Treating Autoimmune Conditions With A Holistic and Integrative Approach
Dr. Matthew Lewis
autoimmune, holistic doctor, integrative medicine, autoimmune disease remission
Written by Dr. Matthew Lewis at Provoke Health | Last reviewed: [May 2026]
This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatments described may not be FDA-approved for all conditions mentioned. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.
Introduction
Autoimmune conditions are among the most complex and frustrating diagnoses a patient can receive. You are told your immune system is attacking your own body and that the primary goal of treatment is to suppress it. For many patients, this means years on anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants. Flares continuing and quality of life remaining poor. The underlying question, why is this happening, often goes unanswered.
At Provoke Health, we believe that question is not only worth asking, it is the most important place to start. Autoimmune disease is rarely random. The triggers are known, many are modifiable, and when they are properly identified and addressed, patients frequently experience improvements that medication alone has not been able to provide.
Our holistic approach to treating autoimmune conditions goes beyond symptom management. Rather than simply dampening the immune response, we investigate the root causes driving immune dysregulation and build a comprehensive, personalized plan to address them. This article introduces how we approach autoimmune conditions at Provoke Health, the common conditions we treat, what drives them, and the full range of natural and integrative treatment options we use. If you would like to explore whether this approach is right for you, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute or paid 60-minute consultation with one of our providers.
Autoimmune Conditions We Commonly Treat
At Provoke Health we work with patients across a broad range of autoimmune diagnoses, including:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Multiple Sclerosis
Lupus (SLE)
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Sjögren's Syndrome
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Graves' Disease
Psoriatic Arthritis
Crohn's Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Psoriasis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Celiac Disease
Dementia (neuroinflammatory presentations)
While each condition has its own clinical presentation and may require specific targeted therapies, the underlying mechanism driving all of them is largely the same, a loss of immune modulation. Understanding that shared origin is what makes a holistic approach to autoimmune disease both logical and effective. Rather than treating each diagnosis as a separate problem requiring a separate suppression strategy, holistic autoimmune treatment looks at the whole patient, their history, environment, lifestyle, and biology, to find the common thread.
Understanding Autoimmune Disease: How Immune Modulation Breaks Down
The immune system's primary job is to protect the body from threats, bacteria, viruses, toxins, and damaged cells. To do this without harming healthy tissue, it relies on a process called immune modulation: the ability to accurately distinguish "self" from "non-self."
Every cell in the body carries surface markers, proteins encoded by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, that act as identity signals. A healthy immune system reads these signals and leaves normal cells alone. In autoimmune disease, this recognition system becomes disrupted. The immune system begins treating healthy tissue as a threat and mounts an inflammatory attack against it.
The location of that attack determines the name and nature of the condition, joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis, the myelin sheath in Multiple Sclerosis, the thyroid in Hashimoto's. But for the purposes of holistic autoimmune treatment, what matters most is understanding that the origins and causes of autoimmunity are nearly the same across all of these conditions. Treating only the location of the attack, without addressing what disrupted immune modulation in the first place, is why so many patients remain unwell despite years of conventional care. A truly integrative approach to autoimmune disease asks not just where the immune system is attacking, but why it lost its ability to modulate in the first place.
The Triggers of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease is not simply bad luck or purely genetic destiny. Research has identified a clear set of triggers, some modifiable, some not, that can initiate or sustain immune dysregulation. In most patients we see, more than one trigger is present. A holistic treatment plan for autoimmune conditions begins with a thorough investigation into which triggers apply to each individual patient.
Infection History
Certain infections are among the most well-documented triggers of autoimmune disease. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has been strongly implicated in the development of multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, with a landmark 2022 study in Science demonstrating a 32-fold increased risk of MS following EBV infection. COVID-19 has also been linked to the onset of new autoimmune conditions in previously healthy individuals. This link is likely through a mechanism called molecular mimicry which is where the immune system that is trained to target the pathogen begins cross-reacting with structurally similar human tissue. Identifying and addressing residual infectious burden is a key component of holistic autoimmune care.
