An autoimmune disease is life-altering for the 50 million Americans—that’s 1 in 5—who have one, according to theAutoimmune Association. And there’s data to suggest that the rates of autoimmunity have increased over the past two decades, per 2023 research inThe Lancet. As if having one autoimmune condition wasn’t enough, the unfortunate reality is that one-quarter of people who have autoimmune disease have more than one, according to the Autoimmune Association. With over 100 autoimmune diseases—including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease—there are many ways for your immune system to go sideways.
So, what’s going on? Why does having one autoimmune condition increase your chance of developing others? Here, we will dive into the factors that increase the risk of autoimmune conditions, as well as a few daily habits that may delay or lessen risk.
Related:Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Plan
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The Immune System: A Great Thing…Until It Malfunctions
The immune system is the body’s natural defense system, constantly on surveillance for threats, such as harmful bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, perInformedHealth.org. When the immune system detects a threat, it jumps into action to fight off the invader. Most of the time, the response is so effective that you don’t even realize you encountered something that could have made you sick. Other times, the immune system’s initial response isn’t enough, and you get an infection or illness.
Everyone gets sick sometimes. Overall, your body’s natural defense system does a pretty amazing job at keeping your body healthy. But even the most well-designed systems can malfunction, and this is what happens when autoimmune conditions develop.
Whereas the immune system is normally laser-focused on outside hazards, autoimmunity is when this system mistakenly says the threat is coming from inside the house. In other words, your body mounts an attack against itself, destroying healthy tissue, according to theNational Library of Medicine.
What Triggers the Onset of Autoimmune Diseases
Genetics are a primary risk factor, and most everyone carries genes associated with certain autoimmune conditions. Yet, according to theNational Institutes of Health, most people won’t develop an autoimmune condition unless something in their environment or lifestyle triggers those specific genes to malfunction.
So back to the original question: why does having one autoimmune condition increase your chance of developing others? Here are some of the theories surrounding why this occurs.
Genes
Among some of the more studied autoimmune conditions, researchers have identified certain genes associated with a greater risk for developing these diseases, and there is some overlap. For example, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and Sjögren’s syndrome all share several common genetic factors, according to a 2022 study in Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology. This is why some of these diseases may occur together.
Similarly, race can also affect your risk. Twice as many Black Americans are diagnosed with polymyositis and lupus, while twice as many Native Americans are diagnosed with scleroderma, alopecia and rheumatoid arthritis, compared to White Americans, according to a 2020 study inAutoimmune Reviews. Underlying factors like these can all increase one’s genetic predisposition to developing autoimmune conditions.
Shared Risk Factors
Many autoimmune conditions share some of the same risk factors. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a common virus that affects most people, says theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis and others, according to a 2022 study inPathophysiology.
Similarly, smoking is associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid autoimmunity, lupus and multiple sclerosis, points out a 2021 study inPathophysiology.
Exposure Accumulation
Another factor centers on something that’s been termed the exposome. While we often think of exposures to smoking, stress or an infection as momentary or temporary, research suggests that the body keeps an ongoing tally of disruptors like these over the span of one’s life. This record is termed the exposome and is the cumulative environmental exposure one has over their lifespan, beginning during prenatal development, according to the aforementioned 2021Pathophysiologyresearch. The exposome theory may explain why some people are more susceptible to autoimmunity, if their exposures reach a tipping point.
3 Daily Habits That May Lower Autoimmune Risk
While genetics can’t be modified, you may be able to make certain changes to your diet and lifestyle that reduce your risk of developing autoimmunity.
1. Take a Vitamin D Supplement
2. Reduce Intake of Highly Processed Foods
A healthy gut microbiota is important for a healthy immune system. An imbalance of gut bacteria makes it easier for harmful substances like toxins to pass into the bloodstream, something that can trigger an autoimmune response, according to a 2021 summary in the journalNutrients. To foster a healthier gut, limit highly processed foods that are sources of trans fats, added sugars and food additives like dyes when possible.
3. Adopt a Whole-Food Approach
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, can wreak havoc on our health—including our immune system. Research published inNaturenotes that long-term lack of quality sleep can increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and systemic sclerosis. In a go-go-go society, getting a restful night’s sleep can feel elusive. Wondering how to get started? Check out our4 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep, According to an Expert.
5. Stop Smoking
The negative health impacts of smoking are well-documented, particularly when it comes to conditions like cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But smoking can also play a role in increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, notes theGlobal Autoimmune Institute. If you’re looking for support to stop smoking, consider reaching out to your health care provider or checking out theCDCfor more resources.
Related:What Is the Autoimmune Protocol Diet? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to Say
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