Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Happen to Women & Solutions From a Renowned MD
In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Dr. Sara Szal sheds light on the alarming rise of autoimmune diseases, particularly among women. Szal explains the nature of these conditions, where the body attacks its own tissues, and explores potential environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to their increased prevalence.
The discussion delves into specific autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and POTS, along with holistic approaches to address the root causes. Szal emphasizes the importance of healing the gut through an elimination diet and addressing past traumas to regulate the immune system. The conversation provides insights into managing these complex conditions beyond symptom treatment.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 3, 2025 episode of the The Mel Robbins Podcast
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1-Page Summary
The Nature and Causes of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, as Dr. Sara Szal explains. This confusion leads to autoantibodies targeting healthy cells. Autoimmune diseases can impact various parts of the body like joints, thyroid, or nerves, ranging from mild conditions to severe ones like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
The Rise of Autoimmune Diseases, Especially in Women
Autoimmune diseases are surging, with 30% of Americans having autoantibodies - nearly triple the rate from 25 years ago, according to Sara Szal. This rise is linked to environmental and lifestyle factors, not genetics. Notably, around 80% of cases occur in women, which Dr. Gabor Maté attributes to women's tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own, causing stress that weakens immunity.
Specific Autoimmune Conditions (E.G. Hashimoto's, Pots)
Szal highlights the increase in two autoimmune conditions: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing hypothyroidism and symptoms like fatigue and weight gain; and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), involving dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system that leads to dizziness when standing, potentially linked to infections like long COVID-19.
Lifestyle-Based Treatment Approaches (E.G. Diet, Addressing Trauma/Stress)
Szal and Mel Robbins emphasize addressing root causes like leaky gut and trauma, rather than just treating symptoms. Szal recommends an elimination diet removing gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol to heal the gut and reduce triggers. Additionally, resolving past traumas through breathwork and meditation can regulate the immune system by cultivating bodily safety and embodiment, as Szal details from her own experience.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Autoantibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues. This occurs due to a breakdown in the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self antigens. In autoimmune diseases, these autoantibodies can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction in various organs and systems. Understanding how autoantibodies work is crucial in diagnosing and managing autoimmune conditions.
- Environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the rise in autoimmune diseases include exposure to pollutants, such as chemicals and heavy metals, which can trigger immune responses. Additionally, factors like diet, stress, lack of physical activity, and disrupted sleep patterns can also play a role in the development of autoimmune conditions. Changes in modern lifestyles, including increased processed food consumption and decreased exposure to diverse microbial environments, may impact immune system regulation and contribute to the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, factors like chronic infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications can also influence immune function and contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders.
- Women's tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own can lead to chronic stress. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system over time, making individuals more susceptible to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases. This phenomenon is often linked to societal expectations and gender roles that place a higher emphasis on caregiving and nurturing behaviors in women. Balancing self-care with caregiving responsibilities is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to a standing position. It is a form of dysautonomia, where the autonomic nervous system malfunctions. POTS can be triggered by various factors, including infections like long COVID-19, which can disrupt the autonomic nervous system's regulation and exacerbate symptoms in affected individuals. The connection between POTS and infections like long COVID-19 underscores the complex interplay between immune responses and autonomic dysfunction in certain individuals.
- In autoimmune disease treatment, addressing root causes like leaky gut involves focusing on intestinal permeability issues that may contribute to immune system dysfunction. Trauma, such as emotional or physical stress, is considered a potential trigger for autoimmune conditions due to its impact on immune function and inflammation. Healing leaky gut through dietary changes and addressing trauma through therapies like breathwork and meditation are strategies aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting overall immune health. Resolving these underlying factors may help in managing autoimmune diseases by promoting a healthier immune response and reducing symptom severity.
- Breathwork and meditation are practices that can help regulate the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Stress reduction through these techniques may help balance immune responses and lower inflammation levels in the body. By calming the mind and body, breathwork and meditation can support overall well-being, potentially influencing immune function positively. These practices are often used as complementary approaches to traditional medical treatments for various health conditions.
Counterarguments
- The assertion that the rise in autoimmune diseases is due to environmental and lifestyle factors, not genetics, may be an oversimplification. Genetics can still play a significant role in the predisposition to autoimmune diseases, and it's likely that both genetics and environment interact in complex ways to influence disease development.
