What do you think may be causing the increase we are seeing today in many autoim

Question

What do you think may be causing the increase we are seeing today in many autoimmune diseases? (refer to Chap. 16 in your text if you aren't sure what they are) There are numerous autoimmune diseases, so you may limit your discussion post to one or two diseases if you prefer What do you think may be causing the increase we are seeing today in many autoimmune diseases? (refer to Chap. 16 in your text if you aren't sure what they are) There are numerous autoimmune diseases, so you may limit your discussion post to one or two diseases if you prefer

Explanation / Answer

5 Underlying Causes of Autoimmune Disease

1. Leaky Gut

The gut is the gateway to health, it houses 80% of your immune system, and you can’t have a healthy immune system without a healthy gut. If you have an autoimmune disease your gut has become leaky, meaning the tight junctions that typically hold your gut lining together have become loose, allowing undigested food particles, microbes, toxins, and more to escape your gut and enter your bloodstream.

All of these particles are recognized by your immune system as foreign invaders, sending your immune system into high alert and triggering a huge rise in inflammation.

2. Gluten

Gluten contributes to autoimmune disease in three key ways. First, it is the primary cause of leaky gut because gluten triggers the release of zonulin in your intestines, a chemical that tells your gut lining to “open up”. Second, it is highly inflammatory, meaning it stresses your immune system. Thirdly, the gluten protein has a similar chemical structure to some of your body’s tissues (specifically your thyroid), which can lead to molecular mimicry, where your body mistakes your tissues for gluten and attacks them. You can read more about how gluten impacts autoimmunity in this article.

3. Toxins

Toxic molds (mycotoxins) and heavy metals such as mercury are the two main

We are exposed to heavy metals like mercury in different ways: mercury amalgam fillings in teeth, fish consumption, and the environment. Mercury is toxic to our bodies and can be one piece of the puzzle for those with autoimmune diseases.

4. Infections

Scientists have long suspected that infections from bacteria, viruses, and other toxins were likely to blame for the development of autoimmunity.

5. Stress

Levels of stress-related illnesses are on the rise, and stress, both of the emotional and the physical variety, has been shown to trigger and intensify autoimmune disorders. Stress disrupts immune function through several distinct pathways. Stress is the body’s response to a threat–a wound, injury, or infection. Chronic stress leads to long-term inflammation that never really shuts off, creating autoimmune disease. Once the autoimmune response is in place, immediate stress only exacerbates it.

The most common autoimmune is Rheumatoid arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the joints, leading to pain and swelling typically in the hands and feet. It can affect anyone but is most prevalent in women over 40. Rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes affect other organs as well, such as skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels. As with all autoimmune disorders, treatment focuses on managing pain and minimizing bone erosion and joint damage.

To test its presence RA factor test is conducted. It mainly targets cells of joints and causes deformation of joints.

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