Are you wondering why more people are getting diagnosed with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, Lupus, or Crohn’s? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Functional Nutritionist Erin Holt shares insights into the real reasons behind the rise in autoimmune disease. She discusses common root causes and why women are often more affected. Erin offers a clear, reassuring perspective on understanding and addressing autoimmunity.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Autoimmunity
Navigating the healthcare system with unexplained symptoms can be challenging. Erin shares her experience of feeling unheard before finally receiving her Scleroderma diagnosis and how this journey highlights a common issue for many seeking answers. To address this gap, Erin believes it is important to look beyond conventional care. She turned to functional medicine, which focuses on identifying the underlying reason behind symptoms. Understanding why autoimmune diseases are increasing requires exploration into these root causes.
Why More People Are Getting Autoimmune Diagnoses
Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common. One alarming trend shared by Erin during the episode was how 80% of diagnoses are in women compared to 20% in men. While better testing plays a small part, Erin suggests this increase is largely linked to our modern environment and lifestyle. She supposes that the reason women may be disproportionately impacted by autoimmune disease is due to the social conditioning and behaviors women are taught at an early age. These learned tendencies, however, are only one among many complex factors affecting immune systems in new ways.
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6 Risk Factors That Affect Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases have multiple contributing factors. Erin identifies several key areas that may play a role:
- Food: Changes in how we process food may interact with the immune system.
- Environment: Modern life includes increased exposure to chemicals.
- Gut Health: Diet and lifestyle impact the balance of the gut microbiome.
- Stress: The demands of modern life affect immune function.
- Infection: Various infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) can trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses.
- Mindset/Trauma: Emotional patterns, beliefs, and history of trauma can contribute to immune system dysregulation.
As Dr. Gabor Maté wrote, "our immune system does not exist in isolation from daily experience."
Our health reflects our environment, influencing autoimmune health.
What Are the 3 Stages of Autoimmune Disease?
Identifying autoimmune disease can be difficult due to complex root causes and a wide range of autoimmune disease symptoms, which often progress through distinct stages.
- Stage 1: Silent Autoimmunity: At this initial stage, autoantibodies (antibodies that target the body's own tissues) are present, but the individual typically experiences no noticeable symptoms. Because there are no symptoms, people are usually not seeking medical attention at this point.
- Stage 2: Symptomatic Autoimmunity: In this stage, autoantibodies are present, and the individual begins to experience symptoms, often accompanied by inflammation. These symptoms can be varied (like fatigue or joint pain) and may not yet point to a specific diagnosis, leading many to feel confused or dismissed during this phase.
- Stage 3: Tissue Damage: This is the stage where autoantibodies and symptoms are present, and there is also detectable damage to the body's tissues or organs. Conventional diagnosis often occurs at this stage, but the damage can be significant, making reversal much harder.
Understanding these stages is important because it highlights the potential for proactive identification. Erin advocates for recognizing issues in Stage 2, before significant tissue damage occurs, as addressing root causes earlier offers a greater possibility for managing the condition and potentially achieving remission.
How to Check for Autoimmune Disease: Key Tests You Should Know
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms or suspect an autoimmune condition, asking your doctor about common autoimmune disease tests can be a helpful step. While there's no single definitive test for every autoimmune condition, certain lab markers can offer important information. Erin recommends that people who believe their symptoms may be autoimmune ask their providers about including basic panels like a complete blood count (CBC) to check for things like a low White Blood Cell Count. Discussing tests such as ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies), HSCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein), Sed Rate (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), and Ferritin is important, as these can signal inflammation or autoimmune activity. For women, requesting an annual full thyroid panel, including antibodies (TPO and TgAb), is often important, as thyroid issues are frequently autoimmune conditions. These conversations empower you to gain deeper insights into your health.
How to Take Control of Autoimmune Disease and Achieve Remission
While autoimmune diseases may not be curable, remission is possible. Erin’s experience shows that addressing underlying factors, such as gut health, inflammation, and environmental triggers, can make a difference. Many people feel stuck in the system, waiting for answers. This is where self-advocacy becomes crucial – trusting your intuition and persistently seeking the care you need empowers you to ask better questions and make informed decisions about how to manage your autoimmunity diagnosis. Learning about common triggers and personalized approaches can help you take back control of your health. Even with the challenges of autoimmunity, there is hope for a better life.
More from Sofia Health
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "The Autoimmune Epidemic: Why Your Immune System Is Under Attack with Erin Holt", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.
