If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is this happening to me?”—you’re not alone. Many people with autoimmune conditions did everything “right.”
They ate well. They stayed active when they could. They tried to manage stress. And yet… their body still feels like it’s working against them.
genetics
The truth is, autoimmune conditions don’t come from one bad choice or one bad year. They’re usually the result of many small things adding up over time.
It’s not just genetics (and it’s not your fault)
Yes, genetics play a role. Some people are more prone to autoimmune issues than others.
But having the genes does not mean you’re guaranteed to develop one.
Think of genes like a light switch:
- Genetics load the gun
- Lifestyle and environment pull the trigger
You can carry certain genes your entire life and never have symptoms—until something pushes the body out of balance.
Why lifestyle matters more than we think?
Autoimmune conditions often show up when the body has been under long-term stress, even if it didn’t feel overwhelming at the time.
That stress can come from:
- emotional stress
- lack of sleep
- constant “pushing through” exhaustion
- unresolved trauma
- chronic inflammation
Over time, the immune system stays in a high-alert mode—and eventually, it gets confused.
The gut connection most people don’t talk about
A huge part of the immune system lives in the gut. So when digestion is off, immunity often follows.
Things that can quietly disrupt gut health:
- frequent antibiotics
- recurring infections
- food sensitivities
- chronic bloating or constipation
- inflammation in the digestive tract
When the gut barrier becomes weakened, the immune system may start reacting to things it shouldn’t—including the body itself.
This is one reason people say, “I eat healthy, but I still feel sick.”
Hormones, infections, and inflammation
Autoimmune conditions are also closely linked to:
- hormone changes (especially for women)
- viral or bacterial infections
- chronic low-grade inflammation
Sometimes symptoms appear:
- after pregnancy
- during perimenopause or menopause
- after a major illness
- during a long season of stress
The body reaches a point where it can no longer compensate—and symptoms finally show up.
Why symptoms often appear later in life
One of the most frustrating parts of autoimmune conditions is that they don’t usually show up overnight. The body is incredibly good at adapting… until it isn’t.
By the time symptoms like:
- fatigue
- frequent flu-like feelings
- balance issues
- loss of appetite
- brain fog
appear, the imbalance has often been building quietly for years.
That’s why many people feel blindsided and confused when they’re diagnosed.
Where functional medicine fits in
Functional medicine doesn’t ask:
“What disease do you have?”
It asks:
“What happened along the way?”
Instead of focusing only on suppressing symptoms, it looks at:● gut health
- inflammation
- stress response
- hormone balance
- immune system triggers
For people exploring solutions in functional medicine Los Angeles, this approach helps uncover the underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition over time.
Many patients find that working with functional medicine Studio City specialists allows them to address root causes—such as gut imbalances, stress, and hormone fluctuations—through individualized care plans. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s supporting the body so it can function better over time.
The most important thing to remember
Autoimmune conditions don’t mean your body has betrayed you. They’re a sign that your body has been trying to protect you for a long time—and now it needs support, not blame.
Autoimmune conditions develop slowly, through a combination of genetics, stress, gut health, hormones, infections, and inflammation. They don’t happen overnight—and healing doesn’t either.But understanding where they come from—and working with experts in Functional Medicine Los Angeles—is the first step toward moving forward with clarity and compassion