Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to various organs and systems. While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unclear, a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributes to their development. It is absolutely vital to understand the types of autoimmune diseases and their risk factors for timely detection, effective management, as well as improving quality of life.
Genetic Risk Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Family history and specific genetic markers can increase an individual’s susceptibility to these conditions.
Family History
If a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has an autoimmune disease, the risk of developing an autoimmune condition is higher. For example, if a parent has rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their children are at an increased risk of developing RA or even another autoimmune disease.
Specific Genes
Certain genes like the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex are associated with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases. The HLA plays an important role in immune system regulation. Variations in HLA genes can affect how the immune system distinguishes between self and non-self, leading to autoimmune responses. For example, the HLA-DRB1 gene is associated with an increased risk of RA and type 1 diabetes.
Environmental Risk Factors
Environmental factors can trigger or aggravate autoimmune diseases, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
Infections
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens can trigger autoimmune responses. Research suggests pathogens that have components resembling human tissues can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack both the pathogen and the body’s own cells. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus has been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) multiple sclerosis (MS).
Exposure to Toxins and Chemicals
Occupational exposure to silica dust, for example, is associated with an increased risk of developing systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and RA. Smoking (including passive smoking) has been identified as a risk factor for RA, SLE, and other autoimmune conditions.
Hormonal Risk Factors
Hormones play a critical role in the immune system. And so, hormonal changes can impact the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Gender
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men, suggesting that sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, may influence immune system function. Women are significantly at greater risk of developing SLE, RA, and other autoimmune diseases.
Pregnancy
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact autoimmune disease activity. Some autoimmune diseases, such as RA, can improve during pregnancy but also flare up postpartum. Other conditions, such as SLE, may worsen during pregnancy.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
How we live our lives definitely lower or increase our risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Smoking
A well-documented risk factor, smoking is associated with an increased risk of RA, MS, and SLE. It can trigger autoimmune responses, exacerbate inflammation, and even worsen disease progression.
Stress
Chronic stress can affect the immune system by altering the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This imbalance has been known to trigger or worsen autoimmune responses.
Read about the connection between stress and multiple sclerosis here.
Diet and Nutrition
A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, greatly lowers this risk.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore gut balance, while prebiotics are dietary fibers that feed these bacteria. Consuming foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, soybean, cabbage, apple cider vinegar, lassi, fermented cheese) and prebiotics (garlic, onions, bananas) can support gut health, thereby potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases.
You can read more about the autoimmune diet here.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that play a critical role in immune system regulation. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been linked to various autoimmune diseases.
Leaky Gut
An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to increased intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut.” Due to this, toxins and undigested food particles enter the bloodstream, typically triggering an immune response and possibly leading to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Risk Factors for Common Autoimmune Diseases
Let’s take a look at the risk factors associated with the 5 most common autoimmune conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Smoking
- Genetics: Variations in HLA-DRB1 and other genes
- Gender and Hormonal Factors: Women are more likely to develop RA; and hormonal changes, such as menopause, can affect disease activity
- Infections: Certain infections may trigger RA in genetically predisposed individuals
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Genetics: Family history and specific genetic markers, such as HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR3
- Gender: Women, especially those of childbearing age
- Environmental Factors: UV light exposure
- Infections: EBV infection
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Genetics: Variations in HLA-DRB1 and other genes
- Geography: Higher prevalence in regions farther from the equator (linked to possible vitamin D deficiency)
- Infections: EBV and other viral infections
- Smoking
Type 1 Diabetes
- Genetics: Specific genes, such as HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4
- Infections: Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus
- Diet: Early introduction of cow’s milk and gluten in infancy
Animal milk should be introduced only after 1 year of age.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Genetics: Family history and specific genetic markers, such as NOD2/CARD15
- Smoking
- Diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in fiber
- Stress
Read more about the types of autoimmune diseases here.
While some risk factors, like genetics and gender, cannot be changed, others, such as smoking, diet, and stress levels, can be modified to reduce the risk and improve outcomes for individuals with autoimmune diseases. At Plexus Bangalore and Hyderabad, we offer customized rehabilitation for autoimmune conditions. To know more, please reach out to our team today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can autoimmune disease be cured?
Autoimmune diseases cannot be completely cured, but their symptoms can be managed effectively with therapeutic interventions, medication, lifestyle changes, and other treatments. The goal is to control the immune response, reduce inflammation, and prevent organ damage.
What are the worst foods for autoimmune disease?
Foods high in sugar, processed foods, gluten, dairy, and unhealthy fats can exacerbate autoimmune disease symptoms. We recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding these foods to help manage symptoms and support overall health.
You can read more about the Autoimmune Diet here.
Who is at risk of autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk. These include genetic predisposition, being female, certain environmental exposures, infections, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress. Research indicates that family history and certain ethnic backgrounds also increase likelihood of the disease.
How to avoid autoimmune disease?
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one can reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and limiting exposure to environmental toxins.
What is a serious autoimmune disease?
Lupus is a serious autoimmune disease. It affects multiple organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
