Discover key insights and the latest research on autoimmune disease and natural options for disease management and reducing autoimmune symptoms.
Men's Health Guide to Autoimmune Disease
Key Takeaways
- Autoimmune diseases (AID) are when the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissues, causing a range of symptoms and organ dysfunction.
- AID are increasing: Worldwide diagnosis are up by a massive 22%.
- Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and gut dysfunction are key factors in AID development. Autoimmune diseases can be both organ-specific (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis & Crohn’s disease) or systemic (rheumatoid arthritis & lupus). Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term permanent damage. Item
- Integrative medicine uses dietary interventions, targeted supplementation and lifestyle modification to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Item
Introduction
Your body has a strong defence team- the immune system. The role of the immune system is to protect us from endogenous harm (substances produced by our body) and exogenous (external) elements like bacteria, viruses, and pollutants. When the immune system works well it detects and removes these dangers, maintains balance and helps us stay in good health.
In autoimmune diseases, this system stops working properly. When you have an autoimmune disease (AI), our immune system gets confused about which cells and factors are harmful- and starts attacking our bodies cells and tissues. This misplaced attack can affect different organs and parts of the body. The ongoing cellular damage can cause a huge range of dysfunction and symptoms which impair health.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases in Men
Worldwide, there has been a 22% increase in new diagnoses of these immune-mediated diseases- so if you are reading this and have been diagnosed with an AI, you are not alone! Autoimmune diseases encompass over 80 different conditions and impacts approximately 5% of the Australian population. AI diseases include:
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Vitiligo
- Scleroderma
- Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Haemolytic Anaemia
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Grave’s Disease
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can be classified as either organ-specific or systemic. Organ-specific conditions (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), target a single organ, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance due to low thyroid hormone levels. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, primarily affects the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Systemic autoimmune diseases, on the other hand, affect multiple organs and systems. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause widespread joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can impact the skin, kidneys, joints, and heart, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and rashes, to organ damage
What is Autoimmune Disease?
We explained that autoimmune diseases (AID) are those where the immune system (which typically serves as defence against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and pollutants), mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Normally, the immune system distinguishes between harmful threats and the body’s cells. However, in autoimmune diseases our immune system malfunctions, confuses the body’s own cells with harmful ones- and begins to attack them. This incorrect immune response can lead to ongoing damage of organs and tissues and a range of dysfunction.
The mechanisms of AID are complex and involve interplay between a mix of immune cells, antibodies, and inflammatory substances. The symptoms vary significantly depending on which organs or systems are affected. Doctors typically use a combination of medical history,
physical examinations, and blood tests to diagnose autoimmune diseases. Blood tests are commonly used to detect specific autoantibodies (proteins that attack the body’s own tissues). Imaging tests like MRIs or ultrasounds may help also help assess the extent of inflammation or structural change.
Early diagnosis is important to reduce the risk of irreversible damage to cells and tissues which can cause long-term health complications.
What Causes Autoimmune Disease?
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The exact reasons for autoimmune diseases are still not clear but researchers understand that a mix of different factors plays a role in their development. The “three-legged stool” concept of AID was proposed by Dr. Alessio Fasano, a renowned researcher in the field of coeliac disease and gut health. He hypothesises that a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) are essential for the malfunction of the immune system and development of autoimmune diseases. To clarify:
- Genetics: A genetic predisposition creates susceptibility to autoimmunity, meaning certain genes make the immune system more likely to malfunction.
- Environmental Triggers: Factors like infections, toxins, stress, or dietary components (e.g., gluten) trigger the immune response.
- Gut Barrier Dysfunction: Leaky gut or intestinal permeability allows foreign substances to enter the bloodstream, prompting the immune system to attack the body’s tissues, mistaking them for harmful invaders.
Fasano’s work and further independent research highlights how these three factors can align to initiate an autoimmune response. Lifestyle appears to be important too. Factors such as diet and stress levels can also affect autoimmunity and autoimmune disease symptoms. Research has found that up to 80% of autoimmune patients report unusual levels of stress prior to the onset of their AID!
So let’s take a deeper dive into the “three legs” to understand the possible underlying causes of autoimmune disease.