- While stress and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, the claim that women's tendency to prioritize others' needs is a significant cause of their higher incidence in women could be seen as an oversimplification and potentially gender stereotyping. Other biological factors, such as hormonal differences, may also play a critical role.
- The recommendation of an elimination diet to treat autoimmune diseases may not be universally effective or necessary for all patients. The relationship between diet and autoimmune diseases is complex and varies between individuals. Some patients may not benefit from such restrictive diets, and these diets could lead to nutritional deficiencies if not carefully managed.
- The emphasis on lifestyle-based treatment approaches, while potentially beneficial, should not overshadow the importance of conventional medical treatments such as medication, which can be critical for managing symptoms and preventing disease progression in many autoimmune conditions.
- The link between POTS and long COVID-19, while plausible, may require more research to establish a definitive causal relationship. It's important to consider that correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
- The suggestion that resolving past traumas through breathwork and meditation can regulate the immune system may not have a strong evidence base for all individuals. While these practices can be beneficial for stress reduction and mental health, their direct impact on autoimmune diseases may vary and should not replace medical treatments where these are indicated.
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The Nature and Causes of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases represent a significant area of concern in health, occurring when the immune system, which typically guards against foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
Autoimmune Diseases: Immune System Attacks Normal Tissues
Immune System Confusion Creates Autoantibodies Targeting Healthy Cells
Dr. Sara Szal explains that autoimmune diseases arise when an imbalanced immune system becomes confused, failing to distinguish between healthy body tissue and foreign pathogens. This confusion leads to the production of autoantibodies that target the body’s healthy cells. These autoantibodies can exist in the body for years without detection and are concrete evidence of the immune system’s erroneous attacks.
The presence of autoantibodies in the blood is an indicator of an attack on healthy cells and can span a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from mild to severe. Autoimmune diseases are thus characterized by central breakdown and confusion within the immune system, leading it to become an aggressor against the body it is designed to protect.
Autoimmune Diseases May Impact Joints, Thyroid, Nerves, Etc
Autoimmune Diseases Range From Mild To Severe Conditions Like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes
Beyond the confusion within the immune system, autoimmune diseases present a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the body is under siege. These ailments can manifest as fatigue, joint pain, or more localized afflictions like the inflammation of the thyroid gland in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or the characteristic patches of affected skin in psoriasis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a significant autoimmune disease where the immune system relentlessly attacks joint tissues ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Nature and Causes of Autoimmune Diseases
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Autoantibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the body's own cells and tissues. In autoimmune diseases, these autoantibodies contribute to the immune system's harmful response against healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Detecting autoantibodies in the blood is a key diagnostic marker for autoimmune conditions, indicating the immune system's attack on the body. Their presence signifies a breakdown in immune tolerance, where the immune system fails to recognize self from non-self, resulting in the body being targeted by its own defenses.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and affecting hormone production. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system targets and damages the [restricted term]-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of [restricted term] and problems with blood sugar regulation. Both conditions are examples of autoimmune diseases where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing specific health issues related to the targeted organs.
- In type 1 diabetes, ...
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The Rise of Autoimmune Diseases, Especially in Women
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, and an overwhelming majority of cases are found in women. Experts like Sara Szal and Dr. Gabor Maté point to environmental and lifestyle factors, and not genetics, as drivers of this increase. Especially notable is the stress associated with women's tendency to put others' needs before their own, which may weaken their immune systems.
Autoimmune Diseases Surge; Over 30% of Americans Have Autoantibodies
Sara Szal indicates that a staggering 30% of Americans have anti-nuclear antibodies, which are related to autoimmune diseases. The number of people with these autoantibodies has nearly tripled in the past 25 years. Experts suggest that this surge points to changes in the environment, including the food system, stress levels, trauma experienced, and lifestyle, rather than a change in genetics.
Autoimmune Disease Rise Linked To Environment and Lifestyle, Not Genetics
The rise in autoimmune symptoms and diseases tends to occur during perimenopause and menopause, typically between the ages of 40 to 55. This increase suggests that factors such as hormone changes, including those during pregnancy which require the immune system to adapt, can result in complications related to autoimmunity.
