7 Root Causes Of Autoimmune Conditions And What You Can Do To Prevent Them

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about root causes of autoimmune conditions.

When your immune system operates the way it should, it protects you from infections and diseases and helps you heal faster from injuries. However, if it becomes confused, this can lead to the development of autoimmune conditions. Although there might be no cures for autoimmune diseases, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of developing autoimmunity. In addition, even if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, you can minimize your symptoms and reduce the chance of flare-ups. Below we will look at some of the most common root causes of autoimmune conditions and what steps you can take to prevent them.

Exposure To Infections

There are certain infections that might trigger an autoimmune process in vulnerable people. This is because infections often interfere with the normal regulation of the immune system. As a result, many autoimmune conditions have been linked to one or more types of infections. For instance, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is often associated with a number of infections, such as rubella. However, having an infection doesn’t mean you will definitely develop an autoimmune condition, but it could put you at a higher risk, especially if other risk factors are involved, such as family history.

Hormonal Changes

The reasons why certain autoimmune diseases occur might be unknown, but there are different factors that can be considered, such as hormonal changes. For example, lupus is a persistent chronic disease which causes inflammation in different parts of the body. It is more likely to affect women than men, and to a certain extent, this might be due to hormones, such as oestrogen. Women often experience lupus during their reproductive years, especially when oestrogen levels are high. Therefore, it’s important to learn more about the possible causes of lupus and the symptoms it can cause, such as joint and muscle pains, rash, and skin changes.

Digestive Issues

Most of the immune system resides in the gut, which means the immune system and digestive track are closely related. As a consequence, whenever the gut is injured or impaired, this can have a direct influence on the immune system. This means that some types of gut bacteria might go to other organs and lead to an autoimmune disease. If the gut wall is damaged, it can permit heavy metals, microbes, and chemicals into the body. One of the best ways to support a healthy gut is to follow a wholefood diet and consume probiotics on a regular basis.

Increased Stress

Chronic stress can not only have a detrimental effect on the body, but it might also play a role in autoimmunity. If you experience ongoing stress, this can deplete your body of vital nutrients and put a strain on your nervous system and gut health. It might even suppress the immune system over time and cause regulation issues. The role of stress is often linked to other autoimmune factors, including  exposure to infections and gut bacteria imbalances. There are many ways to reduce stress, but it all depends on what works for you. For example, you can try gentle walks, keeping a journal, yoga, meditation, or starting a new hobby.

Additionally, seeking support from a mental health professional can also help manage chronic stress. Some people also turn to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, or energy healing to promote relaxation and reduce stress. There are psychic readings for free at newsdirect.com which can be another option to explore, as some people find comfort and guidance in receiving insights from psychic advisors. It’s important to find what works best for you and to prioritize self-care to manage chronic stress and support overall health and well-being.

Genetic Triggers

Many autoimmune diseases may have a genetic tendency that runs in the family. As a result, your genes might predispose you to a higher risk of developing any autoimmune disease or increase your risk of developing a specific condition. However, with familial autoimmunity, you might end up developing a different autoimmune disease to other people in your family. For example, one person may develop rheumatoid arthritis, while another one might have type 1 diabetes. It’s not guaranteed that you will develop an autoimmune disease that runs in your family, but you should take steps to minimize your risk.

Dietary Triggers

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in some grains like wheat, rye, and barley and is known to cause an autoimmune disease, called coeliac disease. The immune system causes antibodies to attack gluten, which also affects other tissues, such as the lining of the small intestine. Why this occurs is not fully understood but may also be linked to other autoimmune conditions affecting the joints, skin, thyroid gland, and nervous system. Therefore, if you are unsure whether you have food intolerance such as this one, it’s recommended to seek the help of a qualified nutritionist.

Environmental Toxins

Your immune system works to protect you from foreign invaders and prevent infections. However, when it becomes overwhelmed with environmental pollutants and toxins, this might lead to complications. They can cause aggressive auto-responses and the promotion of autoimmunity. There are many different environmental toxins, so it can be difficult to determine which ones cause autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, there are specific toxins that you should be careful about, including BPA plastic, mercury, and asbestos. Apart from being triggers for autoimmune conditions, they may harm your overall health and disrupt sensitive biological systems so if you notice dampness in house Sydney, have your property surveyed right away.