Each Autoimmune Disease is complex and often misunderstood, with symptoms varying greatly from person to person. However, there are certain factors that are proven to contribute to the immune system dysfunction associated with Autoimmune Disease. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is the key to reducing immune system dysregulation.
When your immune system is dysregulated it fails to determine which cells in your body are dangerous and which cells are your own, safe cells. When your immune system gets triggered it senses a threat and sends a cascade of chemicals to fight the invader….this reaction sends specialized cells to fight the attack. These cells cause inflammation and swelling as well as contain chemicals that break down tissues mistaking them as intruders. Exposing yourself to these triggers over and over leads to chronic inflammation and over time wreaks havoc on your body.
Common autoimmune triggers include food sensitivities, stress, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, and infections. Avoiding all of these in our world today is almost impossible, but knowing the facts and addressing the triggers you 1) will greatly benefit your overall health and 2) decrease your debilitating symptoms.
Food Sensitivities/Intolerances. The most commonly reported Autoimmune food sensitivities include: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Oils, & Processed Foods. Gluten is naturally found in wheat and further processed into flour. It is suspected that the production mechanisms and spraying with glyphosate are what cause the intolerance reactions. Dairy refers to any product made from milk. Milk contains histamine and arachidonic acid metabolites which can cause an inflammatory reaction in those with dysregulated immune systems. Eggs are thought to affect those with autoimmune disease due to molecular mimicry and the lysozymes which lead to leaky gut and egg allergy. Vegetable and Seed Oils are highly inflammatory due to their Omega 6 content and the toxic processing they go through. Highly processed foods include premade, prepackaged, bioengineered and fast foods. Although convenient, these foods are high in inflammatory oils, sugar, salt, preservatives and additives which alter your gut microbiome, spike your blood sugar, and destroy your immune system.
Stress. Stress is the most commonly cited trigger of autoimmune disease; affecting hormones, gut permeability, and systemic inflammation. Stress activates your fight or flight reaction. In this state your body is fighting to stay alive, it also can not heal in this state. Stress (physical, mental, and emotional) has a very high correlation with autoimmune flare ups and a weakened immune system. 80% of people report significant emotional stress prior to developing an autoimmune condition.
Nutrient deficiencies. Nutrients including vitamins and minerals are the fuel for every cell in your body, providing exactly what is needed for your body to function optimally. Studies have found that people suffering from Autoimmune Disease are generally deficient in a few key nutrients. Common deficiencies include: Vitamin D, B12, C, B, Zinc, Selenium, and Omega 3s. Signs of vitamin deficiencies that are easily detected include deep fatigue, brittle nails, depressed moods, and muscles aches/cramps. Simple blood tests can be done to find out what your levels are, just be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns and follow up with additional tests after making adjustments to your diet or adding in supplements to see how they are affecting you.
Toxins. Today we are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals, plastics, pesticides, moldy environments, and synthetic personal care products that can take a toll on our immune system. Common toxins include EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals), heavy metals, and agricultural chemicals like glyphosate (RoundUp). Although these are present in many everyday items it is important to not get overwhelmed with trying to completely avoid everything all at once. Simple swaps you can try for the biggest impact include avoiding scented candles/air fresheners, slowly trading out your cleaning products and soaps for more natural versions, and buying organic produce when it is possible. Consider adding houseplants to naturally detoxify the air in your home.
Infections. Chronic infections, viruses, yeast, mold, and parasites have been linked to autoimmunity. There is ongoing research in how these pathogens play a part in Autoimmune Disease but one thought is that they are the catalyst or tipping point. This theory proposes that the immune system was slowly and silently being attacked for years and then, because it is already stressed and weakened, once you become infected with one of these illnesses it tips the immune system over the edge and results in a full blown autoimmune attack. As anyone in the healthcare field will tell you, the best thing you can do to stay healthy is to wash your hands, not germx, good old fashion soap and water. Also avoid touching your face, be mindful of the environment you’re exposed to daily, and avoid raw meats.
I hope this blog helped educate you on the most common Autoimmune triggers and it inspired you to make one or two changes to your lifestyle to take back your health. If you would like to learn more about holistic approaches to support your health, check out this page. You will be amazed by the drastic results you can achieve with simple food and environmental shifts. Our goal here is to empower and support all those suffering from chronic illness so feel free to reach out for more information and guidance as you work toward wellness.