80% of Autoimmune Disease Cases Found In Women
Prioritizing Others' Needs Causes Women Stress, Weakening Immunity
Dr. Gabor Maté observes that around 80% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. This phenomena is discussed in a video clip posted online by Mel Robbins, which features trauma expert Dr. Gabor Mate elaborating on why this gender disparity exists. Maté attributes this to specific behavioral patterns common among women before they became unwell. These patterns include consistently putting other people’s emotional needs ahead of their own, identifying with duty and role over their own needs, repressing healthy anger (by being ...
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The Rise of Autoimmune Diseases, Especially in Women
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) are antibodies that mistakenly target the nucleus of cells. They are associated with autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Testing for ANAs is a common method to help diagnose autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of ANAs in the blood can indicate an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
- The specific behavioral patterns common among women that can contribute to autoimmune diseases include consistently prioritizing other people's emotional needs over their own, identifying with duty and role over their personal needs, repressing healthy anger by being overly nice, and feeling responsible for other people's feelings. These patterns may lead to chronic stress, which can weaken the immune system and potentially trigger autoimmune responses where the immune system attacks the body.
- Trauma can trigger autoimmune diseases by weakening the immune system. High levels of stress from trauma can disrupt the body's immune response, leading to inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Trauma-induced chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system, making the body more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. Addressing trauma and managing stress levels are crucial in preventing or managing autoimmune diseases.
- Hormone changes, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can impact the immune system, potentially leading to complications related to autoimmunity. Fluctuations in hormone levels can influence the immune response, affecting the body's ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells. This can contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases in women during these life stages. The interplay between hormones and the immune system is complex and can vary ...
Counterarguments
- The assertion that genetics do not play a significant role in autoimmune diseases could be challenged by pointing out that genetic predispositions are well-documented in many autoimmune conditions, and while environmental factors are important, they interact with an individual's genetic makeup.
- The claim that 30% of Americans have anti-nuclear antibodies might be questioned by asking for more context on the data, such as the source of the statistics, the population sampled, and the diagnostic criteria used, as prevalence can vary based on these factors.
- The idea that the rise in autoimmune diseases is solely due to environmental and lifestyle changes could be countered by suggesting that improved diagnostic techniques and increased awareness among healthcare providers may also contribute to the apparent increase in prevalence.
- The link between stress from prioritizing others' needs and weakened immunity in women could be nuanced by acknowledging that stress affects individuals differently and that not all women who prioritize others' needs will develop autoimmune diseases.
- The focus on women's experiences with stress and trauma might be expanded to consider that men also experience stress and trauma, which can manifest differently due to societal expectations and may also impact their health.
- The emphasis on hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause as a factor in autoimmune diseases could be bal ...
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Specific Autoimmune Conditions (E.G. Hashimoto's, Pots)
Sara Szal discusses the troubling rise in rates of autoimmune diseases over the past 20 years, particularly among women, drawing attention to two specific conditions: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Causes Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto's Leads to Fatigue, Weight Gain, Joint Pain, and Thyroid Dysfunction
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. Szal explains that in Hashimoto's, the body targets the enzymes in the thyroid, a gland in the neck. This condition is responsible for about 95% of hypothyroidism cases and can lead to significant symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and marked changes in energy levels.
Patients with Hashimoto's may experience a range of symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, constipation, changes in gut transit time, increased cholesterol levels, and joint aches. It's noted that a considerable 13% of relatively healthy individuals have positive antibodies against their thyroid, which may manifest as fatigue, joint aches, sudden weight gain, and a decreased ability to 'put your foot on the gas' as before. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is nine times more common in women than in men and is the leading cause of hypothyroidism.
Pots: An Autoimmune Condition Causing Dizziness and Fainting When Standing
Pots Linked To Autonomic Nervous System Issues After Trauma or Infections
POTS, which stands for Postural Orthostatic Tac ...
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Specific Autoimmune Conditions (E.G. Hashimoto's, Pots)
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Actionables
- You can track your health indicators by keeping a daily symptom diary to identify potential autoimmune disease patterns. Note down daily occurrences of fatigue, joint pain, or any unusual symptoms, and track their frequency and severity. This personal health log can be invaluable when discussing symptoms with healthcare providers, as it provides a detailed account of your experiences over time.
- Start a conversation with friends and family about the importance of recognizing autoimmune disease symptoms. Use your knowledge to inform them about common signs like unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, or joint pain, emphasizing the need for medical attention if they experience these symptoms. This can help increase awareness and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
- Advocate for increased autoimmune disease research by particip ...