Toxic Load and Environmental Exposures
Chronic exposure to environmental toxins is a frequently overlooked trigger for autoimmune conditions. Disruptors like mold and mycotoxins, heavy metals such as mercury and lead, plastics including BPA and phthalates, pesticides, and parabens have all been associated with immune system disruption. A review published in Obstetrics & Gynecology documented the relationship between environmental chemical exposures and autoimmune risk, with a particular burden on women. (Rees Clayton et al., Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2021. https://journals.lww.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004449) Reducing toxic load is one of the most impactful, and most overlooked, strategies in natural autoimmune disease management.
Previous Medical Interventions
Over 100 pharmaceutical medications have been associated with a phenomenon known as Drug-Induced Lupus (DIL) which is a reversible lupus-like syndrome triggered by certain drugs. This is typically resolved once medication is discontinued. This does not mean patients should avoid necessary medications, but it does underscore why a thorough review of medication history is an essential part of any comprehensive, holistic autoimmune evaluation.
Prior Autoimmune History
Having one autoimmune condition significantly increases the likelihood of developing a second. This is because the underlying immune dysregulation driving the first condition is systemic, not isolated to a single organ. A holistic approach to autoimmune disease treats the immune system as a whole rather than addressing each diagnosis independently, which is why patients who have been managing multiple conditions separately often find integrative care to be a turning point.
Gender and Hormonal Factors
Autoimmune disease affects women at approximately twice the rate of men, a 2:1 ratio that is at least partially explained by the immune-modulating effects of sex hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all influence immune activity, and significant hormonal transitions, puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, are commonly associated with the onset or worsening of autoimmune conditions. Integrative and holistic autoimmune treatment accounts for this hormonal dimension as a primary variable, not an afterthought.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain HLA gene variants increase susceptibility to specific autoimmune conditions, which is why autoimmunity tends to cluster in families. Genetics, however, is rarely the sole determinant, most individuals with high-risk variants never develop autoimmune disease, which means environmental and lifestyle factors play a decisive role in whether that predisposition is ever activated. This is an important distinction: genetics loads the gun, but triggers pull the trigger.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor diet, low vitamin levels, chronic stress, poor sleep, and lack of movement can all weaken the immune system over time, and they are among the easiest autoimmune triggers to change. By improving these things through better nutrition, targeted supplements, stress management, and reducing chemical exposures is a core part of any holistic autoimmune treatment plan. Many patients are surprised by how much improvement is possible through lifestyle changes alone.
The Two Arms of Holistic Autoimmune Treatment
When approaching autoimmune disease holistically, it helps to think in terms of two parallel treatment strategies that work together. Neither arm is optional, both are necessary for meaningful, lasting improvement.
Arm 1: Treat the Area of Greatest Immune Impact
This is the conventional medicine approach, and it has genuine value, particularly in the short term. When the immune system is actively destroying joint tissue, reducing that immune response limits further damage. When the thyroid has been significantly depleted by Hashimoto's, hormone replacement is medically necessary.
The limitation is that this arm of treatment addresses consequences but not causes. Immunosuppressants and biologics do not restore immune modulation. Instead, these mechanisms suppress the immune system broadly which is why patients often remain vulnerable to flares and complications over time. This happens when root causes are not addressed alongside them.
A holistic approach to treating autoimmune conditions builds on conventional care by adding therapies that help repair damaged tissue and calm inflammation and not just suppress the immune system.
Take Multiple Sclerosis as an example. In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath which is a protective coating around nerve fibers that are similar to the insulation around an electrical wire. Conventional treatment slows that attack. But a holistic approach asks: what else can we do to protect and rebuild that coating?
The answer may include omega-3 fatty acids for brain and nerve health, a ketogenic diet to reduce brain inflammation, and peptide therapies like Thymosin Beta-4, which early research suggests may help repair myelin tissue.
Conventional and holistic care are not opposites. Used together, they often achieve results that neither approach reaches alone.
