Autoimmune Disease: 10 Integrative Tools to Take Back Control 

October 21, 2025

Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like you’re fighting your own body. The fatigue, joint pain, inflammation, and unpredictable flare-ups can leave you frustrated and searching for answers that go beyond symptom relief. 

An autoimmune disease happens when the immune system, your body’s natural defense, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Over time, this internal conflict can affect your thyroid, joints, skin, digestive tract, moods, energy levels and more. 

Most conventional doctors focus on suppressing the immune system with pharmaceutical drugs to manage symptoms. While that approach can bring short-term relief, it rarely addresses why the immune system became unbalanced in the first place. Because these drugs lower immune function, they can also come with long-term risks and side effects. 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we believe your body was designed to heal itself when given the right support. Instead of masking symptoms, we get to the root cause by evaluating hormone balance, gut health, nutrition, and stress to help you take back control of your immune system naturally. 

Why We’re Different 

Autoimmune diseases are complex, but your care should not be confusing. We take a different approach that focuses on your entire body, not just individual symptoms, or lab results. 

Many of our guests (we call our patients guests) come to us after years of multiple doctors’ visits with unanswered questions and far too many prescriptions that never addressed the real issue. Often the pharmaceutical drugs prescribed cause additional side effects that worsen how they feel.  We take the time to listen to your story, assess your full medical history and lifestyle, and run comprehensive bloodwork to uncover what is driving your symptoms. 

With more than 35 years of experience, we have learned that even when your lab numbers look “normal,” your symptoms tell the truth. Our goal is to uncover what is triggering your immune system so we can calm inflammation, restore balance, and strengthen your resilience naturally. 

The Hotze Integrative Approach Advantage 

While conventional medicine focuses on symptom suppression, we focus on restoration. Our integrative approach combines bioidentical hormones, a healthy plan, gut restoration, and lifestyle alignment to support your body’s God-given design for health. 

We decided many years ago not to take insurance.  Being a cash-based business is one of our key differentiators that benefit you, the guest.  That decision has allowed us to treat our guests’ symptoms fully and based on our experience and expertise – not the way insurance companies dictate.   What that means to you is we are not bound by one-size-fits-all treatment protocols. That freedom allows us to spend time understanding YOU, your symptoms, triggers, and goals—and to design treatment plans that that works with your life and at the same time, help us to get to the root cause rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs. 

We have served more than 33,000 guests from across the nation and around the world who wanted to reclaim their health with alternative approaches to medicine. Many arrive discouraged after being told “there is nothing more that can be done.” When you focus on restoring function instead of masking symptoms, transformation becomes possible. 

Remember, your body is not deficient in pharmaceutical drugs. It may simply be out of balance. At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we help you restore that balance by replenishing what your body needs to boost your immune system, increase energy and regain your vitality for life. 

I will reiterate that Autoimmune Diseases are complex and to that end, the road to resolution is in the provider and guest partnership. It is a journey of discovery and the most important step you can take is ensuring you are with an experienced alternative medicine professional.  While I will be sharing the tools below for educational purposes, treatment of Autoimmune Disease must be tailored to the disease and symptoms, and there are many. Your treatment plans should also be managed alongside a medical professional.  Here are 10 integrative tools that can assist in taking back control of your health and supporting your immune system naturally.  

1. Discover Your Root Causes 

Autoimmune diseases often develop from a combination of genetics, environmental triggers, and an unhealthy gut. While you cannot change your genes, you can influence your environment and gut health, which are two of the biggest drivers of immune imbalance.¹ ² 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we start by identifying what is overwhelming your system: food sensitivities, toxins, stress, nutrient deficiencies, or hormone imbalances. Understanding your root causes gives you the power to change your health trajectory. 

2. Optimize Vitamin D and Omega Intake 

Vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body and helps regulate immune communication. Studies show that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune conditions.³ ⁴ 

We often recommend Vitamin D3 with K2 for immune and bone support and Omega Complete for high-quality omegas that help calm inflammation. These nutrients work best when paired with personalized lab testing and provider guidance to determine the right amounts for your individual needs. 

3. Nourish and Heal Your Gut Through Healthy Eating 

Your nutrition is one of the most powerful ways to influence immune balance. What you eat directly affects your gut health, and about 70% of your immune system lives near your gut.⁵ ⁶ ⁷ When your digestive system is imbalanced, your immune system becomes reactive, increasing inflammation and fatigue. 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we team with our guests to create customized nutrition plans that support gut health and calm immune overactivity. Many begin with a provider-guided yeast-free cleanse to eliminate Candida (yeast overgrowth or the bad bacteria in your gut or colon) to identify food sensitivities and reduce the burden on the immune system.  By doing this, we are also preparing your body to absorb nutrients better so that you can heal. 

Together, we help you follow four gut-healing steps: 

• Remove irritants such as processed foods, sugar, and inflammatory ingredients. 
• Replace missing nutrients and digestive enzymes. 
• Reinoculate with probiotics that restore healthy bacteria. 
• Repair the gut lining with nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, and glutamine. 

