What Is Autoimmunity? Causes, Mental Health Connections, and the Functional Medicine Approach

Healthy Mind
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, affecting millions of people globally. Yet, many still don’t fully understand what autoimmunity is or how deeply it can impact both the body and mind. Even fewer are aware that autoimmunity and mental health are closely connected—and that there’s a holistic way to approach it through Functional Medicine.
We’ll break down what autoimmunity is, how it develops, the mind-body connection, and how a Functional Medicine approach can support true healing.


What Is Autoimmunity?

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system—our body’s natural defense mechanism—mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Instead of protecting the body from foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria, it identifies parts of the body (like joints, skin, gut lining, or brain tissue) as threats and launches an immune response against them.

Common autoimmune conditions include:
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Celiac disease
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Psoriasis
  • Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmunity can affect nearly any part of the body, and symptoms can range from fatigue and joint pain to digestive problems, skin rashes, and even neurological issues.


How Do People Develop Autoimmunity?

Autoimmune diseases are complex and don’t have a single cause. However, Functional Medicine recognizes several key triggers and risk factors, including:

  1. Genetics – You may inherit a predisposition, but genes alone don’t determine your fate.
  2. Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability) – A compromised gut lining can allow toxins, food particles, and bacteria into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses.
  3. Chronic Infections – Viruses like Epstein-Barr or gut imbalances can contribute to immune dysregulation.
  4. Toxins – Mold, heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental exposures can overwhelm the immune system.
  5. Poor Diet – Inflammatory foods and nutrient deficiencies feed dysfunction.
  6. Chronic Stress – Long-term stress disrupts hormonal and immune balance.
  7. Sleep Disruption – Inadequate or poor-quality sleep interferes with immune system repair.

Autoimmunity typically arises when multiple triggers interact in someone already genetically susceptible.


The Connection Between Autoimmunity and Mental Health

Many people with autoimmune diseases also experience anxiety, depression, brain fog, or mood swings. This is no coincidence.

Here’s how autoimmunity affects mental health:
  • Chronic Inflammation – Inflammation in the body can extend to the brain, disrupting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
  • Gut-Brain Axis – A compromised gut affects brain health through changes in the microbiome and nutrient absorption.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies – Autoimmunity can deplete essential vitamins and minerals needed for mood regulation.
  • Psychological Burden – Living with a chronic illness takes a toll on mental and emotional well-being.

Mental health symptoms are real and biologically rooted—they often reflect what’s happening in the body at a deeper level.


The Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmunity

Conventional medicine typically offers symptom management through medications that suppress the immune system. But Functional Medicine asks a different question: What’s causing the immune system to malfunction in the first place?

At Functional Mind LLC, Dr. Achina Stein uses a comprehensive Functional Medicine model to uncover the root causes and restore balance—both physically and mentally.

Our root-cause approach includes:
✅ Deep-Dive Testing – We go beyond standard labs to uncover hidden triggers like gut dysbiosis, toxins, or viral reactivation.
✅ Healing the Gut – Restoring the gut lining and microbiome is key to calming the immune response.
✅ Targeted Nutritional Support – We use food as medicine, paired with customized supplements.
✅ Detox Pathway Support – Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system need to be working optimally to eliminate toxic load.
✅ Mind-Body Interventions – We integrate stress reduction, emotional release techniques, and neuropsychological support.
✅ Lifestyle Rebalancing – Sleep, movement, mindset, and connection are core to long-term healing.


Why Work With Dr. Achina Stein and Functional Mind LLC?

Dr. Achina Stein is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 25 years of experience helping individuals uncover the root cause of their chronic symptoms—especially those labeled with “treatment-resistant” mental health conditions.

At Functional Mind LLC, we don’t just chase symptoms. We help you understand why you’re sick and how to reclaim your health—naturally and holistically.

Whether you’re dealing with autoimmune issues, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, or brain fog, our personalized programs guide you to real answers and lasting transformation.


Ready to Get to the Root Cause?

If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but still feel unwell, or if you’re tired of managing symptoms without resolution, it’s time to dig deeper.
📞 Call 401-270-4541 or
📅 Book your FREE 15-minute discovery call here:
👉 https://fxnmind.com/free-consultation-with-achina/