What triggers chronic inflammation & autoimmunity?
Understanding these triggers helps guide how LDI retrains the immune system to restore balance
How Microorganisms Can Trigger Autoimmunity & Chronic Inflammation
The Microbiome & Immune Balance (Your Internal Ecosystem)
The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others—collectively known as the microbiome. In fact, your body contains nearly as many microbial cells as human cells.
These microbes live on your skin, in your gut, mouth, lungs, and more. Many are beneficial, some are neutral, and a small number are harmful. For example:
Gut bacteria help digest food and produce vitamins
Skin microbes help protect against harmful invaders
Your health depends on keeping this ecosystem in balance.
Several Well-Studied Mechanisms That Can Trigger Autoimmunity or Chronic Inflammation
There are multiple ways the immune system can become dysregulated and begin driving chronic inflammation or autoimmunity.
While no single explanation applies to everyone, research has identified several well-studied mechanisms involving microorganisms that can contribute to this process. Some of the most recognized include the following:
Mechanism #1:
Loss of Tolerance to Normal Microbes (Friendly Fire)
In this mechanism, the immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless microbe—one that is part of your natural microbiome—as a threat.
Even though the organism is not dangerous, the immune system begins to attack it, leading to unnecessary inflammation over time.
In simple terms: The immune system is reacting to something that should be considered safe.
Mechanism #2:
Molecular Mimicry (Mistaken Identity)
This occurs during or after an infection.
Some microbes carry proteins that closely resemble your own body’s tissues. When the immune system creates defenses (like T cells) to fight the infection, those same defenses can mistakenly attack your own tissues because they “look similar.”
A classic example is Rheumatic fever, where after a strep infection, the immune system cross-reacts with heart tissue.
In simple terms: The immune system gets confused because the infection resembles your own body.
Mechanism #3:
Persistent Infection (Chronic Immune Activation)
In this mechanism, the microorganism is not fully cleared and remains in the body long term.
Some infections—particularly certain viruses—can persist in a dormant (inactive) state within immune cells. A well-known example is Epstein-Barr Virus, which can remain inside specific immune cells and reactivate periodically.
Even when not fully active, these organisms can:
Continuously stimulate the immune system at a low level
Periodically reactivate and trigger symptom flares
Contribute to ongoing, low-grade inflammation over time
Lyme disease is another example where persistent infection or immune response may play a role in prolonged symptoms.
In simple terms: The immune system stays activated because the trigger is still present—either quietly or intermittently.
Genetic Susceptibility: Why Some People Are Affected
Many individuals who develop autoimmune conditions have an underlying genetic susceptibility. This means their immune system is more likely to overreact when exposed to certain triggers.
These mechanisms do not affect everyone the same way—but in susceptible individuals, they can act as catalysts for chronic inflammation.
A Targeted Approach: Restoring Balance
Based on your history, symptoms, and diagnosis, we can often identify which microorganisms may be involved and work to desensitize the immune response.
The goal is not to eliminate all microbes—but to restore balance: helping the immune system recognize what is safe, reduce unnecessary inflammation, and return to a state of healthy coexistence.
Contact Us
Have questions or unsure if immunotherapy is right for you?
We understand that exploring a new approach to care can raise questions. This form is for individuals who are seeking guidance or are unsure whether immunotherapy may be an appropriate option for concerns such as allergies, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune-related conditions.
Reach out and Kristin respond via email to help guide you through any questions you may have.