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Autoimmune diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn's disease, psoriasis: Professor Akim Bouterra describes seven factors in autoimmune diseases, from the spiritual to the dietary. What research confirms about each one, and how to take concrete action — without ever discontinuing medical follow-up.

The essentials in 30 seconds

Stress, the gut (microbiome, permeability), deficiencies (vitamin D), and diet are now recognized by research as factors in autoimmune diseases — something the professor was already describing. Omega-3s and black seed have a documented anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect. The spiritual factor falls under legislated ruqyah, which in no way conflicts with medical follow-up. Acting on these factors aims to reduce flare-ups; healing belongs to Allah.

Many people are affected by autoimmune diseases, which attack the immune system that Allah created in order to fight viruses, bacteria, and even environmental parasites. In these diseases, the immune system starts fighting our own body—it no longer wants to help us, and the body grows weaker.

The Prophet ﷺ advised us to perform ruqyah on venomous stings, against the evil eye, but also against the disease "an-namla," the disease of the ants. It was a disease compared to an ant wandering and stinging us all over the body. Today it could be compared to eczema. There are also other autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

We will look at seven factors behind autoimmune diseases:

The first is the spiritual factor, namely occult harm. Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged his community to perform ruqyah, since it can be the cause of healing for many diseases. And we have witnessed numerous cases of rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis healed through ruqyah.

The second factor is the genetic factor. To address it, the immune system must be boosted, notably with hive products, black seed, or Chinese mushrooms.

The third factor, the immune factor, leads us to use three Chinese mushrooms: shiitake, maitake, and reishi. It is advisable to do courses of three consecutive months for each mushroom. These prove effective in particular for treating lupus. As for multiple sclerosis, apitherapy, and more specifically treatments with bee venom under a professional, can produce very positive results and even healing.

The fourth factor is the endogenous factor. Indeed, hormonal disorders must be treated, and for this there are plants such as chasteberry, sage, or fenugreek.

The fifth factor is linked to the environment. The parasites and bacteria around us can be the source of the appearance of autoimmune diseases, and on this subject fasting is recommended, as the Prophet ﷺ greatly insisted on it.

The sixth factor, and not the least, is the dietary factor. The solution for this will be to do detoxes. Moreover, the Qur'an and the Sunnah have given us the solutions and encouraged us to clear out what may be lodged in the intestines, as the parasites found there can be the cause of diseases. Clearing the emunctory organs—the liver, the intestines, the kidneys, or even the colon—will be very important. Furthermore, milk consumed today often contains hormones, since cows are given them, so in this case it would be preferable to draw calcium from other foods such as grains, for example.

The seventh factor is stress. A scourge of our society, it is the source of many diseases. We have observed that emotional shocks, for example, have been the cause of several autoimmune diseases. To address stress and psychological disorders, there are plants such as saffron, rhodiola, or griffonia.

What the science says about these factors

Several of the seven factors described by the professor — stress, the gut, diet, deficiencies — are the subject of active research today. This work addresses material causes; it says nothing about the spiritual factor, which belongs to revelation and which legislated ruqyah addresses according to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Stress, a recognized trigger

  • A review published in Arthritis Research & Therapy describes how psychological stress contributes to the triggering and flare-ups of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, through stress hormones and the nervous system (Arthritis Res Ther, 2010) — what the professor calls the seventh factor, "emotional shocks."

The gut and autoimmunity

  • Research confirms the link between microbiota imbalance, intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), and autoimmune diseases (Front Immunol, 2021) (Front Immunol, 2022) — hence the importance, stressed by the professor, of caring for the emunctories and diet.

Vitamin D and omega-3

  • A 2023 systematic review links vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of autoimmunity and details its role in immune regulation (Nutrients, 2023); other studies confirm this, notably in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Hell J Nucl Med, 2017).
  • A review published in Autoimmunity Reviews in 2024 reviews the association between omega-3 and autoimmune diseases, with favorable effects on inflammation (Autoimmun Rev, 2024), including in multiple sclerosis (Nutr Neurosci, 2021).

Black seed

  • Its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties — thymoquinone in particular — are described in several reviews (Int Immunopharmacol, 2015) (J Med Food, 2025), which aligns with the professor's advice to use it to support immunity.

The seven factors at a glance

Factor (according to the professor)What research saysPoint of action
1. SpiritualOutside the scope of scienceLegislated ruqyah, istighfar, dhikr
2. GeneticRecognized predispositionSupporting immunity: hive products, black seed, mushrooms
3. ImmuneImmunomodulation studied (black seed, mushrooms)3-month courses, under guidance
4. HormonalHormone-immunity link establishedThyroid check-up, hormonal plants under guidance
5. EnvironmentInfections as triggersFasting, lifestyle hygiene
6. DietaryMicrobiota, permeability, vitamin DGentle detox, anti-inflammatory diet, vit. D dosage
7. StressDocumented trigger of flare-upsSleep, prayer, psychological support

In practice

Start with the heart

Legislated ruqyah (Qur'an, authentic supplications), istighfar, dhikr — the professor places this factor first, and it in no way conflicts with medical follow-up.

Medical follow-up is essential

Autoimmune diseases require diagnosis and specialized follow-up; natural remedies are an addition to this, not a replacement. A basic panel (vitamin D, iron, zinc, thyroid) reveals deficiencies that are common and easy to correct.

Diet and lifestyle

An anti-inflammatory diet (fatty fish, olive oil, vegetables, spices: turmeric, ginger, black seed), reducing sugar and processed foods; fasting on Mondays and Thursdays when health permits; sleep, walking, prayer, and inner serenity — psychological support can be valuable after an emotional shock.

Contraindications and precautions

Never stop a maintenance treatment (immunosuppressant, corticosteroids, biologic therapy) without your doctor's approval. Certain immune-stimulating plants may interact with these treatments: talk to your practitioner before starting any course. Bee venom apitherapy carries a serious allergy risk and should only be practiced with a trained professional.

Our recommendation

Act on the seven factors alongside medical follow-up, starting with the most accessible ones: the heart, diet, sleep, and stress. Seek guidance for courses (mushrooms, black seed, hormonal plants) to avoid any interaction with your treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Can an autoimmune disease be cured?

Healing belongs to Allah alone, and the professor reports cases of remission. Medically speaking, we mainly talk about lasting remission; acting on the seven factors aims to reduce flare-ups and regain a normal life.

Which mushroom should I start with?

The professor recommends successive three-month courses (shiitake, maitake, reishi). Reishi is often chosen first for its calming and immunoregulatory action; seek advice to tailor it to your condition and treatments.

Should milk really be avoided?

The professor warns against industrial milk loaded with hormones. Good-quality farm milk, or fermented milk products, are better tolerated; calcium can also be found in almonds, sesame, green vegetables, and sardines.

Should I have my vitamin D level tested?

Yes, it's a simple and useful step: deficiency is very common and research links it to autoimmunity. Your doctor will adjust supplementation based on the result.

Is fasting compatible with a maintenance treatment?

Often yes, but it depends on the treatment and its dosing schedule: ask your doctor before fasting, particularly for corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice or personalized care.

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