indicates a genuine increase in affected individuals.
APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION IS IMPACTED BY AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES, WHICH IS A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER
It is highly likely that you personally know someone who is affected by some form of autoimmune disease. While autoimmunity is often considered to have a genetic component, research suggests that genetics only account for approximately 30% of cases. This indicates that the majority of autoimmune diseases are influenced by other factors such as environmental factors, dietary choices, infections, and imbalances in the gut.
IF YOUR DIET OR ENVIRONMENT IS CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR ILLNESS, IT IMPLIES THAT THERE ARE ACTIONABLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO ADDRESS IT.
The human body is not adequately equipped to handle the increasingly toxic environment we live in. While our world rapidly evolves, our genes do not evolve at the same pace. When a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity is combined with factors such as poor gut health due to excessive antibiotic use, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of plant-based foods, it creates an ideal environment for the development of autoimmune diseases.
Recognising the impact of diet and environment on our health provides an opportunity for intervention. By making conscious choices to improve our diet, minimise exposure to toxins, and prioritize gut health, we can potentially mitigate the risk of autoimmune diseases and support overall well-being.
Autoimmune Disease & Pathogens:
Why regulating the immune system comes first
Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or even persistent microbial toxins are well-known triggers in many autoimmune diseases (for example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, or CIRS). For some individuals, exposures like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or mould mycotoxins can initiate or exacerbate autoimmunity by mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, or chronic innate immune activation.
However, in clinical experience, the success of targeting these pathogens (through antimicrobial, antiviral or antifungal therapies) often depends heavily on whether the immune system is already supported, balanced, and able to respond appropriately. Going straight after pathogens when immune regulation is weak risks triggering excessive inflammation, worsened symptoms, or relapse.
Research on autoimmune disease shows that immune dysregulation — including metabolic pathway disturbances, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, and failures in immune resolution mechanisms — is central to disease development.
Studies demonstrate that focusing on calming inflammation and regulating immune activity, rather than immediately attempting to kill pathogens, leads to better outcomes, fewer side effects, and more sustainable remission.
Clinically, we see that people with autoimmune conditions who first work on immune foundations — optimising diet, key nutrients, sleep, stress management, and detoxification — tend to tolerate pathogen-focused treatments much better and experience more lasting improvements in their symptoms.
Autoimmunity is a condition characterised by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the body.
Our immune system's primary role is to protect us against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites that pose a threat to our health. Additionally, it helps clear unhealthy cells and aids in repairing damage caused to the body during injuries. However, when our immune system malfunctions, it begins to attack our own cells and tissues, leading to damage. As this damage accumulates, symptoms develop, and the affected body functions may be compromised.
There are more than 80 different conditions identified as falling under the umbrella of autoimmunity. Moreover, numerous other conditions are believed to have a chronic inflammatory component, indicating the wide range of disorders associated with immune system dysfunction.
Most common
autoimmune diseases we see in clinic
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
SYSTEM LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
COELIAC DISEASE
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
CROHN'S & ULCERATIVE COLITIS
HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS
PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA (B12 DEFICIENCY)
SJOGREN'S SYNDROME
VITILIGO
PSORIASIS
TYPE 1 DIABETES
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
ALOPECIA AREATA
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS)
SJOGREN'S SYNDROME
MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
Most common inflammatory conditions
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS) / MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (ME) . FIBROMYALGIA . ENDOMETRIOSIS . CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROMES . ECZEMA . ASTHMA . RELAPSING SIBO
Leaky Gut &
Autoimmunity
LEAKY GUT SYNDROME, ALSO KNOWN AS INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY
This syndrome refers to a breakdown in the lining of the intestines, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass through into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and may contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmunity
Are you experiencing ongoing symptoms without a diagnosis?
Many individuals come to us with similar experiences. Despite seeing doctors and undergoing various investigations, they are told everything appears normal. However, they still don’t feel well.
Living with chronic and unexplained symptoms can be a daily struggle. Fatigue, brain fog, difficulty focusing, and unexplained reactions to food become part of everyday life. Symptoms can vary greatly from one day to the next, leaving individuals feeling uncertain and uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, 45% of people with autoimmunity are often labeled as hypochondriacs by their doctors in the early stages. This can lead to feelings of being misunderstood and not taken seriously. Many individuals become hesitant to discuss their symptoms with their doctor due to fear of not being believed.
DO ANY OF THESE SEEM FAMILIAR TO YOU?
If this resonates with you, we understand your frustration and are here to help. Our clinic takes a comprehensive approach to investigate further and provide support. We believe in addressing the underlying causes and finding solutions that improve your well-being.
Autoimmunity has been described as the “invisible” epidemic by author Donna Jackson Nakazawa in her book “The Autoimmune Epidemic.” It often begins with subtle changes, with symptoms gradually creeping in and initially going unnoticed. People may adapt and live with these symptoms until they become more challenging. When they eventually seek medical help, they are often told that nothing is wrong. Can you relate to this experience?
WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET A DIAGNOSIS?
Autoimmunity is a gradual process that often takes years, if not decades, to progress from silent autoimmunity to full-blown autoimmune disease. Many individuals find themselves in the middle, experiencing autoimmune processes within their bodies and experiencing symptoms, but struggling to receive a diagnosis due to insufficient damage for identification.
Unfortunately, some doctors may adopt a wait-and-observe approach, delaying intervention until the autoimmune condition progresses enough to warrant medication. For instance, in the case of Hashimoto’s, doctors may wait until the thyroid gland is significantly damaged before prescribing thyroid hormone replacement.
However, it is important to recognise the missed opportunities in this approach. The more advanced the autoimmune disease becomes, the greater the damage inflicted on the body, making it more challenging to reverse the course. Early intervention is key to changing the disease’s trajectory and achieving better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions about managing autoimmune disease with our approach. Below are some common queries we receive:
Related Articles on Autoimmune Disease
