Inflammation in Autoimmune Diseases

 When there is a problem to solve or fix, one of the first steps in the process is to identify the root cause. For autoimmune diseases, the root cause of the basic tissue pathology caused by the disease is usually the inflammatory process.

 The relationship between inflammation and autoimmune diseases (and so many other diseases) can make inflammation seem like the villain. However acute inflammation actually protects the body and helps it recover from bacterial and viral infections, as well as toxins and physical injury. Naturally occurring (innate) immune cells which are the body's first line of defense, rush to an area of injury or infection. During this distribution process, blood vessels dilate and leak, resulting in the redness, heat, swelling, and pain commonly associated with inflammation.

 This flow of events is activated by an interaction between the immune cells and the insulting agent. “In a flash” immune cells start producing inflammatory molecules that have a range of healing functions but can also cause so-called “sickness behavior” including: sadness, fatigue, reduced appetite, and other symptoms. The biochemistry of the inflammatory process is very complex and involves many different cell types and molecules.

 Research over recent decades has pointed to the immune system as playing a key role in the creation and progression of autoimmune diseases. Growing evidence shows immune cells are the force behind the damage to the body in autoimmune diseases. The body's own defense (immunity) mistakenly attacks various bodily organs and systems. The immune system misinterprets part of your own body as a foreign invader as if it were a virus or a bacterium. Almost 80% of autoimmune cases occur in women, so research is focused on the biological reasons for this. Genetics and epigenetics certainly play a role in who contracts an autoimmune disease. There are still many unanswered questions regarding inflammatory regulation (or “dysregulation”) in autoimmune diseases, and probably will be for years to come. 

An increasing rate of people in society are being diagnosed with autoimmune disorders each year. This may be due to new and improved methods and equipment related to laboratory medicine and radiology scanning procedures. The ability to detect pathology is thereby improved. Or it may be an actual increase in the frequency percentages of diagnosis. Either way, researchers are investigating the possibilities of various environmental conditions, lifestyle factors (such as diet, weight, stress), and other underlying illnesses as contributing factors.

To the extent that these environmental and/or lifestyle factors are addressed in coaching programs, then coaching for people with autoimmune diseases can be helpful. I have 2 autoimmune diseases (MS and Psoriasis) and am always exploring options that may help me. My program, Life Enhancement Coaching, includes a variety of different techniques, modalities, content areas, and education to help improve your Health and Wellness and to Reach the Goals you set for yourself.  

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Sources: 

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/autoimmune-disease-why-is-my-immune-system-attacking-itself

•  https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2019/7403796/

•  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-023-00720-1

•  https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/about-autoimmune/inflammation-a-driving-force-of-autoimmune-disease/

•  https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267091/full

•  https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7894310/anti-inflammatory-meal-plan-for-beginners/