Autoimmunity vs. Autoimmune Disease
- Dr. Brendan McLaughlin
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In my years of clinical practice specializing in complex chronic illness, I’ve realized there needs to be a critical paradigm shift in our understanding of autoimmune conditions. The conventional model views autoimmunity as a binary state: you either have an autoimmune disease or you don’t. This outdated perspective based on specific blood markers leaves millions suffering in a diagnostic void, told their labs are “normal” despite debilitating symptoms. On the flipside many practitioners insist that autoimmunity doesn’t exist. Both perspectives I believe are harmful.
Through our advanced testing and understanding systems biology, we now appreciate that autoimmunity exists along a complex continuum, with measurable immune dysregulation often present 5-7 years before conventional diagnosis is possible. This insight isn’t merely academic rather it represents a profound opportunity for prevention and reversal that’s transforming patients’ lives in my practice daily. Understanding this spectrum is perhaps the single most important concept for anyone concerned about their immune health.
The Autoimmune Spectrum
Autoimmunity exists on a spectrum. At one end, we have healthy immune function where the body properly distinguishes “self” from “non-self.” At the other end, we have diagnosable autoimmune diseases where tissue damage is measurable, and symptoms are pronounced. What many don’t realize is that there’s a vast middle ground a characteristic progression that occurs long before conventional medicine can detect disease.
What Is Autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity is simply the process by which your immune system creates antibodies that target your own tissues. This process can exist at low levels without causing noticeable symptoms or tissue damage. In fact, some degree of autoimmunity is normal and even necessary for immune regulation and tissue repair.
Your immune system constantly performs surveillance, creating and removing antibodies against self-tissues as part of its normal function. This low-level autoimmunity helps clear cellular debris and is typically well-regulated.
When Autoimmunity Becomes Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease, by contrast, develops when:
- The production of autoantibodies becomes excessive
- Regulatory mechanisms fail to control the immune response
- Significant tissue damage begins to occur
- Clinical symptoms emerge that can be measured and observed
The progression from healthy immune function to autoimmune disease typically follows this path:
- Quiet Autoimmunity: Autoantibodies are present, but no symptoms or tissue damage is detectable
- Autoimmune Reactivity: Low-level inflammation and occasional symptoms begin to appear, but don’t meet diagnostic criteria
- Autoimmune Disease: Chronic inflammation, measurable tissue damage, and persistent symptoms that meet diagnostic criteria
The Aquarian Perspective
What makes our approach different is the focus on identifying and addressing autoimmunity in its earliest stages before it progresses to full-blown disease. Specifically, what is causing the body to produce autoantibodies. We believe that our bodies don’t make mistakes and they don’t choose to attack themselves unless there is a specific reason.
Standard medical practice typically doesn’t recognize or treat autoimmunity until it crosses the threshold into diagnosable disease. By then, significant damage has often occurred, and the condition requires more aggressive intervention.
Testing for Early Autoimmunity
At Aquarian in addition to our specialized testing we frequently use expanded autoantibody panels that can detect immune reactivity long before conventional tests show abnormalities.
Here are the specific markers I find most valuable:
Autoantibody Testing
- Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA): Not just positive/negative, but patterns and titers
- Thyroid antibodies: TPO and TG antibodies (even when TSH is “normal”)
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and gliadin antibodies: Both IgA and IgG
- Myelin basic protein antibodies: Early indicator of neurological autoimmunity
- Cardiolipin and phospholipid antibodies: Associated with cardiovascular issues
- Parietal cell and intrinsic factor antibodies: Gut-related autoimmunity
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies: Joint-related autoimmunity
Inflammatory Markers
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): Values above 1.0 mg/L warrant investigation
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Often elevated before diagnosis
- Complement levels (C3, C4): Can be altered in early autoimmunity
- Ferritin: Can act as an inflammatory marker when iron status is normal
- Homocysteine: Elevated levels contribute to autoimmune progression
Cytokine Profiles
- IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α: Pro-inflammatory cytokines often elevated
- IL-10, TGF-β: Anti-inflammatory cytokines often decreased
- Th1:Th2 and Th17:Treg ratios: Immune balance indicators
Intestinal Permeability Assessment
- Zonulin: Blood marker for intestinal tight junction integrity
- Lactulose/mannitol ratio: Gold standard for measuring gut barrier function
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein: Indicators of bacterial translocation
Microbiome Analysis
- Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio: Often skewed in autoimmunity
- Short-chain fatty acid levels: Especially butyrate, which regulates T-regulatory cells
- Pathobiont overgrowth: Certain bacterial species like Klebsiella, Prevotella copri
Nutritional Markers
- Vitamin D (25-OH): Optimal range 50-80 ng/mL for immune regulation
- Omega-3 Index: Measuring EPA/DHA status
- Zinc and selenium levels: Critical for immune balance
- Glutathione status: Master antioxidant often depleted in autoimmunity
When these tests reveal early signs of immune dysregulation even when conventional markers appear normal we can intervene with targeted protocols to restore balance before tissue damage becomes significant.
