7 Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases You Shouldn’t Ignore
Do you struggle with an autoimmune disease that affects your health and daily life?
Autoimmune diseases are more common than you might think.
In fact, approximately 8% of people in the United States are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases1, affecting virtually any part of their body, from the joints and skin to the organs and nervous system.
78% of autoimmune disease sufferers are women, especially during their childbearing years.
While the precise reasons for this gender imbalance remain unclear, researchers suggest that sex hormones may influence the development and progression of these conditions.
What is evident is that the immune system is behaving abnormally, deviating from its usual function.
The Immune System
The immune system is a complex network of cells and chemicals2 that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Under normal circumstances, the immune system can distinguish between foreign substances and the body’s cells, launching an attack only when necessary to maintain health.
However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, this delicate balance is disrupted3.
The immune system mistakenly identifies your tissues and organs as foreign invaders and mounts an attack against them.
This misguided immune response leads to the production of autoantibodies, proteins that target and attack healthy cells, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and a range of symptoms.
Some autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes4, specifically target one organ, while others, like systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)5, can affect multiple systems throughout the body.
Despite ongoing research efforts, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unknown.
However, several factors are believed to contribute to their development, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity.
Antibodies vs Autoantibodies
Antibodies and autoantibodies are critical components of the immune system, but they have distinct roles and functions in the body’s defense against pathogens and its response to autoimmune diseases.
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins6, are proteins produced by specialized white blood cells called B cells. Their primary function is to recognize and neutralize foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances known as antigens.
When an antigen enters the body, it triggers B cells to multiply and differentiate into plasma cells. These plasma cells secrete large quantities of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream and other body fluids.
Antibodies specifically target antigens by binding to them, marking them for destruction by other immune cells, or rendering them harmless.
On the other hand, autoantibodies are antibodies that mistakenly target and attack the body’s tissues and cells7.
Unlike antibodies, which target foreign invaders, autoantibodies target normal proteins in the body’s cells, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and a range of symptoms.
The presence of autoantibodies in the blood is often used as a diagnostic marker for autoimmune diseases8, as it indicates an immune response against the body’s tissues.
Most individuals naturally have low levels of autoantibodies. However, elevated levels often suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease.
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease can be challenging.
According to Ana-Maria Orbai, M.D., M.H.S., a rheumatologist at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, diagnosing the condition requires a combination of symptoms, specific blood markers, and sometimes even a tissue biopsy.9
Speaking of symptoms, below are seven of the common symptoms people with autoimmune diseases experience.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom experienced by individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Unlike normal tiredness, fatigue associated with autoimmune diseases is not relieved by rest and can significantly affect daily life.
People with autoimmune diseases have an overactive immune system resulting in elevated levels of cytokines and increased inflammation,10 which can contribute to fatigue.
Cytokines are vital proteins that regulate the growth and function of immune system cells and blood cells11.
When these proteins are released, they act as signals that prompt the immune system to carry out its functions.
This includes the regulation of the growth of various blood cells and other cells involved in the body’s immune and inflammatory responses.
In a recent survey conducted by the Autoimmune Association, it showed the profound impact of fatigue on individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Over 1,000 respondents reported that fatigue negatively affects their quality of life12, family relationships, mental health, and ability to work and parent.
The constant immune activity in autoimmune diseases can be exhausting, making simple tasks challenging.
Additionally, fatigue can impair cognitive function, affecting concentration and memory.
The neuroendocrine system, which regulates energy metabolism and stress response, can also be disrupted in autoimmune diseases, contributing to fatigue.
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, are common in autoimmune diseases and can further exacerbate fatigue.
Malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies, which are prevalent in autoimmune diseases, can also contribute to the feeling of extreme tiredness.
Joint Pain and Stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of autoimmune diseases, stemming from the immune system’s misdirected attack on the body’s tissues.
In autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the immune system targets the synovium13, a thin membrane lining the joints, leading to inflammation and subsequent pain and stiffness.
As the autoimmune response persists, the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bone within the joint.
Cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones, can deteriorate, leading to friction between bones and further exacerbating pain and stiffness.
Additionally, chronic inflammation can promote the formation of osteophytes, or bone spurs14, which can impede joint movement and cause additional discomfort.
The nervous system also plays a role in the experience of joint pain and stiffness in autoimmune diseases.
The immune response can disrupt the normal function of nerves in the joints, resulting in heightened sensitivity to pain and altered pain perception.
That’s why you can experience severe pain if you have autoimmune joint conditions.
Skin Changes
Skin changes are a common manifestation of autoimmune diseases, reflecting the complex interplay between the immune system and skin cells.
Autoimmune skin conditions are characterized by an overactive immune response that targets the skin’s cells, resulting in inflammation and the formation of skin lesions.
These lesions can vary in appearance and severity, ranging from red, scaly patches in psoriasis to butterfly-shaped rashes across the cheeks and nose in lupus.
The mechanisms underlying skin changes in autoimmune diseases are multifactorial.
In psoriasis, for example, immune cells called T cells become overactive, leading to the rapid turnover of skin cells and thick, scaly plaques.15
In lupus, the immune system produces antibodies that target the skin, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Skin changes in autoimmune diseases can also be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
Certain genetic variations can predispose individuals to develop autoimmune skin conditions, while environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and stress can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues are a common concern for individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases, impacting the gastrointestinal tract and manifesting in a spectrum of symptoms.
These symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, along with fluctuations in weight.
A variety of autoimmune diseases can affect the digestive system, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis16, which cause inflammation along the digestive tract.
Celiac Disease, triggered by gluten ingestion, damages the small intestine17.
Autoimmune Hepatitis targets liver cells18, leading to inflammation and damage.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)19 are chronic autoimmune conditions affecting the bile ducts in the liver.