To get started: 

• Build meals around clean proteins, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats. 
• Eliminate and then avoid refined carbs and sugary foods that feed yeast and inflammation. 
• Depending on the severity of your gut health, your provider will recommend either a 30-, 60- or 90-day cleanse. 

When you nourish your gut, you nourish your immune system. Food is more than fuel—it is communication that can either calm or confuse your immune cells. 

4. Balance Hormones for Immune Stability 

Hormones play a vital role in immune regulation. Progesterone and testosterone have calming effects on the immune system, while thyroid and adrenal hormones influence energy and inflammation levels.¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹² 

When hormones are depleted or unbalanced, the immune system can become overactive. We use bioidentical hormone replacement, customized and compounded for each guest, to restore harmony and help reduce flare frequency naturally. 

5. Move with Intention 

Movement is essential for immune health, but it does not have to be strenuous to be effective. Even gentle, consistent activity helps lower inflammation, improve circulation, and boost mood.¹³ ¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶ 

If you are just getting started, begin with small, achievable steps: 

• Take a 10-minute walk after meals (preferably outside and in the natural sunlight) to support digestion and blood sugar balance. 
• Stretch for 5–10 minutes in the morning to awaken your body and improve flexibility. 
• Try light resistance bands or bodyweight exercises a few times a week to strengthen muscles. 
• Choose movement you enjoy, whether that’s gardening, swimming, or playing with your kids or grandkids. 

As your stamina grows, you can gradually build up to 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. The key is consistency, not perfection. When you move your body, you also help your mind and immune system find balance. 

6. Prioritize Rest and Sleep 

When you sleep, your body repairs itself. Lack of rest increases inflammatory signals and weakens immune control.¹⁷ ¹⁸ ¹⁹ 

Simple habits can make a big difference: 

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time. 
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine. 
• Limit screens, caffeine, and stress before bed. 

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, consider Sleep Formula to help support deep, restorative rest. Getting consistent, high-quality sleep allows your immune system to reset and strengthens your resilience from within. 

Sleep is one of the most overlooked immune tools, and it is free. 

7. Manage Stress to Calm the Immune System 

Stress hormones like cortisol affect every part of your immune system. Over time, chronic stress can make autoimmune symptoms worse.²⁰ ²¹ ²² 

To reset your stress response: 

• Practice slow, deep breathing throughout the day. 
• Spend time in prayer, gratitude, or meditation. 
• Get outside and connect with nature daily. 

If you struggle to relax, get constant headaches, feel anxious,  or are constantly “on edge,” consider using Truvaga, a handheld vagus nerve stimulation device designed to help restore calm and balance to your nervous system. Supporting your body’s natural relaxation pathways helps lower inflammation, improve focus, and strengthen immune resilience. 

When your mind calms, your immune system follows. 

8. Reduce Environmental Triggers 

Everyday chemicals, fragrances, and toxins can overstimulate the immune system. You cannot control everything, but small changes can lighten the load. 

Try these: 

• Choose fragrance-free cleaning and body care products. 
• Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic. 
• Increase airflow when cooking or cleaning. 

Your environment should support your body’s healing, not stress it further. 

9. Consider Targeted Support 

Sometimes the immune system needs extra help to reset. Our providers may recommend: 

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) to help calm immune overactivity.²³ ²⁴ ²⁵ 
• Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI), a unique therapy that has broader, faster, and longer-lasting effects than conventional allergy treatments. LDI addresses over 300 allergens, including common environmental or airborne irritants, food, and chemicals. By desensitizing your immune system to these triggers, LDI helps retrain immune tolerance and restore balance. 
• Foundational nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3 with K2, or Omega Complete, as indicated by labs. 

These integrative tools should always be customized to your specific needs. 

10. Strengthen Your Faith and Mindset 

True healing involves more than physical health. Faith, hope, and mindset play powerful roles in how the body responds to stress and restores balance. When your thoughts are centered on peace and purpose, your immune system responds with resilience. 

Take time daily to pray, reflect on Scripture, and focus on gratitude. Studies show that faith and positive emotional states can lower stress hormones and support immune function.²⁶ ²⁷ 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we believe that God designed your body to heal and thrive. When you align your mind, body, and spirit, healing begins from within. 

Your Alternative and Integrative Path Forward 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we treat the whole person, not just the symptom. Your personalized treatment plan will typically include (as indicated): 

1. A complete review of your symptoms and lifestyle. 
2. Detailed bloodwork and hormone analysis. 
3. A food and gut cleanse and ongoing prevention plan. 
4. Healthy eating plans that are supported by Certified Nutritionists. 
5. Bioidentical hormone replenishment when needed. 
6. Stress, sleep, and exercise coaching. 
7. Ongoing support from a team that listens and cares. 
8. Recommendations for moderate exercise to ensure movement. 

We help you take back control by giving your body what it needs to function as God designed it to. 

Take the First Step Toward Balance 

If you are tired of medications that only mask symptoms, it is time for a better way. Our team will partner with you to uncover the root causes of your autoimmune condition and coach you on how to rebuild your health naturally. 

