Understanding Autoimmunity

Learn why autoimmunity is not the result of an overactive immune system.

What is autoimmunity? Autoimmunity refers to a group of diseases/disorders in which antibodies produced by the immune system inadvertently tag parts of the body for destruction by white blood cells. This has led to the very common misconception that autoimmunity means the immune system is over active. This article will delve into that myth.

Autoimmune disorders are a symptom of adrenal dysfunction, not immune system overreactivity. The adrenal glands produce steroids that modulate the immune response, and reduce inflammation in the body among other functions. This is evidenced in part by the fact is that things that suppress immune function make autoimmune disorders worse. Ever notice how stress makes autoimmune symptoms worse? So does caffeine, ephedrine, nicotine, and steroids. Stress, and stimulants weaken adrenal function by overworking them. Steroids atrophy the adrenal glands by substituting for them.

Also keep in mind how many diseases are caused by pathogens, including most cancers, colds, flu, etc. If the immune system were overactive, then how do people with autoimmune conditions get such pathogen triggered diseases when an overactive immune system should rapidly detect, and destroy the pathogens?

Steroids are often used with autoimmune conditions as they can reduce symptoms of autoimmunity, but do not cure autoimmune conditions. This is in part due to steroids being anti-inflammatory. Steroids also suppress immune function, reducing white blood cell activity. This reduces the destruction of antibody tagged cells by the white blood cells. Although, this also leaves a person open to many other illnesses, such as cancer, bacterial, viral, and other pathogens resulting from increased immune suppression. All this suppresses the symptoms of the autoimmune condition, but makes the underlying condition worse.

We see clear evidence of this when people who have been put on steroids for autoimmunity try to suddenly come off the steroids. The result is a severe rebound

reaction, with increased autoimmune symptoms. Why? Because steroids DO NOT cure autoimmune disorders. Instead, steroids atrophy the adrenal glands, which reduce output of the body's own anti-inflammatory and immune modulating steroids.

Even though the body produces its own steroids, the difference lies in the concentration. The body generates steroids in small amounts as needed. The long-term substitute of high dose, and stronger steroids, lead to a reduction of the production of steroids by the adrenal glands.

Specificity of antibodies is regulated by the corticosteroids produced by, and release by the adrenal glands. When steroids normally produced by the adrenal glands are substituted for, the adrenal glands start shutting down production of their own steroids, leading to a dependence on external sources of steroids. As a result, when steroid therapy is suddenly discontinued, there is a major deficiency of necessary steroids in the body. This leads to increased inflammatory responses, as well as increased levels of autoantibodies, aggravating the autoimmune condition.