Again these blood markers don’t necessarily tell is why something is happening but allow us to make informed decisions well in advance of chronic pathology. We leverage our other testing (Autonomic Response Testing and Bioresonance Testing) to determine why these processes are occurring in the first place.
Triggers and Mediators of Autoimmunity
Understanding what drives autoimmunity is crucial. The most common factors I see in my practice include:
- Intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut”): An inflamed gut lining allows larger food proteins and microbial components to move into the lymph and blood where they interact inappropriately with the immune system
- Chronic infections: that embed themselves into organs and tissues that may go undiagnosed for years
- Environmental toxins: Heavy metals, pesticides, mold and industrial chemicals that disrupt immune signaling
- Food sensitivities: Creating ongoing immune activation and cross-reactivity with body tissues
- Stress: Altering immune regulation through hormonal pathways
- Nutrient deficiencies: Particularly vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and selenium
Note on Drainage
Drainage (optimizing lymphatic flow and detoxification pathways) is a key piece to our approach to autoimmunity.
We have found that even if someone correctly identifies the hidden triggers and mediators to autoimmunity specific to them if they do not work on improving the flow and release of toxins and improve how the body functions it can often lead to paradoxical reactions. This is why drainage protocols are done in various forms right from the beginning because this critical step supports the body’s natural elimination processes and is essential for recovery from autoimmunity.
This is so important in autoimmunity because lymphatic circulation supports immune cell trafficking and communication, removal of cellular debris and inflammatory mediators, clearance of autoantibody complexes and reduces tissue edema and inflammation.
Our approach uses several different types of drainage techniques including:
- Manual lymphatic drainage techniques (self-massage or professional)
- Dry skin brushing toward the heart (5 minutes daily)
- Vibration therapy
- Rebounding exercise (10-15 minutes daily)
- Alternating hot/cold hydrotherapy
- Castor oil packs over liver and abdomen
- Targeted botanical support:
→ Red root for lymphatic congestion
→ Cleavers for lymph node support
→ Burdock root for skin-associated lymphatics
→ Gemmotherapy for specific organ drainage - Specific hydration protocols
- Phase-specific liver support for metabolic detoxification
- PEMF therapy for enhanced cellular detoxification
- Frequency Specific Microcurrent to improve lymphatic flow and improve cellular function
- Ionic Footbaths to stimulate detoxification
Whether someone has the initial signs and symptoms of autoimmunity or are in the throes of a diagnosed autoimmune disease, I implement what I have dubbed the Autoimmune Revival Program. This integrated approach addresses the root causes of immune dysregulation while simultaneously ensuring optimal drainage and detoxification at every stage.
It is important to note that this program is a template. Taken in general terms it can be effective, but the most appropriate way to start is to begin with a comprehensive assessment to fully understand where you as an individual need to begin. Each person’s autoimmune journey is unique, with different triggering factors, genetic predispositions, toxic burdens, and drainage capacity. The sequence and emphasis of interventions must be personalized based on detailed functional testing and clinical evaluation. What follows is the framework I use to guide this personalized approach.
1. Remove & Release
The first stage involves identifying and eliminating the specific triggers that lead to autoimmunity while supporting initial drainage pathways.