Arm 2: Explore the Triggers and Treat Based on the Findings
This is where holistic and integrative autoimmune treatment makes its most distinctive contribution. Rather than accepting immune dysregulation as a fixed condition to be managed indefinitely, we systematically investigate the known trigger categories to identify what disrupted immune modulation in each patient, and whether that trigger is still active.
Example: A patient presents with a brain-based autoimmune condition and a two-year history of living in a water-damaged home. The mold exposure ended after they have moved. However, the residual mycotoxin burden and potential secondary fungal infection was still active and was driving neuroinflammation. In this case, holistic treatment of the autoimmune condition must address the toxic remnants of that past exposure, not just the immune attack itself.
In other cases the trigger is ongoing. A patient experiencing monthly autoimmune flares in perimenopause may be responding to the hormonal fluctuations of her cycle. Targeted hormone replacement can modulate that recurring immune trigger and meaningfully reduce flare frequency.
Identifying whether a trigger is historical or ongoing fundamentally changes the treatment strategy, and is the reason a thorough investigative consultation is always our first step in building a holistic autoimmune care plan.
Holistic and Integrative Treatment Options at Provoke Health
Depending on the condition, the identified triggers, and the patient's current health status, our holistic autoimmune treatment plans are individualized and may include the following options:
Food Sensitivity Testing and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Hidden food sensitivities are a common driver of systemic inflammation that frequently goes undetected in conventional care. We identify these through targeted testing and elimination approaches, and build individualized anti-inflammatory dietary plans that support immune regulation from the inside out. Diet is one of the most powerful and accessible tools in natural autoimmune disease management.
Antioxidant IV Therapies
Glutathione IV, a master antioxidant that supports cellular repair, detoxification, and mitochondrial health
Vitamin C IV, high-dose antioxidant therapy with documented anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects
Phosphatidylcholine IV
Supports cellular membrane integrity throughout the body, including in neurological tissue. Particularly relevant in holistic treatment of brain-based autoimmune conditions and conditions driven by toxic exposures.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
LDN has a growing evidence base for immune modulation across a range of autoimmune conditions including MS, Crohn's disease, and fibromyalgia. It works by transiently blocking opioid receptors, triggering a rebound increase in endogenous endorphin production and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling, making it one of the more promising tools in integrative autoimmune treatment.
Peptide Therapies
BPC-157 and KPV, support gut lining integrity, reduce systemic inflammation, and modulate mast cell activity
Thymosin Alpha-1, supports immune regulation; has been used clinically in chronic viral and immune conditions
Thymosin Beta-4, early preclinical research suggests a role in tissue repair and myelin protection
Epithalon, supports melatonin production, circadian regulation, and brain health
Selank and Semax, neuropeptides being studied for neuroinflammation, cognitive support, and sleep quality
Note: Peptide therapies are not FDA-approved for the treatment of autoimmune conditions. They are offered at Provoke Health in the context of individualized, holistic autoimmune care.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Where hormonal fluctuations are identified as a contributing trigger, targeted hormone replacement can reduce flare frequency and severity while meaningfully improving quality of life, an often underutilized component of comprehensive autoimmune disease management.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy
Umbilical-derived MSC therapy is being investigated for its potential to reduce systemic inflammation and support immune regulation through paracrine signaling mechanisms. This therapy is not FDA-approved for autoimmune conditions and is offered in an investigational context at Provoke Health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Autoimmune Treatment
What are the early warning signs of an autoimmune condition? Common early signs include persistent fatigue, joint pain or swelling, recurring low-grade fever, unexplained skin changes or rashes, brain fog, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Because these overlap with many other conditions, autoimmune disease is frequently underdiagnosed for years. If you have a family history of autoimmunity and are experiencing unexplained systemic symptoms, early evaluation with a holistic or integrative provider is worthwhile.
Can you have more than one autoimmune disease at the same time? Yes, and it is more common than most people realize. Having one autoimmune condition increases the likelihood of developing additional ones. This is because the underlying immune dysregulation is systemic rather than organ-specific. By approaching autoimmune care with a holistic approach and treating the immune system as a whole rather than managing each condition separately.
