The Role of Air Pollution in Autoimmune Disease

Did you know that autoimmune disease is on the rise? In fact, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, millions of Americans suffer from at least one autoimmune disease.

This number includes common conditions such as Celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lupus. These diseases occur when the body attacks itself, mistaking healthy cells for dangerous invaders.

While the exact cause of the autoimmune disease is still unknown, researchers have begun to suspect that environmental factors may play a role.

One potential culprit is air pollution. Air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. New research suggests that air pollution may also trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases.

What exactly is the cause of harmful air pollution? And how can it contribute to the development of autoimmune disease? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is a type of environmental pollution that refers to the presence of harmful airborne contaminants in the Earth’s atmosphere. These contaminants can take the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. They can be naturally occurring or man-made.

Common sources of air pollution include car exhaust, power plants, factories, and farming operations. Air pollution can also be generated by natural sources such as forest fires, volcanoes, and dust storms. Any time there is a release of harmful airborne contaminants into the air, there is the potential for air pollution.

What Are the Health Effects of Air Pollution?

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to a number of serious health problems. These can range in severity and can include:

In children, exposure to air pollution has been linked to poor lung development and an increased risk of respiratory infections. In pregnant women, it can lead to low birth weight and preterm birth.

How Does Air Pollution Contribute to Autoimmune Disease?

While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune disease.

One theory is that air pollution can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can then trigger the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells and tissues.

Another theory is that air pollution can cause changes in the microbiome, the collection of bacteria that lives in and on the human body. These changes can disrupt the delicate balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria, leading to inflammation and heightened immune response.

Finally, air pollution has also been linked to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for a healthy immune system. Deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune disease.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution?

There are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution:

Limit your time outdoors when air pollution levels are high: Check local air quality reports to find out when levels are expected to be high. If possible, stay indoors during these times.

Wear a mask: Wearing a mask can help to filter out some of the harmful particles in the air.

Avoid strenuous activity outdoors: When levels are high, avoid strenuous activity such as running or biking.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin mucus and make it easier to expel contaminants from the lungs.

If you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Taking steps to protect yourself can help to reduce your risk of developing autoimmune disease.

How Functional Medicine Can Reduce Your Autoimmune Disease Risk

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing autoimmune disease, functional medicine can help. Functional medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that looks at the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Functional medicine practitioners consider all factors that can contribute to disease, including lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures. They then work with their patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all of these factors.

By taking a holistic approach, functional medicine practitioners can help their patients to reduce their risk of developing autoimmune diseases. If you’re interested in learning more about how functional medicine can help you, make an appointment with a practitioner today.

At Internal Healing and Wellness, Dr. Khan and his Woodlands team has helped countless patients find relief from their autoimmune disease symptoms and improve their overall health. If you’re ready to take control of your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation.