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Autoimmune Disease and Allergies

Autoimmune disease and allergies are continuing to increase worldwide due to a variety of factors including genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as ‘improved’ hygiene, poor dietary habits, environmental toxins & chemicals, heavy metals & negative impacts on the gut microbiome.

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

illustration of immune system cell being blocked by man's hand

Autoimmune diseases are a broad range of related conditions that result in chronic inflammation and damage, due to the immune system (including B and/or T immune cells) becoming misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect.

Some common autoimmune diseases we see here at the clinic include:

  • Coeliac Disease
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Hashimotos Thyroiditis
  • Graves Disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Psoriasis

These conditions are driven by an overactive immune system that drives inflammatory symptoms in the body. Many people with systemic inflammatory conditions tend to experience multiple food allergies & intolerances, and typically struggle to identify and correct the foods that are exacerbating their symptoms

What is an allergy?

yougn boy with autoimmune diseases and allergies blowing nose

An allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to a harmless substance (also known as an allergen) that does not bother most people. Allergens can be found in a variety of food and environmental sources such as house dust mite excretions, pets, pollen, moulds and various food and food components.

The link between autoimmune disease and allergies

illustration of t-cell responsible for autoimmune diseases and allergies

Autoimmune disease is caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues due to a different type of T-cell involved than in allergies, which occur when the body flags harmless substances such as environmental allergies (e.g. dust, mould, pollens) or common foods as dangerous. This generates a hyper-reactive immune response and the flood of symptoms typically experienced by allergy sufferers – sneezing, itchy eyes & nose, coughing, hayfever, gut issues, eczema & dermatitis.

As both responses are generated by the immune system, this is where their similarities begin. They are connected in the sense that they are both a mistake of your body’s immune system, whether it’s an allergy or an autoimmune disease. Researchers have observed a number of genetic variants associated with allergies & autoimmune diseases. These genetic variants are shown to have shared immune pathways within the immune cells

Recent research has observed some fascinating and previously unknown links between autoimmune diseases and allergies. They both exhibit immune responses involving T cells – allergies are dominated by activation of Th2 cells, which drive an immediate type of allergic inflammation. Autoimmune diseases are dominated by activation of Th1 cells, a more delayed-type of hypersensitivity reaction.

It’s now being proposed that chronic exposure to allergens – food-based or environmental – will initially lead to the classic immediate type of allergic inflammation (Th2), and after prolonged allergic inflammation can lead to tissue damage seen as a result of the delayed hypersensitivity reactions observed in autoimmune diseases (Th1).

This may be the reason why people eventually experience persistent chronic allergy symptoms even in the absence of triggers, and may also explain why those with autoimmune can develop many allergies along their health journey.

Factors that can trigger autoimmune disease and allergies

medications on table that can trigger autoimmune disease and allergies
  • Infections 
  • Leaky gut
  • Allergies
  • Intolerances
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Chronic infections
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Heavy metal toxicity
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Stress (due to ongoing elevated cortisol levels)
  • Some medications (NSAI and Antibiotic use are known to cause leaky gut)
  • Gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in your digestive tract)
  • Lectin reactions
  • Nutrient deficiency
  • Diet (gluten, quinoa, sugar, dairy products, nightshades and some grains can damage the gut lining or spark inflammation)

Managing Autoimmune Disease and Allergies

At Health & Wellness Australia & New Zealand (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to see which food and environmental substances you may be reacting to. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address these sensitivities using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

  • draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
  • aims to re-train your body
  • aims to reduce your body’s reactions to food and environmental allergy triggers

In natural medicine, we also believe the key to treating autoimmune, and inflammation is to address the underlying driver/s such as:

  • Hidden allergies and intolerances (with PAT)
  • Infections, fungus or viruses
  • Leaky Gut
  • Environmental toxins and heavy metal
  • Nutritional deficiencies

Get in touch

  • Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
  • Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
  • Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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