Imagine this: You are going about life, smoothly, living it to the fullest, and suddenly the immune system — a system supposed to protect your body — starts attacking your body’s healthy cells, tissues, and organs. That’s exactly what an “autoimmune” condition is.

There are more than 80 kinds of autoimmune disorders that weaken the body, interrupt organ functions, and are even fatal.

What exactly causes an autoimmune response, is still unknown to researchers. Nonetheless, some risk factors can lead to the development of autoimmune conditions.

We will talk about 7 of the most prevalent risk factors here.

Note: If you fall into one or more of these categories, know that these factors are an estimate, they may increase your susceptibility. It doesn’t exclusively mean you’re destined to develop a disorder.

Let’s jump right into the factors now!

7 Factors that May Increase your Susceptibility to develop an Autoimmune Disorder

1. Gut Dysfunction

The immune system is housed in the gut - so the health of the gut is closely related to the health of the immune system. In a healthy body, the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system to maintain tissue homeostasis and provide protection from pathogens.

Negative changes in the composition of the host gut microbiome can cause abnormal signaling and cross-reactivity between gut microbes (good bacteria and antigens), leading to the production of autoantibodies, and triggering an autoimmune response. These negative changes that alter the composition of the gut microbiome can be caused due to trauma, alcohol, antibiotic intake, a bad diet, etc.

A disrupted gut microbiome has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus (SLE), Type-1 diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Autoimmune Liver (AILD), Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

2. Genetics

Yes, autoimmune conditions can be inherited.

The cause behind this is a group of genes called major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This cluster of genes carries information used to create cells and molecules involved in the immune system. Researchers have found clear associations between MHC genes and certain autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

However, other genes in your DNA, other than the MHC can also play a role in immune function.

Genetic predisposition increases your likelihood, but genes aren’t destiny. Genes, combined with environmental triggers — such as exposure to toxins, physical traumas, intestinal dysbiosis, or a bad diet — can cause autoimmune disorders.

3. Having an autoimmune disease

One autoimmune disease can increase your likelihood to develop more. Accumulating three or more autoimmune conditions is called Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS), which is seen in roughly 25% of all patients with autoimmune disorders.

MAS is common in people who develop diseases like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s, or Sjogren’s. The reason for this is still yet to be discovered, but genetics and environment may play a role here too.

4. Obesity

Given that 2 in every 5 adults are obese, there is a serious link between obesity and autoimmune disease.

Being obese is associated with over 10 autoimmune diseases because when the body accumulates excess fat, the function of adipose tissue (fat cells) leads to increased or dysregulated secretion of compounds called adipokines which cause inflammation in the body and affect the immune system function.

Put simply, obesity causes chronic low-grade inflammation and negatively affects the immune response.

5. Smoking and exposure to toxins

A habit of smoking, known to be a major cause of cancer, can play a role in causing autoimmune conditions, as inhaling toxic chemicals caused by the burning of tobacco puts a load on the immune system causing inflammatory responses, immune suppression, dysregulation of cytokines, and the development of autoantibodies — causing an autoimmune reaction.

Not only that, but chronic exposure to toxins like air pollutants, crystalline silica, ultraviolet radiation, or organic solvents can cause the same effects, leading to the development of autoimmune diseases like MS and Arthritis.

6. Certain Medications

Consistent consumption of pharmaceutical drugs like blood pressure control, antidepressants, and antibiotics can throw the immune system off and trigger autoimmune reactions.

The reason behind this is the immune suppressant power of these drugs when taken regularly.

7. Infections

Exposure to infections in childhood — chronic illness — can increase your susceptibility to developing autoimmune diseases in adulthood. These viruses interact with genetics and impact the immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self, triggering an autoimmune reaction.

The most recent example is the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is associated with an autoimmune disease in various ways. The COVID-19 infection has been reported to trigger many cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus, and other diseases.

Even if you fit into one of the categories, don’t fret.

What to do about it?

While there isn’t much that can be done about having a female reproductive system, here’s what can help in preventing chronic illnesses and supporting your immune system so it works for you:

1. Have a nutrient-dense diet.

2. Avoid artificial sugars and processed foods like the plague.

Most such foods have toxic ingredients that aren’t meant for consumption in the first place.

3. Having an autoimmune disease

One autoimmune disease can increase your likelihood to develop more. Accumulating three or more autoimmune conditions is called Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS), which is seen in roughly 25% of all patients with autoimmune disorders.

MAS is common in people who develop diseases like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s, or Sjogren’s. The reason for this is still yet to be discovered, but genetics and environment may play a role here too.

4. Incorporating physical movement into your daily life.

Move and sweat a lot to keep your lymphatic system working and avoid the accumulation of toxins in your body.

5. Pay attention to environmental toxins and your exposure to them.

Substitute daily products that have a high chemical overload such as your makeup, toiletries, cleaning products, etc. Also, take a look at your neighbourhood for air pollution and toxin exposure in the air.

6. Avoiding cigarettes.

Just don’t smoke. There’s no point.

7. Take a holistic approach to health.

An autoimmune condition is not just about your immune system; it’s about your body as a whole. So take care of everything: especially your gut, and nervous system. Remember that it’s all connected.

Some holistic healing methods to adopt now: eating more mindfully, journaling and meditation to soothe your mind, deep breathing, and grounding practices. Also, make time for hobbies that calm you down and make you happy.

So now you know what causes autoimmune conditions and how to prevent them. And since now that you know better, it’s time to do better.

While it may seem like there isn’t a lot in your control here, major lifestyle changes can have a big impact on decreasing your likelihood of these diseases.

See a doctor, get regular checkups, and prevent the disease before it manifests.

Hope you found this blog helpful, if you need more information on any specific topic or your personal issue, please write to us at anupam@anupamholistic.com.