Nutrition for Autoimmune Disorders, Micronutrient Deficiencies, and How Food Can Change Everything

The truth is, most medical doctors don’t know much about nutrition, the microbiome, food sensitivities, or micronutrients. That’s where I come in.

My name is Meg Marie O’Rourke—many of you know me as “Megnificent.” I’m a registered dietitian, functional nutritionist, and owner of Harmony with Food. For over 20 years, I’ve been helping people get to the root cause of their health issues with one simple principle: Tests, don’t guess.

If you’re struggling with weight loss resistance, GI issues, fatigue, or joint pain, you are in the right place. Through functional lab testing and therapeutic dietary plans, I help people uncover how their diet, lifestyle, and micronutrient balance affect their body. That’s where nutrition for autoimmune disorders changes everything.

Why Conventional Medicine Falls Short

The conventional medical system is beyond broken when it comes to proactive healthcare. If you’re in a car accident or need trauma care, conventional medicine shines. But when it comes to chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or thyroid dysfunction, patients are often dismissed or told, “food has nothing to do with it.”

I know this firsthand. After a botched surgery that nearly killed me, I became determined to take control of my health. I worked with a functional nutritionist, and since then, I haven’t been sick in 15 years. That’s why I say every week on the Harmony with Food Show: we must be our own healthcare advocates.

Autoimmune Disorders and Micronutrient Deficiencies

Did you know that up to 5% of Americans have an autoimmune disease, and women are at much higher risk than men? Conditions like Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease all stem from immune dysfunction—and often from underlying gut microbiota imbalances.

One overlooked factor? Micronutrient deficiencies.

• Low vitamin D, selenium, zinc, or B vitamins are common in thyroid and autoimmune patients.

• Antioxidants like vitamin C and E play a role in reducing oxidative stress.

• Magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids help regulate inflammation and immune response.

• Too much iodine, on the other hand, can worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

When the body lacks balance in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to chronic symptoms.

This is why taking random supplements or following a trendy elimination diet isn’t the solution. Without functional testing, you don’t know which deficiencies or food sensitivities are fueling your autoimmune condition.

Food, Mood, and the Microbiome

Research shows that autoimmune diseases are deeply tied to the gut. A poor diet full of processed sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates damages the gut lining and disrupts gut bacteria, while whole foods rich in fiber, probiotics, and polyphenols help restore balance.

An anti-inflammatory approach often includes:

• Vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains for fiber and nutrients.

• Fruits and herbs for antioxidants that fight inflammation.

• Fish and olive oil for omega-3s and healthy fats.

• Spices like turmeric and ginger for their healing effects.

  
  

This mirrors the Mediterranean diet, which has strong evidence for reducing inflammation, improving autoimmune symptoms, and supporting long-term wellness.

Psychobiotics—specific probiotics that influence mood—are also showing promise for anxiety and depression.

This reinforces the gut-brain connection:

Fix the gut, fix the brain. Fix the brain, fix the gut.

Real Patients, Real Results

I’ve worked with countless patients who were dismissed by their doctors. One woman came to me after years of IBS symptoms—running to the bathroom, avoiding social situations, even giving up dating. After functional testing, we discovered food sensitivities and micronutrient deficiencies. Her personalized nutrition plan included more fiber, omega-3-rich fish, gluten-free grains, and probiotic foods.

Within three months she told me she felt like a “7 out of 10” instead of a “1.” Her sister even noticed she was calmer and less anxious.

That’s the power of functional nutrition and a targeted dietary approach to autoimmune disease.

Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate

Maybe you’ve been told:

• “Your labs are normal.”

• “Just deal with it.”

• “Food has nothing to do with it.”

I’m here to tell you: food has everything to do with it.

A personalized approach—whether gluten-free, dairy-free, Mediterranean, or a structured elimination diet—can reduce inflammation, heal the gut, and improve autoimmune symptoms. With functional testing, we uncover exactly which foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes will help your body recover.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start testing, here’s how to begin:

• 🎙 Listen live to the Harmony with Food Show or catch up on 378+ podcast episodes. Search for topics like autoimmune disease, thyroid health, gut healing, and dietary patterns for inflammation.

• 📚 Grab my free resources: 40+ Healthy Snacks, frozen fruit pop recipes, and guides on micronutrients, anti-inflammatory foods, and gut health.

• 📞 Book a free call with me. Head over to HarmonywithFood.com and click the big white button that says Free Call with Meg. That’s where the healing begins.

Final Thoughts

Nutrition is not “extra.” It’s foundational. Whether you’re managing rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, or another autoimmune condition, there is a better way forward.

Through testing, targeted supplements, and the right balance of foods, you can calm inflammation, restore gut health, and support your immune system.

I was put on this earth to change the way you think about food. Join me, be your own healthcare advocate, and let’s take back control of your health together.

Schedule a Free Call With Meg

Episode Transcript