Genetics And Autoimmunity
Some genes raise the risk for certain autoimmune diseases. Although there can be genetic predisposition to AID, having these genetic factors is NOT enough to cause autoimmunity alone. Genes operate differently, dependent on their environment. We’ll discuss what exactly “environment” entails in the next section.
Here’s a brief overview of AI conditions with research supporting genetic links:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Genes like HLA-DRB1 are associated with higher risk, affecting immune cell signalling and leading to inflammation in joints.
Type 1 Diabetes: Variants in genes like HLA-DQ and HLA-DR impact how immune cells target insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Multiple Sclerosis: HLA-DRB1 is linked to higher susceptibility, potentially leading to the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath of nerves.
Coeliac Disease: HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes are strongly associated, influencing immune responses to gluten, leading to intestinal damage.
More research is needed to understand how genes and the environment work together and to find ways to prevent AID
Environmental and Occupational Exposures
Emerging evidence confirms that environmental factors play a big role in the development and severity of autoimmune disorders. “Environment” encompasses many external factors which have the ability to trigger or influence an abnormal immune response. This includes:
- Chemicals: Research shows that exposure to pollutants, smoking, industrial chemicals and pesticides, or certain medications may increase susceptibility to AID. Work-related exposures need to be considered, especially in jobs that deal with chemicals, dust and solvents. For instance, silica dust (which is common in jobs like mining and construction), is linked to systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Dietary Factors: Certain foods or additives can affect immune function. Studies show that there gluten is a pro-inflammatory substance and abstinence can alleviate disease activity in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Microbiota: Gut bacteria imbalances are linked to immune dysfunction.
- Infections: Research now identifies infectious agents (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites), as environmental triggers which are associated with onset and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. The relationship between infections and how they lead to these diseases is a complex discussion. The process involves interaction between the infectious agent and the immune response of the host, in combination with the genetic predisposition we already discussed. One theory of how this happens is called molecular mimicry. This is when the proteins from microbes look like the body’s own proteins, which causes the bodies T cells (which target invaders) and B cells (which produce antibodies) to mistakenly attack your own tissues. This attack is an autoimmune response. An example of this is rheumatic fever, when the antibodies that fight Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria also attack heart valve proteins!
Gut Barrier Dysfunction
The gut lining acts as a barrier and prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier is compromised (increased intestinal permeability, which is commonly known as “leaky gut” ) toxins, microbes, and food particles which should be contained in the
gastrointestinal system leave the intestines and trigger an abnormal immune response.
Poor diet, chronic stress, infections, and gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) all contribute to gut barrier dysfunction. Processed foods, sugar, and nutrient deficiencies irritate and destabilise the gut lining, and certain bacteria and infections can further damage it. Research links gut microbiome imbalances to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Restoring gut health with dietary changes, probiotics, and nutrients can regulate immune function and reduce autoimmune symptoms.
Treating Autoimmunity
An integrative medicine approach to autoimmunity aims to tackle the root causes of autoimmune diseases and considers all factors contributing to autoimmunity including gut health, nutritional imbalances, emotional stress, and environmental influences- rather than just managing symptoms. The primary goal is to lower chronic inflammation and improve overall health.
Conventional vs. Natural Medicine in Treating Autoimmune Diseases
Treatment for autoimmune diseases differs based on the specific condition and severity. There is no cure for most autoimmune diseases, but there are various therapies, both conventional and natural. These can help manage symptoms, lower inflammation, and improve your quality of life.
Conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases usually try to suppress the overactive immune system and manage symptoms. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Other common medications include immunosuppressants, which slow down the immune response, and pain relievers to ease discomfort. These medications can have amazing outcomes, but many also come with side effects that are exacerbated by long-term use.
Clinical natural medicine also aims to lower chronic inflammation and immune response, but we use dietary and lifestyle changes, and herbal and nutritional medicine. We also look at addressing underlying dysfunctions in the gut to reduce disease progression.
Both methods have their benefits. Combining conventional medicine with clinical natural medicine can have great outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases. Collaboration and communication between healthcare providers from both sides is essential to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Natural Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases
Supplements can be used to tackle and support the underlying biological mechanisms of immune system imbalance. Herbs and nutrients can address inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation- key factors in autoimmune conditions. While conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, natural therapies can help regulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Below, we explore evidence-based herbs and nutrients that may be beneficial for men with autoimmune diseases.
Natural Remedies for Autoimmune Disorders:
One of the herbs we use to support men with autoimmune diseases is Hemidesmus indicus, known as Indian sarsaparilla.
Research shows that Hemidesmus indicus has anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. That’s a very clever plant!
Hemidesmus indicus demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases by inducing immunogenic cell death, which supports its role in immunotherapy. Hemidesmus is an immune modulator which down-regulates various pro-inflammatory agents. Additionally, its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties are attributed to phytoconstituents that reduce proinflammatory mediators, which can reduce inflammatory response, protect body tissues and can act as an alternative to NSAIDs for managing conditions like arthritis.
Another helpful herb is Salix alba, or white willow. This herb has been used for pain and inflammation for centuries. In fact- isolating the chemical constituents of Salix alba was how aspirin was developed in the 1800’s. White willow contains salicin. Studies show that salicin has immunomodulatory effects that are beneficial for patients with autoimmune conditions.
We need more studies to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of herbs in AID. But evidence and clinical use shows that herbs can be beneficial singularly and as adjacent therapies in autoimmune conditions. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional before adding herbal remedies to your health plan.
Zinc and Vitamin D for Autoimmune Disease
Zinc and vitamin D also have a strong evidence base supporting their use in autoimmune diseases.
You probably know that zinc is good for the immune system. The World Health Organisation flags zinc deficiency as being the 11th most important health risk factor in developed countries. And a large meta-analysis revealed that serum zinc in autoimmune patients was significantly lower than controls. Zinc can regulate different aspects of the immune system, for both for innate and adaptive immune response and deficiency is associated with impaired maturation and function of T and B cells, imbalance between regulatory and pro-inflammatory T cells, and reduced natural killer cell function.
Vitamin D is another big ticket nutrient for the immune system! Vitamin D is an immunomodulant. Studies show that adults taking vitamin D supplementation have a lower risk of developing autoimmune disease.
Eating foods rich in zinc, like nuts and seeds, and getting vitamin D from sources such as fatty fish or dairy can improve overall health and may reduce some autoimmune symptoms. It is best to talk to a healthcare provider in order to ensure the right supplementation and dosage or dietary advice for your needs.
Beyond diet and exercise, stress and the environment can affect how our metabolism works. Chronic stress, which many people face today, leads our bodies to produce hormones like cortisol. When there is too much cortisol, it can increases fat storage and can lead to insulin resistance. Studies show that deep breathing can help manage stress levels, and reduce blood pressure as much as medication!
Our environment and all the crap in it isn’t helping either! While we can’t completely control the toxins and chemicals surrounding us, there are some easy changes you can make, like swapping laundry detergents and moving away from the dishwasher tablets. Just using dishwasher tablets as an example- they have been found to contain substances that disrupt your hormonal balance, and are associated with diseases of chronic inflammation. No thanks!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, in order to treat them effectively. Genetics, environment, and triggers all play a role in the development of these conditions, and many of the factors are modifiable. Integrative medicine can make a huge difference in the progression and symptom management of autoimmune diseases. If you want support managing an autoimmune disease naturally, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider, rather than going it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases?
Yes, research shows that making healthy lifestyle changes can help lower the risk factors for autoimmune diseases. This includes managing emotional stress, eating better, getting good sleep, and exercising regularly. These changes can balance the immune system and lower inflammation.
How Does Integrative Medicine Differ from Traditional Treatments?
Integrative medicine takes a holistic approach, focusing on the whole person rather than just the symptoms. We can work collaboratively with your doctor and conventional treatments you may be prescribed, and add evidence-based nutritional and herbal medicines therapies that promote healing and address the root causes of the chronic condition.
Can Autoimmune Disease Be Cured?
Most autoimmune diseases are long-lasting and have no cure. However, if you follow an autoimmune protocol, you can manage the symptoms. This can lead to less severe symptoms. In some cases, people can even enjoy long-term remission.
