Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Happen to Women & Solutions From a Renowned MD
Feb 3, 2025
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Explore the startling fact that 80% of autoimmune diseases affect women, with insights from a Harvard-trained MD. Discover the hidden links between trauma, genetics, and leaky gut syndrome. Learn practical strategies for healing, including the power of lifestyle medicine and deep breathing techniques. Unpack the impact of childhood experiences on long-term health and the importance of addressing root causes over mere symptom management. Empower yourself with knowledge to redefine wellness and overcome autoimmune challenges.
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women due to hormonal changes and societal stressors, highlighting a significant gender health disparity.
Understanding the root causes of autoimmune diseases, including genetics, leaky gut, and environmental triggers, is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Implementing lifestyle changes like a nutrient-dense diet and stress management techniques can greatly improve health and reduce reliance on medications.
Deep dives
The Impact of Autoimmune Diseases on Women
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, with studies indicating that 80% of those diagnosed are female. This alarming statistic can be attributed to various factors, including biological and environmental influences. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, significantly impact immune function. Additionally, the stressors unique to women's roles in society, including caregiving and emotional labor, further exacerbate their vulnerability to autoimmune conditions.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s normal tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage. This process is often a case of mistaken identity, where the immune system cannot differentiate between healthy cells and foreign invaders. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, each affecting different body systems and manifesting various symptoms. Identifying the type of autoimmune disease is crucial for effective treatment and management, making early diagnosis essential.
Root Causes of Autoimmune Conditions
Three primary root causes contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases: genetic predisposition, intestinal permeability (commonly known as leaky gut), and environmental triggers. Genetics play a role in determining susceptibility, while leaky gut allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, potentially provoking an immune response. Environmental factors, such as trauma and chronic stress, enhance the risk of developing these conditions, particularly in women. Addressing these root causes through lifestyle changes is vital in managing and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Lifestyle Medicine as a Healing Approach
Lifestyle medicine focuses on implementing everyday habits, like diet and stress management, to improve health and prevent disease progression. Switching to a nutrient-dense diet while eliminating processed foods, sugars, and alcohol can significantly impact overall well-being. Stress management techniques, including deep breathing and mindfulness, can help restore balance to the nervous system and aid in immune regulation. Lifestyle changes are instrumental in achieving long-term benefits, often reducing reliance on medications.
Empowerment through Knowledge and Action
Taking charge of health through knowledge and proactive measures can lead to significant improvements in managing autoimmune conditions. Individuals are encouraged to learn about their bodies, assess their health through various tests, and identify symptoms that could indicate underlying autoimmune issues. Empowerment also comes from addressing trauma and other emotional factors that can negatively affect health. By understanding the factors contributing to their conditions, individuals can take meaningful steps toward healing and improving their quality of life.
In this episode, you will learn why 80% of autoimmune diseases happen to women and the solutions to take back control of your health.
Today, Dr. Sara Szal, a Harvard- and MIT-trained MD with over 25 years of clinical experience will share what is happening in your body when struggling with an autoimmune disease.
These are the medical facts, signs, and causes you need to know from a renowned MD. This is science you’ve never heard and solutions you’ve never considered.
After today you will know:
What exactly is an autoimmune disease, and what causes it?
Why do women have more autoimmune issues than men?
What symptoms might you be experiencing right now that could signal an undiagnosed autoimmune disease?
What are the top 3 things you can do to heal yourself?
What role does trauma play in autoimmune disease?
If you already know you have an autoimmune disease—or you’ve been struggling with symptoms like persistent fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, unexplained weight gain, or swelling—this episode could be life-changing.
For more resources, click here for the podcast episode page.