Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders that occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissues.

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and they can affect different parts of the body, including the joints, skin, muscles, and organs.

While autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, some groups of people are more vulnerable than others. Here are some of the factors that can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Certain genes can increase the susceptibility to these diseases, although they do not solely determine the disease’s onset.

Researchers have identified several genes that increase the risk of developing particular autoimmune diseases, such as the HLA-DQ and HLA-DR genes that are associated with celiac disease and multiple sclerosis, respectively.

However, having the genes associated with autoimmune diseases does not mean that you will develop the disease. Other factors such as environmental triggers or infections can activate these genes and increase the risk of developing the disease.

Gender

Autoimmune diseases affect women disproportionately more than men. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), about 75% of people living with autoimmune diseases are women.

The reason for this gender disparity is still not fully understood, but hormonal differences between men and women could play a role. Some autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, tend to be more severe in women than in men.

Age

Autoimmune diseases can occur at any age, but some types of autoimmune diseases tend to be more common at certain ages.

For example, type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that damages the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells, usually starts in childhood or adolescence. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease, commonly begins in middle age.

Environmental factors

Some environmental factors can trigger the development of autoimmune diseases in people with a genetic susceptibility to them. These triggers can include viral or bacterial infections, exposure to toxins or chemicals, and changes in gut health.

For example, a viral infection such as Epstein-Barr virus is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Occupation

Some professions have a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases.

Healthcare workers, for example, are at a higher risk of developing lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis due to the constant exposure to infectious agents, chemicals, and radiation.

Geography

The incidence of autoimmune diseases varies across the world, suggesting that environmental factors such as diet, climate, and infections could play a role.

For example, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes are more prevalent at higher latitudes, while lupus is more common in African-American women.

Smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

In addition, smoking can worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and interfere with the effectiveness of treatments.

Stress

Stress can have both a direct and indirect impact on the immune system and affect autoimmune diseases’ development and progression.

Stress can trigger the release of stress hormones that can impair the immune system’s ability to function correctly. On the other hand, stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as poor sleep and diet, making people more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.

Diet

Although there is no specific diet that can cure autoimmune diseases, some dietary changes can help reduce inflammation and symptoms.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help strengthen the immune system and promote gut health. On the other hand, diets high in processed and fried foods, sugar, and saturated fats can increase inflammation and worsen autoimmune diseases’ symptoms.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions that can affect anyone. However, some factors such as genetics, gender, age, environment, occupation, geography, smoking, stress, and diet can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Identifying these risk factors can help people take steps to reduce their chances of developing autoimmune diseases and manage their symptoms if they already have the condition.