27 Jan Why Women are Especially at Risk for Autoimmune Diseases
A silent epidemic
Autoimmune disease is a silent epidemic that disproportionately impacts women’s health.
Of the 50 million people living with autoimmune disease in the U.S, 80% are women. On top of that startling statistic, women are more at risk for developing Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (suffering from two or more autoimmune conditions). As if we didn’t have enough burdens to bear…
As business owners, entrepreneurs, mothers, parents, homeschoolers, partners…you’re beyond exhausted. I know, I’ve been there too!
But listen up sister: there’s hope because you are NOT alone. We have the strength and the wisdom to heal this epidemic at the core. And I’m going to let you in on a secret: the power to restore your body at a cellular level, regain your energy, and reclaim your health is already within you.
Before we dive into why women are more at risk and how to heal, we need to better understand the “what.” So grab a cup of tea and strap in for a ride through the rocky terrain of what we know (and don’t know) about this epidemic.
What is autoimmune disease?
According to the Women’s Health Research Institute, autoimmune diseases are those conditions causing the body (for whatever reason) to begin fighting its own cells with an autoimmune response. Today, more than 80+ autoimmune diseases have been identified, attacking nearly every human organ system! Common examples include psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
What is autoimmune response?
Healthy bodies produce a variety of antibodies. These antibodies are the proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system.
When the body senses danger from a virus or infection, the immune system kicks into gear and attacks it. In some people, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn against their own body’s healthy tissues.
This autoimmune response can cause inflammation and fatigue. And depending on the severity, a range of other symptoms like joint pain, swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin changes, fever, brain fog, and tissue and nerve damage.
What causes autoimmune disease?
While doctors don’t know what causes the body’s immune system to begin to attack itself, they do know of contributing factors like genetics and outside agents including our diet, lifestyle, stress, and mindset.
What happens if left untreated?
Autoimmune disorders are usually chronic. They can make life miserable and pain debilitating. That’s likely why you’re still reading.
Now, let’s get to the burning issue…
Why do women have an increased risk?
There are not definitive statements as to why autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women. However, there is quantifiable research linking the complexity of the female immune system, hormonal differences, and systemic changes occurring during pregnancy to increased risk.
At a glance:
- Women are at greater risk for autoimmune diseases due to the unique, complicated, but powerful nature of their immune systems. That’s right: our own strength makes us especially vulnerable. The irony!
- Hormonal differences also contribute to greater risk. Autoimmune diseases flare when fluctuations occur in female sex hormone: during monthly menstrual cycle, perimenopause, menopause and when taking synthetic hormones.
- Pregnancy can also trigger autoimmune disease. Significant hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum make women more vulnerable. For example, Postpartum Thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition linked to pregnancy.
Let’s talk genetics and outside factors
Yes, genetics is a factor. However, while most people think that autoimmune disease is 100% genetic, research suggests that about two-thirds of cases are triggered by environmental factors like diet and lifestyle.
Solve your own mystery
There’s no such thing as an “auto-immunologist.” From a Western medical perspective, researchers generally attack disorders as a common group. But the good news is that YOU have the means to take control.
Remember how about two-thirds of cases – that’s 67% –are triggered by environmental factors like diet and lifestyle? Well, by reclaiming radical responsibility for these areas of your life (amongst others) you can begin the healing process.
Start with your diet and a simple-to-follow 3-step process.
- Eliminate what triggers your autoimmune response.
- Test, then strategically reintroduce.
- Tailor a plan to help you realize your full potential.
Note I say “simple,” not easy. I’ll come back to that.
Re-set with nutrient-dense food
Let’s talk Paleo. The Paleo diet is based on the idea that we should eat whole foods that would have been available to our ancestors before the advent of farming. It can help heal the intestinal wall and restore gut flora (good bacteria) because of its emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods, as well as the elimination of food triggers like processed foods and nightshades.
The Paleo diet is backed by contemporary physiology and modern research. Studies indicate this nutrient-dense diet offers TONS of benefits, from supporting healthy weight loss to reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Check out this blog to learn more about the Paleo diet.
Revisit the 67% you can control
So, by coupling the Paleo diet with exercise, meditation, sleep, stress management, and other attainable lifestyle changes, you can design a protocol that’s uniquely tailored to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Simple? Yes. Easy?….Not so much. This holistic, natural approach takes time (like all good things) and no small degree of commitment on your part.
What I’m describing is called an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Remember the complexity of the female immune system? Well, our bodies are so unique that there is no silver bullet or one-size-fits-all solution. We have to design our own.
I was able to free myself from the shackles of my disease by tailoring my own Autoimmune Protocol. AIP can be a lot to digest (pun intended) so you can read more here.
You’re Not Alone
Does all this sound overwhelming? It should. Autoimmune disease is no joke, and the fact that there are still so many unknowns breeds fears and anxieties for those who face these daunting health challenges.
Can you take on this journey alone, without a plan or the support of someone who’s helped herself and others thrive?
Absolutely. After all, that’s our “go-to” move as women, isn’t it? We suffer in silence, alone. Although there may not be specific reasons why women are more prone to autoimmune disease than men, there are proven steps you can take to reduce your risk or minimize your symptoms. You can:
- Attain your optimal weight
- Practice stacking healthy habits
- Maintain that healthier lifestyle
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol, especially those with family members suffering from autoimmune disease
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we’re all better together. So, why would you choose to navigate a silent epidemic that’s depleting your health alone?
Let’s talk
There’s never been a better time to heal yourself from the inside with the support of an experienced health coach who can help assess and tailor a simple-to-follow plan.
I’d love to chat and share more about how I can help you on your path to better health. Click here to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can work together.
To learn more about the services and programs I offer, simply click here.
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