Autoimmune diseases are caused by your body not recognizing your cells as ‘self’. It triggers an immune response that attacks your own cells.
Genetic susceptibility combines with environmental triggers in causing autoimmune diseases.
What are ‘environmental triggers’? They can be anything in your environment that tips your immune response into attacking your own cells.
Known triggers include:[ref]
- Viruses (Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus)
- Toxin exposure (smoking, air pollution, vinyl chloride)[ref][ref]
- Vaccines (Covid-19, Flu, HPV)[ref][ref]
- Sleep disorders[ref]
- Environmental conditions (cold, vibration)[ref]
- Certain medications
- Silicone breast implants[ref]
- Heavy metals and environmental contaminants (mercury, arsenic)[ref][ref]
Specific Autoimmune Diseases
Alopecia Areata ↗
Symptoms: Autoimmune hair loss – either patchy or diffuse.
Genes: CTLA4, PTPN22, HLA, IL17F, IL17RA, IL18, IL2, MIF, TNF
Raynaud’s Syndrome ↗
Symptoms: Blue or white-tipped fingers (painful) when exposed to cold
Genes: NOS1, IL1B, INFG, TNF, HTR1B
Rheumatoid Arthritis ↗
Main symptoms: Joint pain and inflammation
Genes: HLA, PTPN22, TRAF1, STAT4, CCR6, ANG2,
Celiac Disease ↗
Main symptoms: gastrointestinal issues, nutrient deficiency
Genes: HLA-DQ2.5, HLA-DQ8
Meniere’s Disease ↗
Main symptoms: Ringing in the ears and vertigo
Genes: NFKB1, KCNE1, KCNE3, HRH4, IL1A
Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease ↗
Main symptoms: fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain, hair loss
Genes: TSHR, TPO, DIO1, DIO2, PTPN22
Chronic Fatigue and Long Covid ↗
Main symptoms: Fatigue, pain, brain fog, reduction in life quality
Genes: NLRP3, CTLA4, TNF, IFNG, TRPM8, TRPM3, CFB, CFH
Genes that impact autoimmune disease risk
HLA-B27 ↗
Related autoimmune diseases: ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, IBD, psoriasis
TNF-alpha ↗
Related autoimmune diseases: RA, psoriasis, celiac, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s