10 Reasons Autoimmune Patients Don’t Achieve Remission and How to Overcome Them
As a licensed functional medicine nutritionist at Out of the Woods Nutrition, I empower women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and autoimmune diseases to achieve remission, improve function, and enhance quality of life by addressing root causes like gut dysfunction, inflammation, and stress. Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, are incurable, but remission is achievable with the right strategies. This guide explores 10 common reasons autoimmune patients struggle to improve, drawing from my extensive experience and insights from gut health, adrenal function, and bio-individuality. Learn how to navigate your unique autoimmune web and take control of your health journey.
Understanding Autoimmune Remission
Autoimmune diseases result from the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues due to loss of immune tolerance, triggered by foods, environmental compounds, or pathogens. Remission means reducing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving function, not curing the condition. Misconceptions, such as believing nutrient supplements or detoxes alone can “cure” autoimmunity, set unrealistic expectations. Effective management requires a personalized approach, addressing diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors unique to each individual, as emphasized in prior discussions on gut health and adrenal function.
10 Reasons Autoimmune Patients Don’t Improve
1. Not Taking Dietary Triggers Seriously
Autoimmune patients often have food sensitivities due to loss of immune tolerance, where the immune system mistakes food proteins for body tissues. Gluten, found in modern wheat, is a primary trigger, mimicking tissue proteins and sparking inflammation in Hashimoto’s and other conditions, even without celiac disease. Dairy, grains, eggs, soy, or nightshades may also provoke reactions, varying by individual. The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet, an evolution of the elimination-provocation diet, removes these triggers for 30-60 days, reintroducing foods every three days to identify reactions. A 2019 study showed AIP reduced Hashimoto’s symptoms in 70% of patients. Failing to adhere strictly to this diet can perpetuate inflammation, as one client flared after occasional gluten exposure.
2. Diets that are too Restrictive
Conversely, overly strict diets with limited food variety harm gut microbiome diversity, critical for immune tolerance. Research links low microbial diversity to increased inflammation and worse autoimmune outcomes, as seen in prior gut-fertility discussions. Eating the same few foods daily reduces beneficial bacteria producing anti-inflammatory postbiotics like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Aim for 20-30 plant-based foods weekly (e.g., berries, artichokes, green bananas) to support a diverse microbiome. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis improved joint pain by diversifying her diet after eating only five foods for months.
3. Environmental Toxin Exposure
Chemicals like BPA (plastics), pesticides, or flame retardants can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals, worsening autoimmunity. A 2020 study linked BPA exposure to increased autoimmune flares. Everyday exposures—plastic coffee lids, microwaved plastic containers, or gas fumes—may go unnoticed. Testing (Cyrex Array 11, urinary chemical panels) identifies sensitivities, costing $100-$300. Reducing exposure (e.g., glass containers, organic produce) and supporting detoxification pathways with chlorella (1-2 g daily) or glutathione precursors (NAC, 600 mg) can help. A client reduced Hashimoto’s antibodies by switching to non-toxic household products.
4. Silent Infections
Undetected infections like Helicobacter pylori (linked to Hashimoto’s) or Epstein-Barr virus (linked to lupus) can drive autoimmunity. A low white blood cell count (WBC 4.6, as in your client’s labs) may hint at chronic infections, as noted in prior discussions. Stool analysis (BioHealth, $150-$300) or infection panels (ELISA, PCR) detect pathogens. Herbal antimicrobials (e.g., berberine) and probiotics (Seed Daily Synbiotic, 30 billion CFU) address infections while supporting gut health. A patient with lupus improved after treating asymptomatic H. pylori.
5. Poor Quality Sleep or Not Enough.
Sleep deprivation is pro-inflammatory, undermining autoimmune management. A 2018 study showed sleep loss increases cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), worsening Hashimoto’s. Aim for 8-9 hours nightly, addressing barriers like blood sugar imbalances (low glucose, as in your client’s labs) or adrenal dysfunction (low cortisol, per gut-adrenal content). Lifestyle discipline—avoiding late-night screen time or social media—enhances sleep quality. A client with multiple sclerosis reduced fatigue by prioritizing consistent sleep schedules.
