What is an Autoimmune Disease?
When the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, mistaking it as foreign and not part of the body or “self”, it leads to an autoimmune disease. This autoimmune reaction is identified by the presence of antibodies and is known as molecular mimicry.
The combination of bacteria, viruses, and toxins is believed to have a role in causing inflammation in the body and triggering an autoimmune reaction, leading to elevated levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), although the exact mechanisms are not completely understood.
ANA refers to antibodies or proteins created by the immune system to combat external substances or intruders, but in contrast, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) target the body’s own healthy cells and tissues, causing extensive damage.
There are over 80 identified autoimmune conditions, which include Graves, Hashimotos, Type 1 Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Chrohns, among others.
Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
There are numerous symptoms associated with autoimmune disease, which include the following:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight,
- Anxiety
- Depression,
- Low libido
- Abdominal pain
- Digestive issues
- Systemic Inflammation
What Causes Autoimmune Disease?
The development of autoimmune disease is caused by a range of factors, both genetic and environmental, which are diverse and multifaceted. Now, let’s explore a few of the fundamental reasons behind autoimmune disease.
Genetic Predisposition
Although genetics plays a vital role in causing autoimmune diseases by increasing vulnerability, it is just a single aspect to consider. Functional Medicine emphasizes the significance of the environment in triggering autoimmune diseases, as exemplified by the expression “genes load the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger.”
Environmental Toxins
The presence of environmental toxins like heavy metals and toxic solvents, such as benzene, that originate from chemical plants, can lead to autoimmune conditions. This happens because they prompt epigenetic modifications, which are especially significant in individuals with a genetic predisposition, ultimately resulting in immune dysregulation and inflammatory reactions.
Stress
When it comes to autoimmune conditions, stress plays a major role as a contributing factor. Although genetic predispositions can increase the likelihood of developing an autoimmune disorder, chronic stress can be the catalyst. Recent research is shedding light on the connection between psychological stress and autoimmune disease. A significant number of individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) also suffer from autoimmune conditions, which underscores the impact of prolonged stress on inflammation and changes in the HPA axis.
Intestinal Permeability
Intestinal permeability or leaky gut can additionally contribute to autoimmune disease by further causing systemic inflammation, malabsorption, and imbalances in the gut microbiome.
Gut Microbiome Imbalances
Imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as dysbiosis, can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the gut and the immune system. The diversity of bacteria, the ratio of beneficial to pathogenic bacteria, and the way bacteria interact with the host are all examples of gut microbiome imbalances that can hinder immunity.
Systemic Inflammation
Microbiome imbalances and immune system imbalances can lead to systemic inflammation or silent inflammation, which may arise from a leaky gut. Inflammation can contribute to the body’s inherent immune response and potentially result in the onset of autoimmune disease.
Imbalance in The Immune System
Abnormal or disrupted T-cell response is the exact mechanism for inflammation in autoimmunity, resulting in a cascade response of self-perpetuating inflammation, leading to significant tissue damage. This imbalance in the immune system, where the body attacks healthy tissue as it perceives it as foreign and not part of “self”, is a hallmark characteristic of Autoimmune Disease. Furthermore, this imbalance causes systemic inflammation in the body, which further contributes to autoimmunity.
Hormonal Imbalances
The overall health of our gut microbiome and immunity relies heavily on the functioning of the thyroid. When the HPA axis is disrupted due to chronic stress and inflammation, it can result in hormonal imbalances and interfere with the proper functioning of the thyroid, thus negatively impacting immunity. The thyroid plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient bodily functions and regulating processes related to immunity, which is why it is particularly susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Root Cause of Autoimmune Disease
To evaluate the underlying cause of autoimmune disease, there are multiple functional medicine labs available. Testing plays a vital role by enabling practitioners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the individual, similar to assembling various puzzle pieces. This comprehensive view helps in identifying the exact source of the autoimmunity.
Functional labs could include the following:
Comprehensive Stool Test
At the epicenter of autoimmunity is the gut microbiome. This test is crucial since it offers a comprehensive evaluation of the bacteria present in the gut microbiome, including their diversity, composition, and response to the host. Additionally, the test identifies infectious parasites and pathogens.
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies ANA
This test evaluates for antibodies that could indicate the presence of autoimmune disease. If the ANA test is positive, it implies the presence of autoantibodies, and additional laboratory tests for autoimmune disease would probably be conducted.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
This test assesses inflammation. An elevated CRP can indicate inflammation and immune response and aid in screening for autoimmune disorders.
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
It is crucial to obtain a comprehensive Thyroid Panel since the thyroid is frequently targeted by autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves.
Food Sensitivities/Food Allergies
When considering the sequence of thoughts, it is essential to evaluate food allergies or sensitivities as they can offer valuable understanding regarding the factors that activate the body, such as the gut and immune system, which contains approximately 80% of the immune system.
Intolerances to gluten, dairy, or other foods have the potential to cause symptoms of inflammation, modify the composition of the gut, and disrupt the functioning of the immune system.
Toxin Exposure
This test assesses toxic exposures present in an individual’s surroundings by means of a straightforward urine sample. This sample can offer information about an underlying cause of Autoimmune Disease. Toxins from the environment can hinder the functionality of the thyroid, immunity, and the gut, all of which play a role in the development of autoimmunity.
Micronutrient Testing
It is crucial to ensure that individuals with autoimmune disease are adequately supplied with all the vital vitamins and minerals that are crucial in supporting their body, particularly in managing autoimmunity, as malabsorption factors frequently result in observable nutritional deficiencies.
Is it Possible to Cure Autoimmune Diseases Naturally?
Although autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, their symptoms can be effectively managed to help you regain control of your life. At WellTheory, we approach autoimmunity from a unique angle. While certain risk factors like genetics, sex, and age cannot be altered, there are many other risk factors that can be modified.
The symptoms of autoimmune diseases are comparable to the visible parts of a weed, such as its stem and leaves. However, it is important to recognize that these symptoms are a result of underlying root causes. By addressing and eliminating these root causes, which are the modifiable risk factors, we can effectively prevent the growth of the weed and the potential generation of more weeds. It is worth noting that once an initial autoimmune disease emerges, the chances of developing additional autoimmune diseases subsequently increase.
Can autoimmune diseases be cured naturally using a functional healthcare approach? Although a complete cure for autoimmune diseases is not possible, we can utilize natural methods to minimize symptoms and occurrences, greatly enhance the quality of life, and potentially achieve remission for autoimmune conditions.
In this article, we will explore five methods to identify the root causes of autoimmune symptoms along with a few extra factors to consider in order to improve your health.
4 Root-Cause Approaches to Decrease Autoimmune Symptoms
When we address each of the following four approaches, which target the root cause of autoimmune conditions, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and significantly improve one’s quality of life.
1. Optimize Your Diet
An “evolutionary mismatch” between our bodies’ biology and our modern environment could contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. The modern Western diet, which is highly inconsistent with our biology, is one of the aspects of contemporary life that particularly contributes to this mismatch. Thus, your diet strongly influences the advancement of autoimmune disease.
There are multiple ways in which food impacts the progression of autoimmune disease.
- Food informs your immune system. It can either increase or decrease chronic inflammation, a driver of autoimmunity. Specific food components, such as gluten, can also disrupt immune tolerance to self-antigens, one of the foundational autoimmunity processes.
- Food influences your gut health. Gut imbalances may be a root cause of autoimmunity. For example, dysbiosis, inflammation, and leaky gut may all underpin autoimmune disease. Eating a diet that promotes a healthy gut microbiome, reduces inflammation, and repairs leaky gut may quell autoimmune disease symptoms.
