Autoimmune diseases: Vaccines and diet tips for women to combat lupus, arthritis

As monsoons intensify in the Indian subcontinent, medical experts warn that women are at a heightened risk of developing autoimmune diseases. The rise has been linked to increased humidity, moisture and a decrease in atmospheric pressure in the air that develops around this time of the year.

Shedding light on the various autoimmune diseases, Dr Pratima Thamke, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist working with Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai informs that, "Women are more likely to develop diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and thyroid disease during the monsoon season."

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Autoimmune diseases develop when one's body tissues are attacked by the immune system. Studies (mention which ones) show that this condition affects approximately 8 per cent of people worldwide, of which 78 per cent are women. But why specifically women, we ask?

In response, Dr Rajeev Gupta, director of internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi shares that, "Women experience significant hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. These changes, especially in oestrogen levels, influence the immune system and make women more susceptible to mistakenly attacking their healthy tissues (autoimmunity)."

With a focus on women's higher risk for autoimmune diseases, health experts provide insights into common conditions, their symptoms and how to address them.

Common autoimmune diseases that women are prone to:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Marked by persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the hands, wrists and knees, this condition is triggered by an immune system attack on the synovium, the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints, often influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes and fever. It also affects organs like the kidneys and heart. Causes include an attack on healthy tissues by the immune system, influenced by genetic predisposition, hormonal changes and environmental triggers like sunlight.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
This condition exhibits symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold and depression due to an underactive thyroid. When the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, it leads to hypothyroidism; exacerbating this disease.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Signs of this disease include numbness, weakness, balance issues and vision problems due to nerve damage. This is usually triggered when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers, possibly causes by genetic susceptibility and environmental factors like viral infections.

Psoriasis
A very common condition marked by red, scaly skin patches that can be itchy or painful, often on the elbows, knee and scalp. It is activated when Immune system dysfunction causes rapid skin cell production.

Graves' disease
Symptoms of this condition include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability and bulging eyes due to an overactive thyroid. What causes this is when the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones.

Sjogren's syndrome
Marked by dry eyes and mouth, joint pain and fatigue, often associated with other autoimmune diseases like RA. Under this condition, the immune system attacks glands that produce moisture.

Also read: Respiratory Infections, swine flu, dengue, malaria on the rise as monsoon begins

Vaccine to prevent autoimmune diseases

During the monsoon season, high humidity and stagnant water enhance the chances of acquiring infections. It's crucial to consider vaccinations that help prevent common monsoon-related illnesses. Here are some vaccines recommended by Dr Puneet Mashru, who works as a consultant-rheumatologist with Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital:

Influenza vaccine
The flu can be more severe for individuals with autoimmune diseases. Annual flu shots are recommended to protect against seasonal influenza.

Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumonia is a significant risk during the monsoon. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Hepatitis A and B vaccines:
Hepatitis A and B can be contracted through contaminated water or food, which is more common during the monsoon. Vaccination helps protect against these viral infections.

Typhoid vaccine:
Typhoid fever is a risk due to waterborne bacteria. Typhoid vaccines are recommended, especially in areas where typhoid is prevalent.

Cholera vaccine:
In areas prone to cholera outbreaks, this vaccine can help prevent infection caused by contaminated water.

Dietary tips to heal from autoimmune diseases

Foods to eat:

Herbs like garlic, ashwagandha, nettle, reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties
Other anti-inflammatory foods include leafy greens, colourful fruits, ginger, turmeric, nuts, chia seeds
Fruits and vegetables rich in essential vitamins and minerals
Whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre
Lean proteins: chicken, greek yoghurt, fish, legumes, beans, lentils

Additional Tips:
Stick to natural sugars found in fruits and avoid products with added sugars.
Your gut thrives on a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Complement your diet with protein and non-refined oils like those from nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil.
Foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and yoghurt (if dairy-tolerant) support gut health.
Eliminate foods that cause adverse reactions, such as gluten or dairy, based on lab tests if necessary.

Why do autoimmune diseases aggravate during monsoons?
Thamke informs that the increased humidity creates a conducive environment for the spread of bacteria, viruses and fungi, which are known to trigger autoimmune responses. Furthermore, for individuals with autoimmune diseases, getting infected with these microorganisms can lead to heightened immune activity and subsequent flare-ups.

The body's immune system, already prone to misidentifying and attacking its tissues, can become further dysregulated when dealing with external pathogens. This heightened state of immune activity can result in worsening symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriasis.

Additionally, the drop in atmospheric pressure during the monsoon season can influence the body's physiological processes. Lower pressure can lead to joint swelling and increased pain, which is particularly problematic for individuals with autoimmune conditions affecting the joints, like rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, during monsoons often there is lack of sunlight leading to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is potentially linked with various autoimmune diseases, she adds.

When someone with autoimmune disease experiences flare-ups they may spot symptoms like their joints becoming stiff and swollen, feeling unusually tired, low level of energy, skin rashes and redness, and digestive issues like diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.

To manage these symptoms, one should choose clothing fabrics that provide warmth to protect their joints from cold weather during the monsoon season. To effectively combat these symptoms it becomes essential to maintain hygiene, eat well-balanced foods with essential nutrients, and reduce stress. Do not neglect these symptoms and immediately consult the doctor for expert guidance and tailored treatment.

Treatments to tackle autoimmune diseases
Gupta shares that treatments for autoimmune diseases are multifaceted, aiming to manage symptoms, control the immune response and improve the quality of life for patients.

Commonly, medications form the backbone of treatment strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to slow the progression of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Biologic agents target specific components of the immune system and are particularly effective in cases where traditional medications fail. These drugs include tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors, which have revolutionised treatment outcomes for many autoimmune conditions.

In addition to pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies play a crucial role in managing autoimmune diseases. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Physical therapy is often recommended to maintain joint flexibility and strength, especially for conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In some cases, patients may benefit from alternative therapies like acupuncture and dietary supplements, although these should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.

Ensuring sufficient sunlight and vitamin D during monsoons
Thamke recommends spending more time outdoors, especially in the morning when the sun is not too harsh, which can ensure sufficient vitamin D. During monsoon, it becomes a rare sight to spot sunlight due to gloomy temperatures. You can increase your vitamin D intake by eating foods that are rich in vitamins for effective results. This includes vitamin-rich foods like mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, cheese and dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.