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Autoimmune Disease in Women: Why the Higher Risk?

Autoimmune Disease in Women - Get help Albuquerque

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Interestingly, women are more prone to these diseases than men. Functional medicine, which looks at the whole person and their lifestyle, offers insights into why this might be. By examining genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors, we can begin to understand why autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women and explore potential ways to manage and prevent these conditions.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Our immune system protects us from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, this system gets confused and targets the body’s own cells, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This process can affect various organs and systems, depending on the specific autoimmune disease.

There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Affects multiple organs, including the skin, kidneys, heart, and brain.

  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Causes an underactive thyroid, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): Affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and coordination issues.

  • Celiac disease: An autoimmune response to gluten that damages the small intestine.

  • Type 1 diabetes: Destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to blood sugar regulation issues.

Why Are Women More Affected?

Studies show that nearly 80% of people with autoimmune diseases are women. Several factors might explain this:

1. Hormonal Differences

Women experience significant hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These shifts, especially in hormones like estrogen, can influence the immune system. Estrogen is known to enhance immune responses, which can be beneficial for fighting infections but also increases the likelihood of the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. Conversely, testosterone, which is more abundant in men, is believed to have immune-suppressing effects, potentially lowering the risk of autoimmune diseases.

For example, women with lupus often experience flare-ups during times of hormonal fluctuation, such as pregnancy or their menstrual cycle. This suggests a strong link between hormone levels and immune system activity.

2. Genetic Factors

Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. Some genes related to immune function are located on the X chromosome. Because women inherit two X chromosomes, they may have a higher chance of carrying immune-related genes that can contribute to autoimmune conditions.

Another genetic factor is a phenomenon called X chromosome inactivation, which helps balance gene expression between men and women. However, errors in this process can lead to immune dysfunction and increase the risk of autoimmunity.

3. Environmental Influences

Environmental triggers also play a role in autoimmune diseases. These include:

  • Infections: Certain viral and bacterial infections have been linked to autoimmune diseases. For example, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with lupus and multiple sclerosis.

  • Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics and personal care products may contribute to immune dysfunction.

  • Diet: Highly processed foods, sugar, and food additives can contribute to chronic inflammation and gut imbalances, which have been linked to autoimmune disease development.

  • Stress: Chronic stress affects hormone levels and immune function, increasing the likelihood of developing an autoimmune condition.

Functional Medicine’s Perspective

Functional medicine aims to find the root causes of diseases by considering the whole person, including their lifestyle and environment. From this viewpoint, the higher rate of autoimmune diseases in women might be due to:

1. Gut Health and the Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune function. A well-balanced gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses, while an imbalanced microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

Leaky gut syndrome, a condition where the gut lining becomes too permeable, allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Women are more likely to experience gut imbalances due to hormonal fluctuations and dietary influences.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Some key nutrients to consider include:

  • Vitamin D: Plays a crucial role in immune regulation. Low levels are associated with multiple autoimmune diseases.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish and flaxseeds, they have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce autoimmune flare-ups.

  • Magnesium: Helps regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.

  • Zinc: Supports immune function and may help prevent overactive immune responses.

3. Chronic Stress and Trauma

Stress has a profound impact on immune function. Chronic stress leads to prolonged high levels of cortisol, which can disrupt immune balance. Many women also experience higher levels of psychological and emotional stress due to societal roles and expectations. Addressing past trauma through therapy, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress-related autoimmune triggers.

Approaches to Support Women’s Health

To reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases, functional medicine suggests:

  • Balanced Diet: Eating nutrient-dense whole foods – especially those that include polyphenols, reducing sugar intake, and eliminating processed foods can support immune function.

  • Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity, such as walking, yoga, and strength training, can help regulate immune responses.

  • Stress Management: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can reduce stress and improve immune balance.

  • Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing high-quality sleep supports immune health and reduces inflammation.

  • Reducing Environmental Toxins: Using clean personal care and household products can reduce toxin exposure that may contribute to autoimmunity.

By focusing on these areas, women can take proactive steps to support their immune health and potentially reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Let Shannon at Intentional Wellness Help

If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disease and want to get to the root causes of your condition, consider working with Shannon at Intentional Wellness. Shannon specializes in functional medicine approaches to health, helping individuals identify triggers, balance their immune system, and restore well-being through personalized nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management.

Take control of your health today! Book a consultation with Shannon today to start your journey toward healing.

References

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Further Reading: Autoimmune Disease

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