Remove Inflammatory Triggers:
- Precision elimination diets based on antibody testing (IgG, IgA food panels) and Autonomic Response Testing
- Comprehensive testing for latent pathogens utilizing Bioresonance, Autonomic Response Testing and functional lab testing
- Environmental toxin screening (heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides)
- Histamine and oxalate assessment
- Environmental EMF mitigation
- Environmental mold detection and remediation
- Evaluate and being to remediate circadian imbalances precipitating autoimmune reactions
Support Primary Drainage Channels:
- Ensure optimal hydration with specific protocols (distilled, silica rich, structured, hydrogen)
- Gentle lymphatic stimulation techniques:
→ Basic dry skin brushing protocol (3-5 minutes daily)
→ Superficial lymphatic self-massage
→ Diaphragmatic breathing exercises - Kidney drainage support:
→ Gemmotherapy and/or Tissue Salts
→ Adequate mineral intake - Intestinal motility support:
- Gentle herbal protocols if needed
- Abdominal massage techniques
2. Repair & Reduce Congestion
Once the initial triggers have been remediated we can begin to heal the body while clearing deeper lymphatic stagnation.
📌 NOTE: too many want to jump right to this stage without doing the first, this is one of the main reasons why many protocols fail.
Tissue Repair Support:
- It is imperative to beginning healing the gut lining once the autoimmune triggers have been resolved.
- Some of the key supplements we used in this stage include:
- Gut Healing
→ L-glutamine
→ Lactoferrin
→ Collagen peptides
→ Gelatin
→ Cistus Tea - Cellular protection:
→ Quercetin for mast cell stabilization
→ NAC for glutathione production
→ Butyrate for colonocyte health
- Gut Healing
Intermediate Drainage Enhancement:
- At this stage we can go deeper with targeted lymphatic herbs including:
→ Red root for lymphatic congestion
→ Cleavers for lymph node support
→ Organ specific Gemmotherapy remedies - We also want to focus on interstitial fluid drainage to promote normal body detoxification:|
→ Alternating hot/cold hydrotherapy
→ Rebounding exercise (5-10 minutes daily)
→ Castor oil packs over liver and abdomen - Fascial release techniques also become important at this stage to remodel the extracellular matrix and promote detoxification:
→ Gua sha therapy
→ Foam rolling specific pathways
→ Targeted stretching sequences
→ Manual therapy
3. Restore & Recirculate
Once we have been able to remediate the triggers to autoimmunity and begin to heal the gut we can now optimize microbial balance while enhancing lymph flow and autonomic regulation.
Microbiome Restoration:
- Implemented only after removal phase is complete and drainage pathways are flowing
- Digestive support:
→ Digestive enzymes with meals
→ Betaine HCl when indicated by low stomach acid
→ Bile acid support when indicated - Strategic microbial recolonization:
→ Multi-strain probiotics (strain-specific to condition)
→ Soil-based organisms when appropriate
→ Fermented foods as tolerated
→ Specific photobiomodulation protocols to increase microbial diversity
Advanced Lymphatic Circulation:
- Professional manual lymphatic drainage sessions
- Deeper lymphatic circulation support:
→ PEMF therapy for enhanced cellular detoxification
→ Advanced rebounding protocols (15-20 minutes daily)
→ Contrast hydrotherapy immersion (when tolerated)
4. Regulate & Renew
Once we have completed the first three stages it is time to continue to modulate appropriate immune function while maintaining ongoing rejuvenation of tissues
Immune Modulation:
- Targeted immunoregulatory support:
→ Customized herbal formulations
→ Low Dose Immunotherapy for specific triggers
→ Adaptogenic herbs for HPA axis support - Specialized immune nutrients:
→ Transfer factors when indicated
→ Beta-glucans for trained immunity
→ Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Deep Tissue Renewal:
- Extracellular matrix detoxification:
→ Systemic enzyme therapy
→ Continued use of binding agents for released toxins
→ Frequency Specific Microcurrent for extracellular matrix regulation - Cellular regeneration support:
→ NAD+ precursors
→ Mitochondrial support nutrients
→ Photobiomodulation for continued cellular regeneration
5. Rebalance & Reestablish Flow
The final stage is about addressing lifestyle factors while maintaining long-term drainage and detoxification for optimal function.
