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Writer's pictureBrittany Hancock

Autoimmune disease and weight connection

Updated: Oct 18

Let's dive into the mysterious world of autoimmune diseases, where our immune system sometimes decides to pick a fight with our own body. It's like your immune system just got bored and thought, "Hey, let's attack some of our own organs for a change!" The result? Chronic inflammation, long-term health issues, and a perplexing connection with your weight. 🤷‍♀️


Well, the causes are as elusive, with genetics, environmental factors, stress, and dietary choices all playing a part. Studies have shown that specified stress, toxification, microbiota dysbiosis and under- or over-nutrition have been implicated in the progression of autoimmune troubles. Now, I know what you're thinking: "What does this have to do with my weight?" Well, sit tight, because we're about to unravel the connection between autoimmune diseases and those pesky weight fluctuations.


Thyroid Troubles

First on our list, we have Hypothyroidism, the sluggish sibling of the thyroid family. It's like your metabolism decided to take a vacation to the Bahamas and forgot to come back. And yes, autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can be the culprit. It's like a tiny war in your thyroid, where immune cells decide to mess things up, leading to weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and feelings of coldness. 😴


The typical treatment involves a prescription for thyroid hormones, but that doesn't always address the autoimmune component. It's like putting on a Band-Aid. We need to get to the root of the issue.


Now, on the flip side, we've got Hyperthyroidism. It's like your metabolism is on a caffeine rush 24/7. Graves' disease, another autoimmune condition, gives your thyroid a wild idea to produce more hormones, leading to hypermetabolism and weight loss. This causes symptoms such as protruding eyes and a rollercoaster of emotions. 😳


Inflammation: The Sneaky Culprit

Inflammation in acute phase is protect but in chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases, it overstays its welcome, wreaking havoc on your body.


This inflammation messes with your hunger signals, causing you to overeat and play a never-ending game of hide-and-seek with your weight. It's called "leptin resistance,".


But the fun doesn't stop there! Weight gain itself can induce inflammation. It's like a vicious cycle. Your fat cells become drama queens, releasing proinflammatory signals that attract immune cells, starting a full-blown inflammation.


An Anti-Inflammatory Diet to the Rescue!

Now that you know what you're up against, what's the game plan? An anti-inflammatory diet to the rescue! 🍏🥦🍇


Forget about those strict diets or extreme workouts; we're talking about embracing a nourishing anti-inflammatory diet. Think of it as a superhero cape for your body, fighting inflammation and promoting weight balance. This isn't just about shedding a few kilos; it's about feeling better and living healthier. Studies have also shown that there is potential benefits of vitamin D and melatonin in reducing inflammation in individuals with autoimmune disease.


By adopting the same principles that many autoimmune disease warriors use to alleviate their symptoms, you can apply these strategies to tackle your weight concerns too. And guess what? The side effects are all the health benefits that come with it! Numerous studies, both observational and controlled trials, have revealed that there are common nutrition deficiencies in individuals with autoimmune disorders including selenium, potassium, iodine, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and B - all of which are in an anti-inflammatory diet. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to protein intake, dietary fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids. Autoimmune patients may also need to consider reducing their lactose intake due to lactose intolerance and gluten intake because of potential interactions between gliadin and thyroid antigens.


Oh, and one last thing to remember: it's not just about what you eat. Your overall lifestyle and self-care are both necessary.


Identify three actions you can take right now to boost your well-being and make them a daily priority. Small changes can lead to massive improvements, and self-care is the name of the game. Comment below the three changes you are going to make today!


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