Written by: Lisa Edmondson(Masters Health Coaching (HCANZA), BHsNursing (169984), PostGradDipPH, PostGradDipEd)
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. There are more than 80 recognised autoimmune conditions — including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes — and collectively they represent one of the leading causes of chronic illness globally.
Women account for up to 80% of autoimmune diagnoses.
While genetics play a role, genes alone do not explain this significant gender disparity. Increasing research highlights the powerful influence of chronic stress, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers in the development and progression of autoimmune conditions.
Understanding the Stress Response
The human body is designed to handle short-term stress. However, when stress becomes chronic, the adrenal glands continuously release cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone.
Persistently elevated cortisol can:
- Disrupt immune regulation
- Increase systemic inflammation
- Impair thyroid and reproductive hormone function
- Contribute to gut barrier dysfunction
- Reduce the body’s ability to recover and repair
Over time, this prolonged inflammatory state may contribute to the expression of autoimmune conditions in genetically susceptible individuals.
Why Women May Be More Vulnerable
Modern societal expectations often place sustained emotional and physical demands on women. Research suggests women are more likely to internalise stress and suppress emotional responses, particularly anger or overwhelm. This pattern of chronic emotional suppression has been associated with increased inflammatory markers and immune imbalance.
Autoimmune conditions rarely develop overnight. They often represent years of accumulated stress, hormonal shifts, immune activation, and environmental exposures.
Our Integrative Approach at Global Health
While autoimmune diseases cannot currently be cured, symptom severity and disease progression may be influenced through comprehensive lifestyle and root-cause support.
At Global Health, we focus on:
Comprehensive Assessment
- Detailed clinical history
- Functional and epigenetic testing to assess gene expression patterns
- Inflammatory and nutritional marker evaluation
- Hormonal and adrenal function assessment
Epigenetic testing provides insight into how lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors may be influencing gene expression, allowing for more targeted and personalised care.
Adrenal & Stress System Support
We work specifically to support the adrenal system and regulate the stress response through:
- Structured stress-reduction protocols
- Sleep restoration strategies
- Blood sugar stabilisation
- Targeted adaptogenic herbal support
Personalised Nutrition & Inflammation Support
- Anti-inflammatory dietary strategies
- Gut health restoration
- Micronutrient optimisation
Herbal & Nutraceutical Support
Where appropriate and individualised, supportive herbs may include:
- Ashwagandha (adrenal support)
- Rhodiola (stress resilience)
- Reishi (immune modulation)
- Turmeric/Curcumin (inflammatory balance)
- Holy Basil (nervous system regulation)
All supplementation is prescribed cautiously and individually, particularly in autoimmune conditions where immune modulation must be carefully balanced.
A Collaborative Model of Care
We work alongside conventional medical management. Our role is to support symptom management, reduce inflammatory load, and address modifiable contributors such as stress physiology, nutrition, and environmental triggers.
Important Disclaimer
Global Health does not claim to cure autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune conditions require ongoing medical supervision. Our approach is designed to support symptom management, improve quality of life, and address contributing lifestyle and environmental factors that may influence disease expression.
If you have an autoimmune condition and would like support, please contact us on the link below for a free 5 minute consultation.