Lifestyle Optimization:
- Nervous system regulation:
→ Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback
→ Specific EFT tapping protocols
→ Targeted vagal nerve stimulation - Circadian rhythm restoration:
→ Morning sunlight exposure protocol
→ Blue light management
→ Time-restricted eating - Movement medicine:
→ Zone 2 cardiovascular training
→ Specific stretching sequences for lymphatic flow
→ Fascial fitness training
Maintenance Drainage Protocol:
- Seasonal drainage support:
→ Quarterly drainage intensives
→ Lymphatic maintenance routine
→ Detoxification pathway upregulation - Environmental drainage practices:
→ Regular sauna sessions
→ Home detoxification strategies
→ Clean living environment maintenance
This Autoimmune Revival Program integrates drainage and detoxification throughout each phase, recognizing that healing cannot occur in a body that remain congested with inflammatory mediators, immune complexes, or environmental toxins. By simultaneously addressing root causes and enhancing elimination pathways, we create the optimal conditions for the body’s innate healing mechanisms to reverse autoimmune processes before they progress to diagnosable disease.
While the program is laid out in a very specific way it should be noted that exactly where one starts is entirely predicated on a comprehensive assessment to ascertain exactly what the contributing factors are and systematically work through them.
Case Study: Catching Autoimmunity Early
Let me share a brief case that illustrates this approach:
Julia, a 37-year-old marketing executive patient of mine, came to me with fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and recurrent headaches. Her conventional labs were all “normal,” and her previous doctor told her she was fine and just needed to “work less”.
Initial Testing Revealed:
We did some more comprehensive blood work that showed:
- ANA titer of 1:80 (speckled pattern) – below the conventional “positive” threshold of 1:160
- TPO antibodies of 35 IU/mL (reference range <35)
- Zonulin elevated at 78 ng/mL (reference range <55)
- hs-CRP of 1.7 mg/L (conventional “normal” <3.0, but functional optimal <1.0)
- Vitamin D level of 22 ng/mL (conventional “adequate” >20, but functional optimal 50-80)
- IgG antibodies to multiple foods, with strongest reactions to wheat and eggs
Our additional DNA based testing showed:
- Mycoplasma within the thyroid gland
- Decreased conversion of thyroid hormone in the liver due to stagnation
- Stress on the autonomic nervous system due to habitual cellphone use
These markers indicated early-stage autoimmunity with latent infections, increased intestinal permeability and nutrient deficiencies a perfect storm developing, though not yet at diagnostic thresholds for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Her Personalized Protocol:
Remove Phase:
- Elimination diet removing IgG-reactive foods for 60 days
- Herbal antimicrobial protocols to address latent infections
- Home filters for air and water quality improvement
- EMF mitigation strategies for home and work
- Targeted lymphatic drainage
Repair Phase:
- Gut repair protocols
- Liver drainage protocols
- Increased lymphatic drainage techniques
- Photobiomodulation for the thyroid
Restore Phase:
- Spore-based probiotics
- Digestive enzymes and bitters with larger meals
- Targeted thyroid supplementation
Regulate Phase:
- Continued thyroid support
- Systemic enzyme therapies
Rebalance Phase:
- Morning light exposure for 20 minutes
- Bedtime routine optimization
- Zones 2-3 fitness 4x weekly with appropriate circadian timing
- Guided prayer and meditation practice
Six-Month Outcomes:
- ANA now negative
- TPO antibodies decreased to 12 IU/mL
- Zonulin normalized to 42 ng/mL
- hs-CRP decreased to 0.6 mg/L
- Vitamin D increased to 62 ng/mL
- Mycoplasma no longer present in thyroid tissue
Most importantly, Julia’s symptoms completely resolved. Had we waited until she developed full Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune disease, the intervention would have been much more challenging, and she likely would have suffered irreversible tissue damage.
When doing any drainage protocol sequence and timing is critical. We often must first ensure kidneys and colon are functioning optimally before liver detoxification. Then support the extracellular matrix before pushing cellular detoxification.
Conclusion: The Opportunity in Early Detection
The distinction between autoimmunity and autoimmune disease represents a crucial window of opportunity. By recognizing and addressing immune dysregulation before it progresses to tissue destruction, we can potentially prevent or significantly delay the onset of diagnosable autoimmune conditions.
This approach requires a shift in thinking from the black-and-white view of disease presence or absence to understanding health as existing on a continuum. It also demands more sophisticated testing and personalized interventions than are typically offered.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest immune imbalance but have been told “everything looks normal,” consider working with us and we can help you explore whether early autoimmunity might be at play. The earlier we intervene, the greater our chances of restoring immune balance and preventing progression to disease.
*Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
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