The 5 Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease (And How to Start Healing)

The 5 Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease (And How to Start Healing)

Author: Dr. Mark Hyman May 11, 2026 Duration: 27:08
Autoimmune disease is often treated as something random, lifelong, and out of your control. But what if it’s not your body malfunctioning—what if it’s your immune system responding exactly the way it’s designed to, to something it sees as a threat? When you understand what’s driving that response, everything changes. Here’s what I cover in today’s episode: • The 5 key drivers—food, toxins, gut health, infections, and stress—and how they disrupt the immune system • Why diet is one of the most powerful levers for turning inflammation on or off every single day • The connection between leaky gut, the microbiome, and immune dysfunction • A practical, functional medicine framework to start reducing symptoms and addressing the condition at the root Autoimmune disease isn’t random—it’s the result of cumulative inputs over time. When you begin to change those inputs, you can shift your biology, calm the immune system, and change the trajectory of your health. Visit ⁠functionhealth.com for 160+ lab tests at just $365 a year. Join the 10-Day Detox: https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Have a question you’d love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here   The waitlist is open** Sign up for Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health - Click here (0:12) Introduction, Sponsor: Function Health, and Overview of Autoimmune Diseases (1:38) Immune System, Causes, and Triggers of Autoimmune Disease (3:45) Common Mistakes and Root Causes in Treating Autoimmune Disease (5:26) Food, Diet, and Anti-Inflammatory Strategies (11:47) Toxins, Gut Health, and the Microbiome (17:32) Hidden Infections and Treating by Root Cause (19:38) Stress and Other Triggers for Autoimmune Disease (23:14) Sponsor: Brain Shaping Academy (24:10) Audience Engagement, Sharing, and Subscription (25:19) Disclaimer, Professional Advice, and Sponsor Gratitude

Hosted by physician and functional medicine pioneer Dr. Mark Hyman, The Dr. Hyman Show is a conversation about reclaiming your well-being. Each episode digs into the interconnected systems that shape our health, moving beyond symptom management to address foundational causes. You’ll hear detailed discussions on nutrition, the roots of chronic disease, mental health strategies, and the science of longevity, all framed through a functional medicine lens. Dr. Hyman engages with leading experts and thinkers to challenge conventional wisdom on food policy and prevention, offering a practical and often provocative perspective. This podcast serves as a resource for anyone feeling lost in a healthcare system that can overlook root causes, providing actionable knowledge to make informed daily choices. Tune in for a deep, evidence-based exploration of how our bodies truly work, empowering you to reimagine your personal health potential through informed dialogue and discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Dr. Hyman Show
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