With public figures shedding light on the issue, various aspects of modern life can exacerbate problems

By Dina Gavarieva

Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain recently revealed she has been diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases after spending the best part of two years in and out of hospital.

Though the BBC star didn’t provide specific details, she joins a growing list of celebrities battling these complex conditions, including Lady Gaga, Venus Williams and Selma Blair.

And like many affected personalities, Hussain is using her social media channels to urge fans to listen to their bodies and advocate for a diagnosis if they suspect something is wrong.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system, which is designed to protect against harmful invaders, mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

This misguided response can lead to a wide range of symptoms – from chronic fatigue and joint pain to digestive disturbances and skin rashes – that vary widely among individuals.

While a family history of autoimmune conditions can increase one’s risk, emerging evidence suggests that environmental and lifestyle triggers play a crucial role in activating these underlying susceptibilities.

At the core of many autoimmune disorders lies a combination of genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes.

Although inheriting a tendency towards autoimmunity may set the stage for potential issues, it is often the external factors – the everyday stressors and environmental exposures – that push the body into an inflammatory state.

For example, chronic stress is a major trigger that many people might not even recognise. Stress can manifest in subtle ways, such as teeth clenching during sleep, frequent headaches, muscle tension and digestive upsets.

Over time, these physical signs of stress signal the body to remain in a heightened state of alert, which can eventually lead the immune system to overreact and target its own tissues.

Infections and microbial imbalances, especially those originating in the gut, further complicate the picture.

The gastrointestinal system is not only responsible for digestion but also serves as a critical component of the immune system.

When harmful bacteria, parasites, or yeast overgrow in the gut, the balance of good and bad microbes is disrupted.

This imbalance can compromise the integrity of the gut lining, sometimes leading to a condition popularly known as ‘leaky gut’ whereby undigested food particles and toxins escape into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that mistakenly attacks healthy tissues throughout the body.

Diet also plays a significant role in either exacerbating or alleviating autoimmune conditions.

Many individuals find that certain foods can trigger inflammation. Common culprits such as gluten, dairy, refined sugars and various processed carbohydrates may contribute to ongoing irritation and even damage the gut barrier.

By eliminating or reducing these foods, many patients report improvements in their symptoms, suggesting that dietary choices are a key factor in managing autoimmunity.

In this context, addressing nutritional deficiencies is also vital. When the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals – such as vitamin D, magnesium, or zinc – its ability to repair tissues and regulate immune responses becomes compromised, making it more susceptible to inflammatory triggers.

Sadly, modern life exposes us to environmental toxins that can further stress the immune system. Mould and other biotoxins, for instance, can be present in homes or workplaces and contribute to chronic inflammation.

High levels of heavy metals in the body are another critical factor. When heavy metal levels – such as mercury, lead or arsenic – become too elevated, the risk of developing autoimmune illnesses can skyrocket, as these toxins interfere with normal cellular function and trigger chronic inflammation.

Another modern challenge is the constant exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). With the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones, wifi routers, and cell towers, many people are subjected to EMF exposure on a daily basis.

Although research on EMFs and their direct impact on autoimmune diseases is still evolving, some experts believe that these fields may interfere with normal cellular processes and contribute to inflammation.

Reducing exposure – by keeping mobile devices away from the bedside or turning off wifi at night – might be a simple yet effective way to help the body maintain its natural balance.

Metabolic stresses, particularly those associated with diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, can also trigger autoimmune responses.

When these foods are consumed in excess, they may lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin.

This resistance forces cells into a survival mode, disrupting normal hormonal balances and potentially setting off a chain reaction of inflammatory responses.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular, balanced meals is a strategy that many experts advocate for reducing metabolic stress and, by extension, the risk of autoimmunity.

Emotional well-being is another critical aspect that cannot be ignored.

Many individuals with autoimmune diseases report that their symptoms worsened following significant emotional or physical trauma.

Prolonged periods of emotional stress can alter the body’s natural stress response mechanisms, leaving it less capable of managing inflammation.

Investing time in emotional health, whether through therapy, social support or simply engaging in activities that bring joy, can help the body manage stress more effectively and may reduce the likelihood of triggering autoimmune responses.

By managing stress, making mindful dietary choices, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and nurturing emotional well-being, individuals have the potential to significantly influence the course of these conditions.

Early intervention is key. Recognising the signs and understanding the various factors that contribute to autoimmune diseases can enable individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier life.

Whether it is through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or reducing exposure to modern environmental stressors like EMFs, the goal is to help the body achieve a state of balance.

The more we understand about the triggers of autoimmune diseases, the better equipped we are to address them.

The journeys of celebrities and everyday individuals alike serve as reminders that with the right approach, it is possible to regain control of one’s health and achieve a better quality of life.

Dina Gavarieva is a qualified naturopath practising at Neomed Institute and Medical Centre, Limassol