Reviewed by Julie Murphy, APRN, WHNP of Forum Health Tampa
At a Glance:
- What is the Standford Study on women and autoimmune disease?
- Hear from Julie Murphy, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Forum Health as she explains the findings of this study and what women can do in response.
- Practical health and lifestyle recommendations to lower the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or have a list of symptoms that your provider just can’t quite figure out the cause. You feel tired constantly, struggle with your weight, skin, hair and gut issues, or feel like you’re never quite at 100 percent.
If you’re a woman, maybe you’ve noticed that many other women in your life struggle with similar health issues. It’s no coincidence and these may all be signs of an autoimmune dysfunction or disease.
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system, which normally defends against infections and illnesses, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Instead of protecting your body, the immune system targets areas like joints, skin, thyroid, or other organs, causing inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.
It’s been known that autoimmune diseases are more common in women, affecting 80% of individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) or those with two X chromosome.
Some common autoimmune diseases in women include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Lupus: causing damage to organs, skin and joints
- Type 1 Diabetes: causing damage to the pancreas and affecting insulin production
- Thyroid Disease: affecting the thyroid, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to temperatures
- Psoriasis: a skin condition that causes red, scaly skin patches
However, new research from Stanford University is shedding light on why women are disproportionally affected by autoimmune disease, offering insights that could pave the way for earlier diagnosis and new treatments.
Watch the video to hear more from Julie:
The Stanford Study: Why Are Women More Prone to Autoimmune Diseases?
For years, researchers have known that women are at higher risk for autoimmune diseases, and it has often been suggested that hormonal differences between men and women are responsible, but new research is exploring a deeper genetic cause. The study from Stanford suggests that the presence of two X chromosomes in women, compared to an X and Y in men, could be a key factor.
A molecule called “Xist,” responsible for shutting down one of the two X chromosomes in women, may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Researchers experimented with male mice by modifying them with the Xist molecule and exposing them to a chemical irritant that mimicked lupus. The mice developed autoimmune responses, indicating that this X chromosome activity could be a piece of the puzzle.
However, it’s important to note that while this research is exciting, it DOES NOT mean women are destined to develop autoimmune diseases. Instead, it highlights the need to focus on prevention and proactive health management, especially for women at higher risk.
Preventing Autoimmune Disease: 5 Things Women Can Do to Minimize Your Risk
Functional medicine providers take a holistic approach to health, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness rather than merely treating symptoms. For women with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases, our Forum Health providers offer several strategies that could help prevent the onset of disease or manage it more effectively.
Working with your provider to get adequate care paired with making lifestyle modifications like these we’ve outlined, offers a holistic approach to keeping your immune system functioning as it should.
1. Nourishing the Gut Microbiome
There is a growing body of research linking gut health to autoimmune conditions. The gut microbiome, a complex system of bacteria and microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in immune function. Maintaining a healthy gut can help regulate the immune system and prevent it from turning against the body.
Our functional medicine providers often recommend patients to start with a gut detox program, like GDRx, paired with a dietary plan that emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, probiotics, and prebiotics to support gut health. Avoiding processed foods, sugars, and inflammatory ingredients is essential for reducing autoimmune risk.
2. Addressing Environmental Factors
Toxins, infections, and stressors from the environment can trigger autoimmune responses. Reducing exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals in cleaning products, pesticides in food, and pollutants in the air goes hand-in-hand with detoxifying your body naturally to help reduce the burden on the immune system.
Additionally, managing viral infections and bacterial imbalances in the body, often through testing and natural treatments, can play a role in preventing autoimmune flare-ups.
3. Modifying Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors like chronic stress, lack of sleep, and sedentary behavior can weaken the immune system over time, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. Prioritize stress reduction, regular physical activity, and getting enough restorative sleep.
Our providers can help create a personalized plan that integrates stress management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and breathwork into daily routines, along with recommending sleep hygiene practices and nutraceuticals to ensure adequate rest.
4. Supporting Hormonal Balance
While the new study sheds light on the role of the X chromosome in autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances can still exacerbate symptoms.
Your Forum Health provider is trained to look at hormone levels in a holistic way, supporting women with personalized protocols to balance hormones through natural methods like bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, herbal treatments, and nutritional guidance.
5. Leveraging Epigenetics
One of the key tenets of functional medicine is that while we may have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases, we can influence how our genes are expressed through lifestyle choices. Epigenetics—the study of how environmental factors can modify gene expression—plays a pivotal role in managing autoimmune disease risk.
By focusing on diet, reducing toxic exposures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, our functional medicine providers help you modify your epigenetics and reduce the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases, even if you are genetically predisposed.
Functional Medicine: A Personalized Approach to Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases are complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, at Forum Health, our functional medicine providers offer a personalized, integrative approach that addresses your unique needs. By focusing on prevention, root cause resolution, and holistic health, we work with you to take control of your health and minimize your risk of autoimmune diseases.
At Forum Health, our providers are experienced in supporting women through autoimmune challenges with personalized treatment plans that include nutritional guidance, detoxification, stress management, and gut health optimization. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach, we help women achieve long-lasting health and wellness.
If you’re concerned about autoimmune disease or want to take preventive steps, schedule a consultation with a Forum Health provider near you. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to support your immune system and overall health.