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Lifestyle-Based Treatment Approaches (E.G. Diet, Addressing Trauma/Stress)
Sara Szal and Mel Robbins engage in a deep dive into treating autoimmune diseases through lifestyle medicine, specifically focusing on addressing root causes such as diet and trauma rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
Addressing Root Causes, Like Leaky Gut and Trauma, Is More Effective Than Symptom Treatment
Szal and Robbins emphasize that identifying an ailment as an autoimmune disease enables targeting of the root cause, which is often neglected in mainstream medicine. Szal discusses how root causes, like leaky gut and trauma, can result in the immune system mistakenly attacking the body. She contrasts lifestyle medicine with traditional pharmaceutical approaches that tend to block biochemical pathways without healing the underlying issue. Szal mentions that arriving at the root of issues and effecting physiological change can have lasting results and help reverse or prevent conditions.
Elimination Diet: Removing Gluten, Dairy, Sugar, and Alcohol Heals Gut and Reduces Autoimmune Triggers
Szal does not directly call it an "elimination diet," but she endorses a specific diet where you eliminate gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol for at least three weeks. She points out that these substances are problematic for those with leaky gut because they compromise the gut's tight junctions. Alcohol is notably harmful as it directly attacks these junctions. Stress also has a similar impact by releasing hormones that can damage the gut lining. Szal emphasizes the need to make small lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, to improve health markers such as brain fog and joint pain.
Resolving Past Traumas With Breathwork and Meditation Regulates Immune System
Cultivating Bodily Safety and Embodiment Is Key To Reversing Autoimmune Imbalances
While Szal does not explicitly use the term "cultivating bodily safety and embodiment," she discusses the profound impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and stress have on one's physiological state, suggesting that resolving these issues is pertinent to regulating the immune system. Traumas, particularly those occurring before age three, continue to affect one’s health ...
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Lifestyle-Based Treatment Approaches (E.G. Diet, Addressing Trauma/Stress)
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes more porous, allowing substances like toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This leakage triggers an immune response, as the immune system recognizes these foreign invaders and mounts an attack. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, and leaky gut is believed to play a role in triggering or exacerbating these conditions by promoting inflammation and immune system dysregulation. Addressing leaky gut through dietary changes and lifestyle interventions is thought to help reduce inflammation, support gut health, and potentially alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
- Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. Root causes of autoimmune diseases can include factors like genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, infections, and dysregulation of the immune system. Conditions like leaky gut, where the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, and unresolved trauma or chronic stress can also contribute to autoimmune responses. Identifying and addressing these underlying factors is crucial in managing autoimmune diseases effectively.
- Lifestyle medicine focuses on addressing root causes of health issues like diet and stress, aiming to promote overall well-being through lifestyle changes. Traditional pharmaceutical approaches often involve medications that target symptoms without necessarily addressing underlying causes. Lifestyle medicine emphasizes holistic approaches that can lead to long-term health improvements, while pharmaceutical treatments typically provide more immediate symptom relief. Lifestyle interventions like diet modifications and stress management techniques are central to lifestyle medicine, offering a proactive approach to health and wellness.
- Gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol can contribute to leaky gut by compromising the integrity of the gut lining. These substances can lead to increased permeability in the gut barrier, allowing harmful particles to pass through and trigger immune responses. Alcohol, in particular, can directly damage the tight junctions in the gut lining, exacerbating leaky gut. Stress can also impact gut health by releasing hormones that affect the gut lining, further contributing to leaky gut syndrome.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These experiences can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Research shows a strong correlation between ACEs and a higher risk of developing various health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, due to the impact of chronic stress on the body's immune and physiological systems. Addressing and resol ...
Counterarguments
- Lifestyle interventions may not be sufficient for all individuals with autoimmune diseases, and medication may still be necessary for managing symptoms and disease progression.
- The concept of leaky gut is still a topic of debate among medical professionals, and its role in autoimmune diseases is not fully understood or universally accepted.
- Elimination diets can be restrictive and difficult to adhere to, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies if not carefully managed.
- The evidence supporting the effectiveness of breathwork, meditation, and yoga in regulating the immune system is still emerging, and these practices may not work for everyone.
- The relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and autoimmune diseases is complex, and while stress management may be beneficial, it may not address all the underlying factors contributing to disease.
- The 5.5 breath and other specific techniques may not have a one-size-fits-all effect on the body's healing response, and individual experiences can vary.
- While addre ...
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