Autoimmune Conditions & the Brain [ Part I ]

Or when the Immune System and Brain Have a Chat... And It’s Not Always "Friendly"

Good Morning Brain Warriors! 🧠

Welcome to this special edition of #CognitiveMastery!

To make your learning journey more engaging, I've split this topic into two parts. Ready to dive in and empower your brain health one step at a time? Let’s get started!

What is an Autoimmune Condition?

Autoimmune conditions are when your immune system, meant to protect you, turns into an overzealous guard mistaking parts of your body for treats / invaders. This results in widespread symptoms that can include brain-related issues.

Autoimmune conditions don’t develop overnight. While the immune system's role is crucial, genetics 🧬 and environmental factors ☢️ also play significant roles. Your DNA might predispose you to certain conditions, but external influences — like toxin exposure, chronic stress, and dietary choices — often trigger them into action. Understanding these components can help you make more informed lifestyle decisions and take proactive steps toward better health.

350 million people globally live with autoimmune conditions. But there is a twist: Experts believe that most sufferers are undiagnosed, potentially doubling or tripling that figure. We’re talking about up to a billion people potentially affected! 🤯

This happens because diagnosing autoimmune conditions isn’t typically on your average doctor’s checklist. This leaves many people battling unexplained gut symptoms, fatigue, brain fog, or joint pain without realising an autoimmune condition is the root cause of their health issues.

Starting to relate?

The Brain-Immune Connection

Your immune system and brain are connected by what you could think of as a hotline that gets a bit too active during autoimmune flare-ups. When the immune system stays on alert, it releases inflammatory signals that reach the brain. Some studies estimate that up to 70% of autoimmune sufferers experience neurological symptoms like cognitive difficulties or mood issues. These can range from mild brain fog and anxiety to more severe cognitive impacts.

The Impact on Mood and Mind

Brain fog, forgetfulness, anxiety, and mood swings are common companions for those with autoimmune conditions. Imagine trying to type an important email while your computer runs a never-ending update. Slow, frustrating, and prone to errors.

One of my clients once described their brain fog experience as, “Like my mind went on vacation and left me to answer emails without instructions.”

Initial Strategies for Brain Support

• Movement: Even light exercise has been shown to decrease inflammation and boost mental clarity. Global research shows regular physical activity can improve brain function in those with chronic inflammation by 15-25%. A client once started walking 10 minutes after each meal and reported, “It felt like someone finally hit the refresh button on my brain.”
• Sleep: Your brain does critical maintenance during sleep, clearing out toxins. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to higher inflammation markers. Think of it as decluttering your mental workspace so you can find that important report (or, you know, your car keys).
• Hydration: Given that water makes up about 70% of brain tissue, staying hydrated is essential for keeping your mind sharp. Hydration is bio-individual but aiming for at least 2 litres of clean water a day is a good start.

• Proper Testing Matters: Seek a Functional Practitioner If you’re suspecting an autoimmune issue, standard blood work done by your local GP may not cut it. Functional medicine practitioners (specialists who dive deep into comprehensive testing) would often use advanced assessments such as:

1. Comprehensive Autoimmune Panels to screen for antibodies that indicate autoimmune activity.
2. Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Tests to identify imbalances that could be triggering inflammation.
3. Nutrient Deficiency Panels to uncover if your body is missing key vitamins and minerals vital for immune regulation.

These tests can help pinpoint the root causes of autoimmune reactions, making way for personalised and effective management strategies.

The Role of Nutrition: Your Best Ally

While we’ll dig deeper into the nutritional aspects next week, it’s important to know that what you eat plays a critical role in managing autoimmune conditions. Nutrition isn’t just about fuelling your body, it’s about balancing it. Whole, unprocessed foods can help soothe inflammation and support the immune system. The right dietary changes can be the bridge between chronic discomfort and remission.

Next Steps

Stay Tuned for Part 2! This is just the start of your journey to understanding and managing autoimmune conditions. In Part 2, we’ll discuss the transformative power of nutrition and lifestyle shifts in creating an environment for healing. You simply can't heal in the same environment that made you sick.

Be sure to check your inbox next Wednesday, you won’t want to miss it!

Here’s to a path of empowerment, knowledge, and better health. 🌱

Until next time, keep those neurones firing!

Your brain & health coach,

Thierry