6. Circadian Rhythm Irregularity
Disrupted cortisol-melatonin balance, from inconsistent sleep-wake cycles, raises inflammation. A 2021 study linked circadian misalignment to worse autoimmune outcomes. Going to bed and waking at the same time daily stabilizes cortisol (high morning, low evening) and melatonin. Shift workers or frequent travelers, as noted in the source, struggle more with remission. A patient with Hashimoto’s improved symptoms by maintaining a 10 PM-6 AM sleep schedule.
7. Sedentary Lifestyle
Inactivity exacerbates autoimmune flares, while movement releases anti-inflammatory opioids. A 2022 study found rheumatoid arthritis patients reduced pain with moderate exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), with short bursts (20-30 seconds) and rest, maximizes opioid release without overexertion, which is pro-inflammatory. Aim for 3,000-5,000 steps daily, tailored to energy levels, as in prior stress management discussions. A client with Hashimoto’s reduced brain fog with daily walks.
8. Poor Natural Opioid Responses
Beyond exercise, activities like socializing, hobbies, gratitude, or spiritual practices release opioids, dampening inflammation. A 2020 study showed positive social connections lower autoimmune activity. Toxic environments (e.g., negative online groups) or lack of purpose increase stress and flares, as seen in prior discussions on emotional healing. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis improved by joining a supportive community and practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
9. Unhealthy Social Relationships
Toxic relationships—work, family, or intimate—elevate stress and inflammation, hindering remission. A 2019 study linked chronic stress to worse autoimmune outcomes. Addressing these dynamics, though challenging, is critical. Therapy or boundary-setting can help, as seen in prior emotional healing strategies. A client with Hashimoto’s reduced flares after leaving a toxic workplace.
10. Passivity in Health Management
The primary barrier to remission is passivity—relying solely on practitioners without self-advocacy. Many doctors dismiss diet, lifestyle, or environmental impacts due to limited autoimmune knowledge. Patients must seek multiple opinions, experiment with strategies, and adapt as life changes (e.g., aging, perimenopause, as in your client’s case). A team of practitioners (nutritionist, functional medicine doctor) enhances outcomes. A patient with multiple sclerosis achieved remission by actively researching and collaborating with specialists.
Actionable Steps for Remission
Adopt AIP Diet: Eliminate gluten, dairy, soy, and other triggers for 30-60 days, reintroduce every three days to identify sensitivities.
Diversify Diet: Include 20-30 plant foods weekly (berries, artichokes) for microbiome health.
Reduce Toxins: Use glass containers, avoid plastics, and support detoxification with chlorella (1-2 g daily).
Test for Infections: Order stool analysis (BioHealth, $150-$300) or infection panels (ELISA, PCR).
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 8-9 hours nightly with consistent schedules.
Stabilize Circadian Rhythm: Maintain fixed bed/wake times.
Move Daily: Walk 3,000-5,000 steps or try HIIT, tailored to energy levels.
Boost Opioid Responses: Engage in hobbies, gratitude, or MBSR.
Address Relationships: Set boundaries or seek therapy for toxic dynamics.
Be Proactive: Work with a functional medicine practitioner, experiment, and adapt strategies.
Diagnostic Tools ($50-$400)
Thyroid Panel ($50-$200): TSH (0.5-2 mIU/L), free T3/T4, TPO/TG antibodies for Hashimoto’s.
Stool Analysis ($150-$300): BioHealth or Doctor’s Data for dysbiosis, infections.
Chemical Sensitivity ($100-$300): Cyrex Array 11 or urinary chemical panels.
Adrenal Function ($100-$200): BioHealth 205 (saliva) for cortisol/DHEA, as in prior gut-adrenal content.
Food Sensitivities ($100-$300): Cyrex Array 4 . Retest every 3-6 months to monitor progress.
Avoiding Overwhelm
Start with diet (AIP, diversity) and sleep, then add testing and lifestyle changes. A practitioner guides prioritization, as seen in a client who achieved Hashimoto’s remission in 6 months by focusing on gluten elimination and sleep.
The Transformative Journey
Addressing these barriers reduces inflammation, improves function, and enhances quality of life. A 42-year-old with Hashimoto’s achieved remission by eliminating gluten and addressing H. pylori.
I can walk with you through your health issues, helping you put the pieces of the puzzle together. Book a consultation at www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com for a personalized plan. Share your journey in the comments, and tune into Help for Hashimoto’s podcast for more insights.
You’re stronger than you know—start today!
