Samantha Ruth Prabhu asks what is autoimmunity, we get an answer from experts

Since her myositis diagnosis, an autoimmune condition, Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been actively trying to engage and understand more about how the human body functions and ways to boost immunity. In keeping with the same, she recently asked Dr David Jockers, a natural medicine expert, about autoimmunity and its various facets. “When we think about an autoimmune condition, the body is attacking itself. All disease is actually an adaptive response. Eighty per cent of autoimmune conditions can be tackled by getting sleep right, nutrition right, good movement in, and reducing toxin exposure,” said Dr Jockers.

What is autoimmunity?

Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said autoimmunity is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells, tissues, and organs, leading to various chronic, often debilitating diseases. “This complex phenomenon impacts millions of people worldwide, making understanding its mechanisms and implications essential. Autoimmunity arises when the immune system cannot differentiate between self and non-self, resulting in an abnormal immune response that triggers inflammation, tissue damage, and potential organ dysfunction,” said Dr Singhla.

How does it manifest?

The development of autoimmunity involves several factors.

According to Dr Singhla, it can be influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental elements like infections or toxins, and hormonal imbalances. “Additionally, immune system dysregulation may lead to overactive or underactive immune responses. Molecular mimicry — where similarities between self and non-self molecules confuse the immune system — and cytokine imbalances between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines further contribute to the condition,” Dr Singhla explained.

Autoimmune diseases are diverse and affect various parts of the body.

Common types

Some common types include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. “Common symptoms across these conditions can include joint pain, swelling, fatigue, skin rashes, digestive issues, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairment. Diagnosing autoimmune diseases typically requires a combination of a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (such as blood tests and imaging), and disease-specific diagnostic criteria,” said Dr Singhla.

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Treatment

Treatment and management of autoimmune diseases focus on controlling symptoms, modulating the immune response, and addressing disease-specific factors. “This may involve medication, lifestyle changes, immunomodulators, biologics, and targeted therapies. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and stress management, play a crucial role in managing these diseases and improving patients’ quality of life,” said Dr Singhla.

Dr Vikas Jindal, Consultant, dept of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi shared the following:

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– Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits, and vegetables
– Exercise: Regular physical activity
– Limit antibiotic use: Use antibiotics only when necessary, as directed by a healthcare professional.
-Sleep – 8-9 hours daily at a fixed time

Can lifestyle changes help?

Agreeing with Dr Jockers, Dr Singhla noted that research indicates that approximately 80 per cent of autoimmune conditions can be effectively managed or improved by focusing on key lifestyle factors. “Prioritising quality sleep—aiming for 7-9 hours each night—supports optimal immune regulation. A diet rich in whole, anti-inflammatory foods, like the Mediterranean diet, can significantly reduce inflammation. Regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of movement daily, helps modulate the immune system while minimising exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals, further reduces inflammation and supports immune health,” said Dr Singhla.

Dr Singhla added that studies “back the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions” for various autoimmune conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis shows a 70-90 per cent improvement with lifestyle changes, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can see up to an 80 per cent reduction in symptoms with dietary adjustments, and multiple sclerosis symptoms may decrease by 50-70 per cent with comprehensive lifestyle modifications. “It is important to consider that each individual’s response to lifestyle interventions may vary based on disease severity and specific factors. These lifestyle approaches should complement, not replace, medical treatment, and consulting with healthcare professionals is advised before making significant lifestyle adjustments,” urged Dr Singhla.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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