Why is Autoimmunity on the Rise?

Over the last century, modern humans have drastically moved away from the way we have lived for thousands of years. While modernization has led to many advances and conveniences allowing us to live longer and healthier lives than ever before, there are consequences for this modernization: autoimmunity. 

What is Autoimmunity? 

In short, autoimmunity is what occurs when the immune system is unable to differentiate between foreign invaders like germs, allergens, viruses and the body’s tissues and cells. The resultant symptoms – fatigue, pain, neurological changes, and inflammation – are the hallmarks of a family of conditions commonly referred to as autoimmune disorders. 

Currently, there are 100 diseases that are categorized as autoimmune disorders, including: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Crohn’s disease 
•  Fibromyalgia 
• Celiac disease 
• Type 1 Diabetes 

Prevalence of Autoimmunity 

Autoimmune disorders affect approximately 8% of the general population, with new cases accounting for an increase of 4-7% each year. Autoimmune disorders are the third most commonly reported maladies, after heart disease and cancer. It is estimated that by 2030, 46 million more people will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

Causes of Autoimmunity 

While we know that autoimmunity is on the rise, the exact cause is still relatively unknown – due in large part to the multifactorial conditions that can trigger the onset of autoimmunity. There are several factors that can make an individual a likely candidate for developing an autoimmune disorder: 

• Genetics: Your family history may play a role in developing autoimmunity. For instance, if you have a “first degree” relative with the disease – a parent or a sibling – you have a 1 in 5 chance of receiving a similar diagnosis.
• Comorbidity: Many patients who have received a diagnosis of one autoimmune disorder will be diagnosed with another similar disorder. Comorbidity is one of the reasons that diagnosing patients with autoimmunity is challenging, because of the overlapping symptoms of multiple disorders. 
• Environmental Factors: While genetics and preexisting conditions may play a role in the development of autoimmunity, our modern lifestyle may “activate” the condition. For instance, a diet high in wheat and other processed grain products may lead some patients who have a genetic predisposition to develop celiac disease. 

Autoimmunity Intervention and Treatments 

When the immune system is functioning properly, it is able to distinguish between our healthy cells and “foreign invaders.” However, continued exposure to environmental influences can “flip the switch” and cause our immune systems to no longer be able to recognize healthy cells. While genetics are unavoidable, taking preventative steps to minimize our environmental risks to prevent autoimmunity from developing – or slowing the progression of existing disorders. 

• Focus on gut health. Make sure to eat probiotic and prebiotic foods, and take supplements when natural sources are scarce or unavailable. Take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary.
• Avoid using chemical household cleaners. Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions, such as vinegar.
• Limit the use of or avoid chemically-based skin care products and cosmetics.
• Limit or avoid dairy, gluten, and high-sodium foods.

For more information about autoimmunity and to discuss prevention and treatment options, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Courtney Homberg, Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, by calling 647-351-7282 today! 

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