A Perspective on Autoimmunity

Did you know that scientists coined autoimmunity in the 1950’s but discovered the phenomenon as early as 1938. Research shows a rise in antinuclear antibodies (a frequently screened antibody that helps define the presence of autoimmunity) from 11% to 16% from 1991 to 2012, respectively. (1) Newer research is now finding autoimmune disorders in one in ten people in the U.S today.

One might ask what changed?

In the 1930’s and 1940’s, a rise in the use of DDT was used. Later, it was found that the granddaughters of those in the top third of DDT exposure during pregnancy had 2.6 times the odds of developing unhealthy BMI, and twice as likely to start their periods before the age of 11. Those who were directly exposed had higher risk of breast cancer, infertility, and diabetes, among others. (2)

Could it be that we are living in the shadows of our lineages’ exposures?

In 1949, plastics made their way into kitchens and furniture and was extensively employed in the fashion industry, often in blends with other fibers like cotton and linen. (3)

With these man-made chemicals and exposures that are on a nano level, it is hypothesized that our body gets confused and begins to attack itself. This results to autoimmunity. It can lead to something as insidious as fatigue. It can disrupt hormones. It can even cause allergies! These nano-scale environmental toxins cause inflammation in our system, clogging our lymphatics, kidneys, and liver. Ultimately, this burdens our bodies.

Why do some people have autoimmunity and others don’t?

The same reason why some people are better runners while others are better swimmers. Some people just have the physical make-up of detoxifying more efficiently.

So where do we go from here?

Work on your detox pathways. Sweating, peeing, pooping (and menstruation for women) are the 4 best ways to release toxins from the body. The 3 out of 4 need to be moving on a regular basis, ideally daily. Otherwise the toxins accumulate inside of our bodies and wreak havoc. If you are not able to do these things then it is a sign that you might need a little bit of support.

1. Miller FW. The Increasing Prevalence of Autoimmunity and Autoimmune Diseases: An Urgent Call to Action for Improved Understanding, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Curr Opin Immunol. 2022: doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102266.

2. Eskenazi B., Chevrier J., Rosas LG. The Pine River Statement: Human Health Consequences of DDT Use. Environ Health Prospect. 2009; 117(9); 1359-1367. Doi: 10.1289/ehp.11748.

3. Hosler, D., Burkett, S. L. & Tarkanian, M. J. Prehistoric polymers: rubber processing in ancient Mesoamerica. Science 284, 1988-1991 (1999).