Environmental Stress in Autoimmune Disease

Posted by Elaine Moore Jul 6, 2006

Most people with an autoimmune disorder know that stress is capable of triggering their disorder and worsening symptoms. Few people, however, realize that our immune systems must deal with several different types of stress on a daily basis. The psychological stress of dealing with a chronic illness, a less than desirable job, less than optimal wages, rude and unskilled drivers, and family members who may not understand how we're feeling are obvious stressors. Fortunately, though, the drivers who let us cut in traffic, the family members who make us smile, and a long weekend off work can ease psychological stress. Exercise classes, a long walk, yoga, meditation, support groups, caring friends, and prayer are other ways of abating the effects of psychological stress.

Physical stress is also a burden, one we can reduce by realizing we can no longer run marathons or carry in two heavy bags of groceries or expect to make the bodybuilding finals. Our immune system cells thank us when we reduce our heavy loads. Nevertheless, even when we successfully reduce psychological and physical stressors, our immune systems are left to deal with an onslaught of environmental stressors. Environmental stressors are often considered the most harmful stressors in autoimmune disease because they're frequently insidious. Environmental agents as innocent appearing as plastic containers, latex balloons, and wild flowers can, in some circumstances, become our worst enemies.

Environmental stressors include the various microorganisms, synthetic fabrics, plant proteins, industrial toxins, plasticizers, chemical additives, food preservatives, food colors, drugs, vaccines, artificial sweeteners, synthetic hormones like diethyl stilbesterol (DES), air pollutants, cleaning agents, deodorants, soaps, and toothpastes that we use on a daily basis. Of course we won't keep friends if we forego the latter three items, but how often do we stop to look at the ingredients in the products we're using. Before using soaps with added antibiotics or toothpastes with fluoride, consider how our immune systems react to these substances. Antibiotics confuse the immune system. Our bodies rely on our normal bacterial flora for countless processes including preventing the overgrowth of pathogens. When antibiotics are used indiscriminately the body's normal flora are thrown out of balance and the immune system must work harder to restore this balance. When immune system cells recognize fluoride molecules, which they quickly identify as poisons, they also speed up the immune response in an effort to protect us.

Molecules in plasticizers are similar to estrogens. Therefore, they're able to react with and disrupt our body's estrogen receptors. In the classic environmental book Our Stolen Future (Penguin, 1997) Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski and John Myers describe the role of estrogen and other endocrine disruptors such as dioxin, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers. Overwhelmed by these chemicals, our immune system cells become frenzied, unsure how to break down these estrogen-like compounds, which follow destructive metabolic paths. In a recent court verdict in Montana, vermiculite contaminated with asbestos was found to have triggered cancers and autoimmune disorders in numerous local residents. How many people who used roofing or gardening materials in other parts of the country realize this connection?

Prior to 1970, fish contaminated with PCBs in the Great Lakes Area caused a rash of autoimmune thyroid disease in local residents. Many of those affected developed thyroid disease years later but have never been told of the connection. Although the Great Lakes have been cleaned up, traces of PCBs are still seen in the offspring of people exposed to these toxins.

The indiscriminate use of multiple vaccines especially in children younger than 2 years who still have immature immune systems also confuses the immune system. Millions of dollars are paid to families each year as a result of adverse vaccine effects. Yet, each year new vaccines are developed and mandated for our children. Aspartame in artificial sweeteners, a chemical with known neurotoxicity that breaks down into formalin and methanol if stored at high temperatures, is linked to numerous autoimmune disorders and seizures. Yet, it's foisted on an unsuspecting public.

One consequence of this chemical onslaught is the increased prevalence of seasonal and food allergies. Another is the increased incidence of autoimmune disorders especially in children and young adults. For people with autoimmune disorders who have unexplained disease flares or who are unable to achieve remission, a closer look at their exposure to environmental toxins can offer some clues.