5 Potential triggers of autoimmune disease

There is no guaranteed way to prevent or cure autoimmune disease but you can try to support your immune system.  

Autoimmune diseases arise out of a combination of both generic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Here are 5 potential triggers of autoimmune disease you should pay attention to. 

1️⃣Chronic stress & hormone imbalances 

When your body is under chronic stress your levels of cortisol is constantly elevated. An imbalance in cortisol can cause damage to your immune system.  Your adrenal glands secrete cortisol, so chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue.  If your adrenals get exhausted their production of hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and DHEA can become impaired, leading to other health issues. Chronic stress also affects the food bacteria in your gut, which can be a trigger for autoimmune disease. 

2️⃣Imbalance of good gut bacteria 

Your T cells and B cells are key players in autoimmune disease.  These cells are made in you bone marrow and then some migrate to your gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) which is found under the intestinal line surface. The good bacteria in your gut helps your immune cells to mature properly. Therefore, if they are struggling this affects your immune cells.  Things like antacids, antibiotics, alcohol and advil can affect gut bacteria. 

3️⃣Modern-Day diets

Genetically modified food means that the seeds of crops like wheat and corn are altered so that they resist diseases easier.  GMO foods also end up containing proteins that are not natural to the plant and have been found difficult for us to digest.  There is evidence that proteins can trigger immune reactions which can lead to autoimmunity.  

Gluten is the protein found in wheat and when it is genetically modified it is at a higher concentration in the grains we eat.  This higher concentration of gluten has been linked to food allergies. Along with GMO foods, processed foods have also played a role in altering gut bacteria.  Processed foods are high in sugar and fats and lack fiber which is essential for gut bacteria balance. 

4️⃣Toxins 

Exposure to environmental toxins can damage cells in the body and the immune system and lead to autoimmune disease.  Toxins change that change the chemical structure of DNA, RNA or the proteins in your cells can trigger an immune response.  Meaning any toxin changes the structure of your tissues, this may lead your body to see it as a foreign invader and attack it.  Unfortunately, we are exposed to environmental toxins daily in food, groundwater, through pesticides and industrial chemicals.  

5️⃣Viruses 

Viruses can be a trigger to autoimmune disease.  The problem is not exactly with the virus though.  Viruses remain in our bodies however it is the job of the immune system to keep them in remission. If a virus remains active your immune system is on high alert and this means your body will be in a constant state of inflammation.  The problem lies with the immune system being unable to disable the virus and why that would be. 

Melissa