Can autoimmune conditions go into remission? Yes, and it's important to note outcomes will vary depending on the condition and the duration. Many patients implementing holistic autoimmune treatments experience reductions in symptoms and flare-up frequency. Some patients achieve prolonged remission when root cause triggers are identified and addressed.
How is the Provoke Health approach different from seeing a rheumatologist or specialist? A rheumatologist or specialist provides essential expertise in diagnosing and managing specific autoimmune conditions. Our role is complementary to theirs as we take a holistic view of autoimmune disease. Treatment beyond immunosuppression is when we address the systemic factors that drive immune dysregulation. We work alongside patients' existing specialists rather than replacing them.
How long does holistic autoimmune treatment take to show results? Results will vary based on a patient's condition, its duration, and the number of contributing triggers. We notice that patients see improvements in energy and inflammation within weeks. Deeper immune modulation through LDN or peptide therapies typically takes three to six months to show meaningful effect. We set realistic expectations during the initial consultation.
Can mold exposure cause an autoimmune disease? Yes. Chronic mold and mycotoxin exposure is a well-documented trigger for immune dysregulation. Mold is one of the most common histories we encounter in patients seeking holistic treatment for autoimmune conditions. Even after the exposure has ended, residual mycotoxins and potential secondary fungal infections may continue to drive inflammation and require targeted treatment.
Does stress trigger autoimmune flares? Stress is a signficant contributor to autoimmune flare-ups. Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol and contribues to inflammation and both directly impair immune modulation. A holistic approach to autoimmune disease management takes stress seriously as a physiological trigger, not just a lifestyle footnote, and factors it into the clinical picture during evaluation.
Is Low Dose Naltrexone safe to use with my current medications? LDN is generally well tolerated, however, it requires careful evaluation when combined with opioid medications or certain immunosuppressants. This is always reviewed during your consultation. We do not make medication recommendations without a thorough assessment of your current treatment regimen.
Does insurance cover holistic or integrative autoimmune treatment? Some laboratory testing may be partially covered. However, our consultations and specialized therapies we offer, including peptide therapy, IV nutritional therapy, and stem cell therapy, are not covered by standard insurance.
Do I need a referral to see a Provoke Health provider? No referral is required at our practice as our services are not covered by insurance. You can schedule an appointment by booking either a free 15-minute discovery call or a 60-minute paid comprehensive consultation.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Your Autoimmune Condition
At Provoke Health, we look at the mechanisms behind the autoimmune condition, not solely at the condition name and what the conventional protocol happens to be. It is all too common to see patients who have been on anti-inflammatories or immunosuppressants for years and are still experiencing flares and a poor quality of life, because the underlying triggers have never been fully investigated or addressed using all available tools.
It is important to understand that holistic autoimmune disease treatment is not about rejecting conventional medicine. Instead we are expanding beyond it by identifying what has disrupted immune modulation, treating the tissue under attack, and systematically removing the obstacles that are preventing the immune system from regulating itself. When those pieces come together, patients frequently experience outcomes they had stopped believing were possible.
The first thing we do is a thorough consultation that searches for those triggers. From there, we build a comprehensive, integrative treatment plan that works alongside any existing care you are receiving.
If you are ready to take that step, schedule a free 15-minute or paid 60-minute consultation with one of our Provoke Health providers today.
Related reading:
References
Bjornevik K, et al. Longitudinal analysis reveals high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis. Science. 2022. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abj8222
Rees Clayton EM, et al. The toxic truth about carbon and autoimmunity. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021. https://journals.lww.com/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004449
Vaglio A, et al. Drug-induced lupus: traditional and new concepts. Autoimmunity Reviews. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30793701/
Angum F, et al. The prevalence of autoimmune disorders in women. Cureus. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32542149/
Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Younger J, et al. Low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Current Rheumatology Reviews. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25045633/
