Why You Must Watch What You’re Eating - Understanding Autoimmunity From Class 12 Biology

Food – is crucial for our sustenance. Our survival is dependent on the food we consume. It helps in growth and development and improves the working of the immune system. We all know that the immune system is the defence system of our body. It protects the body against infections, diseases and other illnesses that attack the body. The immune system is a network formed of cells, tissues, and organs. It works very smartly in identifying foreign objects that enter the body. However, sometimes, the food we consume fools our immune system and triggers them into reacting. This results in development of autoimmunity in the body. Before learning about autoimmunity, it is necessary to understand the workings of the immune system.

This Story also Contains

1. Immune System - Our Body’s Natural Defence Mechanism
2. What Is Autoimmunity?
3. Autoimmunity Caused By Food
4. Harmful Effects Of Autoimmunity

Immune System - Our Body’s Natural Defence Mechanism

Our immune system consists of two main elements that are the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is present in our body by birth. It is considered the first line of defence against pathogens. This part of our immune system includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes. It also includes specialised cells called natural killers and phagocytes. They identify and kill pathogens.

On the other hand, the adaptive immune system develops over the period in the body. It occurs gradually and acts on specific types of pathogens. The adaptive immune system is achieved through specialised cells called lymphocytes. These cells recognise the specific pathogen present in our body and target to neutralise them. When lymphocytes recognise the pathogen, it produces antibodies which are recognised by cells designed to kill the pathogens. This immune system also has memory cells which immediately recognise these specific pathogens when they attack the body a second time. So now you understand why a good immune system is necessary for good health. However, malfunction of the immune system results in autoimmune diseases.

What Is Autoimmunity?

Autoimmunity is the condition that occurs when the immune system attacks its own body tissues. It interprets them for foreign objects. Autoimmunity results in attacking healthy tissues which eventually lead to inflammation and tissue damage. The symptoms shown by the body due to autoimmunity vary depending upon the organ which is affected.

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Autoimmunity Caused By Food

The exact cause of autoimmunity is not understood completely. However, there are certain factors which contributed to this situation. Some of the factors for this autoimmunity are genetics, environment, and food.

Food has been a major contributor to autoimmunity. Food is the only way through which we willingly allow outside material to enter our bodies. The food we consume is often contaminated with additives, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and sometimes industrial pesticides. Generally, our immune system recognises the specific proteins in our body which help in differentiating whether the food is safe or it should be destroyed. The proteins in our food do not trigger the immune system. However, when food is contaminated, the immune system recognises the proteins of the pathogens such as viruses and bacteria and attacks them specifically.

However, in the case of autoimmunity, our immune system fails to differentiate between the proteins of pathogens and food proteins. They consider both to be the same and start attacking healthy tissues where these food proteins are present or utilised. This is due to the reason that certain foods may trigger or worsen the autoimmune symptoms as they can cause inflammation in the body. For example, foods which are rich in sugar or are processed and contain refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation in different body parts. They can also cause a leaky gut. This leakage may trigger an autoimmune response. In addition, some people who suffer from autoimmune diseases have shown sensitivity towards gluten. Gluten is a protein found in food such as wheat, barley, and rye. It can also contribute to inflammation and intestinal permeability.

On the other hand, certain food items are rich in anti-inflammation, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods may help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Some people with autoimmune diseases also find that avoiding foods, such as nightshades, and dairy products, can help reduce their symptoms. It is important to note that the relationship between food and autoimmunity is complex and varies from person to person.

Harmful Effects Of Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity is responsible for causing autoimmune diseases in our bodies. These autoimmune diseases can affect virtually any part of the body, including joints, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Some of the common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Type 1 diabetes. Autoimmunity can be harmful to the body in several ways. Some of them include the following:

• Tissue damage: Autoimmune reactions can lead to inflammation of the tissue. It can also lead to scarring and permanent tissue damage. Over time, tissue damage can cause organ dysfunction and eventual failure.
• Chronic inflammation: Autoimmune reactions can cause chronic inflammation, which can contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
• Compromised immune function: Autoimmune diseases can also compromise the immune system. Thus, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This eventually increases other health threats.
• Increased risk of other autoimmune diseases: People with autoimmune diseases are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to a cycle of chronic illness.
• Apart from the above all, there is one autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s disease which has significant damage to the body. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. It occurs when the immune system attacks healthy thyroid cells, leading to a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of a hormone called thyroxine, a decline of which is dangerous for the body. Some common symptoms of the disease may include fatigue, muscle weakness and aches, joint pain, menstrual irregularities, and depression.

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