Are you wondering why more people are getting diagnosed with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, Lupus, or Crohn’s? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Functional Nutritionist Erin Holt shares insights into the real reasons behind the rise in autoimmune disease. She discusses common root causes and why women are often more affected. Erin offers a clear, reassuring perspective on understanding and addressing autoimmunity.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Instead of defending against viruses and bacteria, it targets healthy tissues—leading to symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, gut issues, and more.
Common autoimmune diseases include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
- Psoriasis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Many people struggle for years with vague symptoms before getting diagnosed. If you’re living with vague or chronic symptoms and still don’t have answers, an autoimmune condition might be the root cause.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Autoimmune Disease?
According to Erin Holt, a functional nutritionist and autoimmune survivor, there isn’t one single cause—but rather a combination of internal and external stressors that overwhelm the immune system.
6 Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease:
- Food: Poor diet, processed foods, and food sensitivities increase inflammation
→ Work with a Nutritionist - Toxins: Daily exposure to chemicals, mold, pesticides, heavy metals and pollutants impairs immune function
→ Explore Detox Services - Gut Health: A disrupted microbiome weakens immune barriers
→ Gut Health Support - Chronic Stress: Long-term stress (constant fight-or-flight responses) suppress immune resilience
→ Find Stress Relief Classes - Infections: Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can trigger immune confusion
- Trauma: Early-life trauma or unprocessed emotional stress can lead to immune dysfunction
→ Work with Mental Health Coaches
Each of these areas feeds into the others, creating an environment that promotes chronic illness. Healing requires addressing all six layers.
Why Are Autoimmune Diseases on the Rise?
Autoimmune diagnoses are climbing at alarming rates. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Erin Holt, a functional nutritionist and autoimmune survivor, explains that conventional care often misses the root causes behind this epidemic.
While improved testing may play a role, Erin attributes much of the rise to modern life itself: poor gut health, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and unprocessed emotional trauma. These stressors overload the immune system and lead to dysregulation.
"We have to stop asking, ‘What disease do I have?’ and start asking, ‘What is driving this immune dysfunction?’"
Why Are Women More Likely to Get Autoimmune Diseases?
One of the most surprising facts Erin shares is that 80% of autoimmune disease diagnoses are in women. She points to a combination of factors:
- Hormonal fluctuations also make immune function more volatile
- Women are conditioned to suppress emotions, ignore discomfort, and overextend themselves
- Chronic stress, caretaking roles, and underdiagnosis contribute to the disparity
These learned patterns, combined with physiological stress, may increase immune dysfunction in women. Erin emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy in reversing these trends.
Understanding this context can empower women to recognize early warning signs and advocate for better care.
What Are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune symptoms can be vague, overlap with other conditions, and affect nearly every system in the body. This makes them easy to miss and is the reason many people go undiagnosed for years.
Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Joint pain, swelling or stiffness
- Digestive problems (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
- Skin rashes, hives, or flare-ups
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hair loss
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
These early warning signs often appear before traditional lab work shows anything “abnormal,” which is why root cause investigation is essential. If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but you still feel off, don’t ignore your instincts. Seek a provider who specializes in functional or integrative care.
What Are the 3 Stages of Autoimmune Disease?
Erin explains that autoimmune conditions develop in three distinct stages:
- Silent Autoimmunity: Antibodies are present, but there are no symptoms yet.
- Symptomatic Autoimmunity: Inflammation and symptoms appear, but diagnosis is difficult.
- Tissue Damage: Damage to organs or tissues occurs; diagnosis becomes possible but healing is harder.
Intervening in Stage 2 offers the best chance at remission. Erin encourages listeners to explore functional testing and early intervention before damage becomes irreversible.
Listen to the episode for the full explanation of the 3 stages.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed?
There is no single test for autoimmune disease but several lab tests can indicate immune activity, reveal dysfunction or inflammation.
Recommended Autoimmune Lab Tests:
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): Screens for general autoimmune activity
- CBC (Complete Blood Count): Flags abnormal white blood cells
- HS-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): Detects low-grade inflammation
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Measures inflammation levels
- Ferritin: Assesses iron storage and hidden inflammation
- Full Thyroid Panel: Especially for women, includes TSH, Free T3/T4, TPO, and TgAb
→ Book Thyroid Support Consults
If you're not getting answers, Erin suggests requesting these specific labs to start a more informed conversation with your provider.
Pro tip: Track your symptoms and push for answers, especially in Stage 2, when symptoms begin but damage hasn’t yet occurred.
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Can Autoimmune Disease Be Reversed or Put Into Remission?
While autoimmune conditions are generally considered chronic, remission is possible. Erin shares that addressing underlying causes—like gut health, emotional trauma, and toxin exposure—can lead to reduced symptoms, lower antibody levels, and a return to normal life. She emphasizes that remission is most likely when:
- Symptoms are addressed early
- You work with a practitioner focused on root causes
- Lifestyle changes are consistent over time
→ Work with a Functional Medicine Expert
Erin believes the key is to address the root causes—not just the symptoms.
What Remission Looks Like:
- Stable lab markers
- Symptom-free daily life
- Improved energy, mood, and digestion
- No need for escalating medications
How Can You Take Control of Autoimmune Disease?
You don’t have to settle for symptom management alone. Erin’s message is clear, you have more power than you think. Start with these steps:
- Track symptoms and push for testing
- Clean up your diet and reduce toxic exposure
- Address stress, mindset, and emotional wounds
- Build a care team who listens and supports your healing goals
→ Find a Health Coach or Wellness Provider
What Are the Best Treatments for Autoimmune Disease?
Conventional treatments often include steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. While they may be necessary, functional care focuses on long-term healing and root cause resolution.
Natural & Holistic Treatment Options:
- Anti-inflammatory diets (e.g., AIP, gluten-free, low-tox)
- Detox support and chemical reduction
- Gut repair protocols
- Mind-body therapies like breathwork or energy healing
- Personalized health coaching
→ Book a Health Coach
These interventions work best when tailored to your body and guided by a practitioner who understands autoimmune disease.
How Can Lifestyle Changes Help Autoimmune Conditions?
Healing from autoimmune disease often starts with daily lifestyle upgrades.
Recommended Lifestyle Shifts:
✅ Prioritize 8–9 hours of sleep
✅ Ditch processed foods and reduce sugar
✅ Add fermented foods and fiber for gut health
✅ Meditate or journal daily to reduce stress
✅ Say no more often, rest when needed
✅ Work with a supportive care team
→ Join Live Wellness Classes or Shop Health Services
You Can Take Back Control
Living with autoimmune disease can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Erin Holt’s story proves that healing is possible when you look beyond the surface and dig deeper into what your body needs.
More from Sofia Health
If you're seeking support for autoimmune conditions, Sofia Health offers a wide range of services designed to help you take control of your health. Whether it's booking a consultation with gut health specialists, accessing detox and environmental support, working with stress and mindset coaches, or getting guidance on nutrition and food sensitivities, we’ve got you covered. You can even shop the Sofia Marketplace for products and services or work with a functional medicine expert to address your needs.
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "The Autoimmune Epidemic: Why Your Immune System Is Under Attack with Erin Holt", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.
