Autoimmune disease can be due to genetics but also through environmental factors such as our diet and lifestyle. Western diets full of processed foods such as sugar, saturated fats, high intake of red and processed meats, fried foods, refined grains, and dietary proteins such as gluten, which challenges the immune system, play a role. Poor gut heath - dysbiosis or leaky gut, exposure to toxic chemicals, viral and bacterial infections, stress levels and smoking can also negatively impact immune system function and regulation (Floreani et al 2015, Statovci et al. 2017, Vojdani et al. 2014).

Each autoimmune disease expresses its own specific symptoms. In the initial stages of the autoimmunity, some people may not experience clearly defined symptoms, this is referred to as subclinical autoimmunity. Alternatively, some early signs and symptoms of autoimmune disease may be vague, transient and fluctuate over time or may require immediate treatment and medications as seen in Type 1 diabetes where insulin is required. Some of the early signs and symptoms may include:

·       Fatigue

·       Muscle aches

·       Mild fever

·       Swelling and redness

·       Lack of concentration 

·       Hair loss or thinning

·       Skin rashes

·       Numbness and tingling in peripheries such as hands & feet.

References:

Floreani, A. Leung, P.S.C Gershwin, M.E. (2015). Environmental Basis of Autoimmunity. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology. 50(3): 287-300. Doi: 10.1007/s12016-015-8493-8. https://sci-hub.tw/10.1007/s12016-015-8493-8

Statovci, D. Aguilera, M. MacSharry, J. Melgar, S. (2017). The Impact of Western Diet and Nutrient on the Microbiota and Immune Response at Mucosal Interfaces. Frontiers in Immunology, 8. Doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00839. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5532387/pdf/fimmu-08-00838.pdf

Vojdani, A. Pollard, K.M. Campbell, A.W. (2014). Environmental Triggers and Autoimmunity. Autoimmune Disease. 1-2. Doi: 10.1155/2014/798029.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290643/pdf/AD2014-798029.pdf