The immune system’s assault on the gastrointestinal tract underpins these digestive symptoms, resulting in inflammation, tissue harm, and functional impairment.
Several mechanisms contribute to these symptoms:
Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract can damage the intestinal lining, affecting nutrient and water absorption, and causing issues like diarrhea, malabsorption, and nutrient deficiencies.
Alterations in the gut microbiota, the community of bacteria in the gut, can also lead to inflammation and digestive symptoms.
Moreover, autoantibodies in some autoimmune diseases target proteins in the digestive tract, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. For instance, in celiac disease, autoantibodies attack the lining of the small intestine in response to gluten.
Disruption of the gut-brain axis, which regulates gut motility, sensation, and secretion, can also occur in autoimmune diseases, contributing to digestive symptoms.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is a common symptom in autoimmune diseases, arising from the immune system’s attack on healthy muscle tissue.
This immune response triggers inflammation, which can damage muscles and hinder their normal function.
This damage can culminate in muscle weakness and fatigue over time.
As a result, simple everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects can become unmanageable due to muscle weakness.
Additionally, tasks requiring precision become a challenge due to compromised fine motor skills.
Beyond physical limitations, muscle weakness can exact a psychological toll, leading to feelings of frustration, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life.
Chronic inflammation can also impede muscle function, fostering muscle weakness20. It can also inflict damage on muscle fibers, disrupting their usual structure and operation, leading to weakness and diminished strength.
Furthermore, autoimmune diseases can interfere with energy production in muscle cells, precipitating fatigue and weakness21, particularly during periods of physical exertion.
Fever and Inflammation
Fever, an elevation in body temperature often accompanied by sweating, chills, and fatigue is a common symptom in autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation, the body’s response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, is also prevalent in these conditions.
Both fever and inflammation arise from the immune system’s misguided attack on healthy tissues.
Generally, these symptoms result from immune system dysfunction, producing inflammatory proteins known as cytokines.
These cytokines can provoke inflammation throughout the body22, manifesting as fever, swelling, and pain.
Additionally, external factors such as infections can trigger fever and inflammation in autoimmune diseases by stimulating the immune system.
When the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s tissues as foreign and launches an immune response against them. This process entails the production of autoantibodies and the activation of immune cells like T cells and macrophages.
Immune cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)23.
In response to inflammation, the liver produces acute-phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen.
While these proteins help modulate the immune response and facilitate tissue repair, they can also contribute to fever and inflammation.
Brain Fog and Cognitive Issues
Brain fog and cognitive issues in autoimmune diseases are thought to stem from inflammation, immune system dysfunction, and neurotransmitter imbalances.
The immune system can erroneously attack healthy tissues, resulting in chronic inflammation.
This inflammation can compromise the blood-brain barrier24, a protective barrier that regulates the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the brain.
When the blood-brain barrier is compromised, immune cells and inflammatory molecules can enter the brain,25 triggering an inflammatory response that impairs cognitive function.
Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain—have been implicated in brain fog and cognitive issues.
Moreover, microglia, immune cells in the brain, play a crucial role in the brain’s immune response.
If you have autoimmune diseases, your microglia can become overactivated, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines26 and other molecules that damage neurons and disrupt normal brain function.
This neuroinflammation is believed to contribute to cognitive problems such as brain fog and memory loss.
NAD and Autoimmune Diseases
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells and is essential for various biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression.
Recent research has highlighted the potential connection between NAD levels and autoimmune diseases.
One emerging area of interest is the role of NAD in regulating immune responses.
NAD levels have been linked to the function of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages27, which play a crucial role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Studies suggest that NAD may influence immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production28, all of which are key factors in autoimmune responses.
Additionally, NAD is involved in regulating the activity of sirtuins29, a class of proteins that play a role in cellular stress responses, inflammation, and aging.
Sirtuins have been implicated in autoimmune diseases, and their activity may be influenced by NAD levels.
Some research suggests that boosting NAD levels or activating sirtuins could have therapeutic potential in treating autoimmune diseases by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation.
To help optimize your NAD levels to support a healthy immune system and minimize or avoid the symptoms associated with autoimmune disease, here are two things you can do:
1. Optimize your NAD Levels
First, you need to identify your NAD levels, whether they’re low, borderline, or high, so you can get actionable data to help you find an effective and affordable product and the correct dosage to optimize your NAD level.
The Intracellular NAD® Test is the first and only NAD test that can help you determine if you are deficient in NAD, if your NAD supplement is working, or if you are taking the optimal dosage for your supplement.
This test provides you with the information you need to optimize your NAD levels without the guessing game.
2. The Only NAD Supplement We Trust
Second, if there’s one supplement we trust to support healthy levels of NAD in your body, it’s none other than Vitality ↑® NAD+ Booster by Jinfiniti.
Vitality ↑® NAD+ Booster is a clinically validated formulation consisting of NAD precursor, Creatine monohydrate, D-Ribose, and Nicotinamide that work synergistically.
This supplement supports healthy NAD levels to revitalize your cells and body, just as it did for Mia, who began taking Vitality ↑® NAD+ Booster to address her autoimmune issues.
“I’ve struggled with autoimmune issues from a young age, trying numerous supplements that were both costly and ineffective. Despite various treatments, blood draws, and hospital visits, we couldn’t find a solution that worked for my body.
A few months ago, I started taking Boost and noticed an immediate increase in energy. My sleep improved, and I felt more energized during workouts and throughout the day. My lab results also saw a significant improvement, which hadn’t happened with any other treatment.”
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- Improve mental clarity and dementia symptoms
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Therefore, if you’re looking to support a healthy immune system to avoid the risk of autoimmune diseases or finally break free from the symptoms that are trapping you from living a normal life…
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- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/coeliac-disease-and-gluten-sensitivity ↩︎
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