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute wellness consultation at 281-698-8698 
or book online by clicking HERE. 

We serve guests from across the U.S. and around the world.  Only your first visit is required to be in person. Recheck and follow-up visits, throughout the year, can be completed via phone appointment if that is preferred. We would be honored to help you take charge of your health. 

References 

1. National Institutes of Health. Autoimmune Diseases: Overview. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2023. 
2. Lerner, Aaron, and Torsten Matthias. “Changes in Intestinal Tight Junction Permeability Associated with Industrial Food Additives Explain the Rising Incidence of Autoimmune Disease.” Autoimmunity Reviews, vol. 14, no. 6, 2015, pp. 479–489. 
3. Arnson, Yoav, et al. “Vitamin D and Autoimmunity: New Avenues for Treatment.” Autoimmunity Reviews, vol. 6, no. 6, 2007, pp. 335–339. 
4. Hewison, Martin. “Vitamin D and the Immune System: New Perspectives on an Old Theme.” Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, vol. 39, no. 2, 2010, pp. 365–379. 
5. Belkaid, Yasmine, and Timothy W. Hand. “Role of the Microbiota in Immunity and Inflammation.” Cell, vol. 157, no. 1, 2014, pp. 121–141. 
6. DeGruttola, A. K., et al. “Current Understanding of Dysbiosis in Disease.” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 10, 2019, article 1151. 
7. Fasano, Alessio. “Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Diseases.” Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, vol. 42, no. 1, 2012, pp. 71–78. 
8. Cutolo, Maurizio, et al. “Sex Hormones and Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: State of the Art.” Nature Reviews Rheumatology, vol. 15, no. 9, 2019, pp. 529–542. 
9. Straub, R. H. “The Complex Role of Estrogens in Inflammation.” Endocrine Reviews, vol. 28, no. 5, 2007, pp. 521–574. 
10. Masi, A. T., et al. “Adrenal Hypofunction in Autoimmune Disease.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1108, no. 1, 2007, pp. 291–301. 
11. Nieman, David C., and Laurel M. Wentz. “The Compelling Link Between Physical Activity and the Body’s Defense System.” Journal of Sport and Health Science, vol. 8, no. 3, 2019, pp. 201–217. 
12. Walsh, N. P., et al. “Position Statement. Part One: Immune Function and Exercise.” Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 42, no. 1, 2011, pp. 1–15. 
13. Mathur, Nupur, and Michael Pedersen. “Exercise as a Healthy Aging Tool: Immunological Implications.” Current Opinion in Immunology, vol. 65, 2020, pp. 48–54. 
14. Dinas, P. C., et al. “Physical Activity and Immune System: Exercise as a Natural Medicine.” Hormones, vol. 13, no. 4, 2014, pp. 506–521. 
15. Irwin, Michael R. “Why Sleep Is Important for Health: A Psychoneuroimmunology Perspective.” Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 66, 2015, pp. 143–172. 
16. Besedovsky, Luciana, et al. “The Sleep-Immune Crosstalk in Health and Disease.” Physiological Reviews, vol. 99, no. 3, 2019, pp. 1325–1380. 
17. Prather, Aric A., and Michael R. Irwin. “Sleep and Immunity: A Growing Field.” Nature Reviews Immunology, vol. 19, no. 11, 2019, pp. 702–715. 
18. Segerstrom, Suzanne C., and Gregory E. Miller. “Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry.” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 130, no. 4, 2004, pp. 601–630. 
19. Chen, Edith, et al. “Chronic Stress and Immune System Function: The Role of Social and Environmental Factors.” Nature Reviews Immunology, vol. 20, no. 12, 2020, pp. 708–720. 
20. Black, Phoebe H., and Lisa D. Garbutt. “Stress, Inflammation, and Disease.” Journal of Psychosomatic Research, vol. 52, no. 1, 2002, pp. 1–23. 
21. Younger, Jarred, and Sean Mackey. “Fibromyalgia Symptoms Are Reduced by Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Pilot Study.” Pain Medicine, vol. 10, no. 4, 2009, pp. 663–672. 
22. Toljan, Kresimir, and Brian A. Vrooman. “Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)—Review of Therapeutic Utilization.” Medical Science Monitor, vol. 24, 2018, pp. 6943–6952. 
23. Cree, Bruce A. C., et al. “Low-Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.” Annals of Neurology, vol. 68, no. 2, 2010, pp. 145–150. 
24. Koenig, Harold G. “Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications.” ISRN Psychiatry, vol. 2012, article 278730. 
25. McCullough, Michael E., and Brian L. B. Willoughby. “Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications.” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 135, no. 1, 2009, pp. 69–93.
26. National Sleep Foundation. Sleep and Immune Function. National Sleep Foundation, 2022.
27. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd ed., 2018. 

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Tags: autoimmune disease, faith and wellness, gut health, hormone balance, Immune System Support, integrative medicine, low dose immunotherapy, Nutrition, sleep health, stress management

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