Eating gluten, refined sugars, and having a high dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids are dietary habits that can potentially cause and worsen autoimmune diseases. Inadequate intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and selenium, might also have an impact on autoimmune diseases. Addressing these imbalances in nutrition could potentially lead to improvements in both symptoms and biomarkers of autoimmunity.
Gluten has the potential to impact the advancement of autoimmune disease through its contribution to leaky gut and “molecular mimicry.” Additionally, excessive sugar consumption can have adverse effects on the gut microbiome. Molecular mimicry refers to the resemblance between a protein found in either a specific food or a pathogen and a component of human tissue, triggering the immune system to mistakenly attack the body. This process is widely believed to be crucial in the development of autoimmune diseases.
On the other hand, following a diet that consists of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory whole foods can potentially aid in resetting the immune system and gut, resulting in a better state of balance where autoimmune disease activity is reduced. When enough fiber and fermented foods are consumed to support the gut microbiota, along with sufficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to support the immune system, it can have a positive impact on managing autoimmune diseases.
Many individuals suffering from autoimmune disease can improve their symptoms by following the paleo diet, adopting the autoimmune protocol, or including nutrient dense anti-inflammatory foods in their diet. These approaches help replenish nutrients, balance gut microbiome, and promote overall health.
2. Improve Gut Health
Many autoimmune conditions are thought to be significantly influenced by compromised gut health, extending beyond those that specifically target the gut.
The presence of imbalances in the gut microbiota, which refers to the microorganisms living in the digestive tract, can lead to autoimmunity. When there is a deficiency of helpful gut bacteria, the immune system may not be properly trained to determine the appropriate reactions, causing it to respond inappropriately to the body’s own tissues.
By employing interventions such as herbs, probiotics, and digestive support, one can potentially address gut imbalances, leading to potential regulation of the immune system, reduction in inflammation, and enhancement of nutrient absorption. Consequently, this may result in improvements in symptoms related to autoimmune diseases.
3. Shift Your Sleep
The breakdown of immune system self-tolerance and suppression of T-regulatory cells, which typically prevent the immune system from erroneously attacking the body, can be triggered by sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality, leading to the possibility of autoimmunity.
On the other hand, if you improve the quality and length of your sleep, you can naturally alleviate autoimmune symptoms by reducing inflammation and balancing your immune system. Additionally, getting good sleep helps to mitigate stress and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, both of which are important for healing from autoimmune diseases.
There are various strategies that you can employ in order to optimize your sleep.
- Aim for a consistent bedtime and waking time every day.
- View sunlight by going outside within 30 to 60 minutes of waking. This will help synchronize your circadian rhythm, which plays a critical role in your sleep cycle.
- Avoid caffeine within 8 to 10 hours of bedtime.
- Eat your last meal of the day 2 to 3 hours before bed. Eating too close to bedtime is a recipe for restless, non-restorative sleep.
- Refrain from exercise within 3 hours of bedtime.
- Wear blue light blocking glasses 3 hours before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom cool (around 65° F is ideal) and as dark as possible.
4. Manage Your Stress
The development of autoimmune disease is strongly related to physical, mental, and emotional stress. Although managing stress might not eliminate your autoimmune condition completely, it can considerably minimize your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
The possible benefits of stress management practices in relieving autoimmune symptoms include aiding the development of a stronger intestinal barrier and a healthier population of gut microbes. In addition, these practices may help in lowering the levels of catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine) and glucocorticoids (such as cortisol), which are neurotransmitters and hormones that play a role in the stress response and can affect the immune system.
Emphasizing a step-by-step approach, effectively managing your stress has the potential to naturally alleviate autoimmune disease as a component of a comprehensive autoimmune healing strategy.
To effectively manage stress, it is crucial to discover a stress management practice that is enjoyable and can be consistently practiced. There are numerous healthy methods to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, guided imagery, and social connection. It is important to remember that managing stress requires continuous efforts.