Autoimmune Disorders: 5 Most Common Environmental Triggers for Autoimmune Diseases & How to Manage Them by Dr. Chad Larson

There are several factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, including genetics, pre-existing disease, ethnicity and even sex – over 75 percent of people affected by autoimmune diseases are female. But one factor that puts the majority of the population at risk for autoimmune diseases is exposure to environmental factors.

Five of the most researched triggers are:

1. Food/Dietary Proteins

Everyone has their own unique body chemistry and digestive function. Sensitivities to different foods can not only cause abdominal discomfort, but can also trigger an autoimmune-related response. While each of us may react uniquely to different foods, there are some proteins that are more likely than others to present inflammation and symptoms of immune dysregulation, such as wheat/gluten and dairy. A high-carb diet is a prominent factor promoting obesity, which leads to systemic inflammation and an excessive accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (belly fat), an inert tissue that releases a plethora of pro-inflammatory mediators. Eating a healthy, low-carb diet, high in nutrients with low inflammatory elements is recommended for the prevention of all diseases.

2. Pathogens

Repeated exposure to bacteria, viruses and mold wears on our immune system. For some, the hard-working immune system can turn on its own body and mistake its own healthy cells for harmful cells, thus attacking them. Viruses interact with your genetics through a variety of mechanisms. In short, they can turn on certain genes that impact the immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self, triggering an autoimmune reaction.

3. Toxins

Exposure to and consumption of toxins have long been associated with cancer, heart disease and lung disease, among others. But more recent research has linked toxicity with the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). There are many sources of toxins, some we can’t control and others that we can.

Over 80,000 man-made chemicals have been introduced since 1900, and only 550 have been tested for safety. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 3.4 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released into our environment by large industrial companies in 2019, as reported by the EPA’s 2019 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Report. While we can’t totally control the release of such toxins, we can each do our part to reduce these numbers by using more environmentally-friendly products, using reusable products instead of disposable products and educating ourselves on environmental toxic release.

Smoking has been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases. When tobacco burns, thousands of chemicals are produced, some of which are known to be toxic. Inhaling that smoke impacts the immune system through various complex interactions, including inflammatory responses, immune suppression, dysregulation of cytokines (signaling molecules involved in autoimmunity) and the development of autoantibodies.

4. Stress

Levels of stress-related illness are higher than ever. Both physical and emotional stresses weaken our immune system, allowing the body to develop a variety of illnesses. It has also shown to trigger and intensify autoimmune-related disorders. A 2018 study increased the possibility of a link between stress and the development of autoimmune-related diseases.

We are living in an era where stress is seemingly affecting the majority of the population. There are different ways that we can manage our stress, such as through yoga practice, meditation, spending time in nature, exercising, getting a massage, doing fun things and increasing our amount of sleep. But for the overall prevention of autoimmune development or progression, practicing better control in all areas mentioned above is the best advice. A healthy diet low in processed inflammatory foods, reducing exposure to toxins and stress management should all be applied as frequently as possible.

5. Barrier Integrity

The gut is constantly exposed to a wide repertoire of antigens derived from food and environmental microbes. Therefore, we need this barrier system to be strong and robust in order to protect us. If there’s a barrier breakdown, inflammation can ensue and dysregulate the immune system. All of the environmental triggers mentioned above affect gut and barrier health. Another big one, not yet mentioned is alcohol. Alcohol has been well-established as a common cause of intestinal barrier compromise.

There is not any one environmental trigger that is more significant than the others. They all must be managed together to produce optimal protection against the onset or progression of autoimmune disease. Common signs and symptoms of autoimmune-related disorders include:

• fatigue
• diarrhea or vomiting
• joint pain and swelling
• abdominal pain or digestion issues
• weakness
• muscle aches
• weight loss or gain

As always, consult with your primary care physician if you have any of the symptoms listed above, believe you may have autoimmune-related issues or have been exposed to excess levels of toxins, pathogens or an unhealthy diet. And remember – it’s never too late to work toward better health!

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.