The Rising Tide of Autoimmune Disease: Why Rates Are Increasing and What You Can Do
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise worldwide—Australia included. Once considered rare, conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease, and lupus are now commonly seen in clinical practice. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 5 % of Australians are living with at least one autoimmune condition—a figure that continues to climb each year.
The Latest Facts and Figures
Global prevalence: Recent research estimates that around 4.5 % of the global population is affected by an autoimmune disease, with women disproportionately impacted (6.4 % in women vs 2.7 % in men). Some studies in Western populations suggest up to 10 % may be affected.
Rising incidence: Annual increases in autoimmune diagnoses are now reported at approximately 12.5 % for prevalence and nearly 19 % for incidence in Western countries.
Australia-specific data: 5 % of Australians now live with an autoimmune disease, a number that continues to rise each year.
Coeliac disease: Now affects about 1 in 70 Australians (around 1.4 %), yet up to 80 % remain undiagnosed.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Currently affects more than 180,000 Australians (about 0.7 %), with prevalence projected to rise by 238 % from 2010 to 2030.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Affects approximately 1 % of Australian adults.
Underdiagnosis remains a significant concern—many people are living with ‘silent’ or unrecognised autoimmune diseases.
Why Does This Matter?
These statistics highlight an urgent and growing need for proactive assessment, early intervention, and prevention strategies.
The increase in autoimmune disease rates is not only due to better diagnostic tools, but also reflects real changes in our environment and lifestyle.
Addressing the root causes is more important than ever—especially with most autoimmune conditions being lifelong, progressive, and impacting quality of life.
What is Autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues.
Over 80 different autoimmune conditions are recognised, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-altering.
Common early warning signs include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, digestive issues, and brain fog.
Why Are Autoimmune Diseases Increasing?
There is no single cause, but several converging factors are driving the dramatic rise in autoimmune diseases:
Environmental Exposures
Increased exposure to chemicals, pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and synthetic compounds.
Air and water pollution add to our ‘total toxic load’, impacting immune tolerance.
Changes in the Microbiome
Overuse of antibiotics, ultra-processed foods, food additives, and declining dietary diversity disrupt gut flora.
The gut-immune connection is central: up to 80 % of immune cells reside in the gut.
Chronic Stress and Modern Lifestyle
High levels of psychological stress, poor sleep, and disrupted circadian rhythms are well-established immune disruptors.
Sedentary behaviour and lack of time in nature impair immune resilience.
Dietary Factors
The modern Australian diet is high in sugar, refined grains, and processed seed oils, and low in phytonutrients, fibre, and healthy fats.
Widespread nutrient deficiencies—especially vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and omega-3s.
Genetics and Epigenetics
Genetics set the stage, but environmental ‘triggers’ (epigenetic factors) are often required to activate autoimmunity.
Hygiene Hypothesis
Reduced exposure to microbes in early life (ultra-clean environments, C-sections, less breastfeeding) may limit immune education.
COVID-19 and Other Infections
Recent research shows that viral infections, including COVID-19, can act as powerful immune triggers, sometimes initiating or accelerating autoimmune processes in predisposed individuals.
SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) has been associated with new-onset autoimmune diseases, as well as exacerbations in people with existing autoimmunity.
Other common infections—such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and even chronic stealth infections—are also well-documented in their ability to disrupt immune tolerance and trigger autoimmunity.
What Can Be Done? A Naturopathic & Health Optimisation Approach
As an integrative practitioner and founder of Revital Health, my approach to autoimmune conditions combines evidence-based testing, ancestral wisdom, and personalised protocols.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Functional testing: organic acids, gut microbiome mapping, food sensitivity panels, heavy metals, micronutrient status, hormone panels.
Thorough health history and timeline analysis to identify root causes and triggers.
2. Restore Gut Integrity
Identify and eliminate food sensitivities (coeliac, gluten, dairy, etc.).
Rebuild microbiome diversity with prebiotics, probiotics, and targeted herbal antimicrobials.
Repair gut lining with nutrients such as L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, collagen, and polyphenols.
3. Reduce Environmental Toxins
Detoxify home and personal care products.
Support the body’s natural detoxification pathways with nutrients and gentle protocols.
4. Regulate Immune Function
Modulate—not suppress—the immune response using adaptogenic herbs (e.g., ashwagandha, reishi), medicinal mushrooms, and bioactive compounds (quercetin, curcumin).
Address chronic infections or stealth pathogens where indicated.
5. Optimise Nutrition
Prioritise an anti-inflammatory, whole-foods diet (rainbow vegetables, quality protein, omega-3s, herbs, and spices).
Correct underlying nutrient deficiencies with professional guidance.
6. Address Stress and Circadian Rhythm
Mindfulness, breath-work, and nervous system retraining (vagal tone practices, HRV, biofeedback etc.).
Prioritise restorative sleep and daily light exposure.
7. Movement and Nature
Encourage regular, gentle movement and time outdoors for immune regulation.
8. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Track symptom changes and adjust protocols as the body heals.
Empower with education and collaborative decision-making.
My Unique Approach at Revital Health
Health Optimisation Medicine (HOMeHOPe) model—focus on network-wide balance, not just symptom suppression.
Use of advanced diagnostics (metabolomics, multi-omics, and exposome testing).
Bespoke herbal, nutraceutical, and compounding options.
Emphasis on practitioner–client partnership, education, and self-empowerment.
Final Thoughts
Autoimmune diseases reflect a mismatch between our modern environment and our evolutionary biology. While rates are rising, there is much that can be done—especially when you address the root causes. If you’re seeking answers or have been told there’s nothing you can do beyond symptom management, know that a personalised, integrative approach can make a world of difference.
If you’d like support navigating autoimmunity, I invite you to book a consultation at Revital Health or connect with our practitioner team.
For further information, see our Health Optimisation Concierge Program or listen to the latest Revital Health Podcast episode!
