Can Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases? What Science Says

Autoimmune diseases are caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells, tissues, or organs as foreign bodies and then attacks them. The most common autoimmune conditions are psoriasis, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, to name but a few. While autoimmune diseases are mainly caused by genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, gender, hormonal dysregulation, and certain infections are also potential risk factors.
However, several studies have also established a link between stress and autoimmune conditions, which needs broader discussion.

Can Stress Cause Autoimmune Diseases?

“This is a question patients ask frequently in the clinic, and the honest answer is that stress doesn't directly cause autoimmune disease, but it can act as a significant trigger or aggravating factor. Chronic stress elevates cortisol and disrupts the delicate balance of the immune system, potentially unmasking a genetic predisposition that might otherwise have remained dormant,” shares Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director - Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

How Stress Impacts Inflammation Levels

When we are stressed, the brain activates the fight-or-flight response and releases hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This process occurs whenever the body perceives stress. Over time, the immune system becomes resistant, leading to inflammation.

Also Read: The Hidden Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases People Often Ignore

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, when we feel stressed, the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis is activated, prompting the release of cortisol.

• Cortisol reduces inflammation, but when you are under constant stress, the body becomes resistant to cortisol and ignores the anti-inflammatory signals.
• Since the regulatory mechanism is interrupted, leading to cytokine overproduction, the immune cells overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines that trigger systemic inflammation.

Can Chronic Stress Activate Autoimmune Responses?

Chronic stress disrupts immune regulation, which activates an autoimmune response in vulnerable people. The most common stress-induced autoimmune conditions are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. People who have an existing autoimmune condition are expected to experience flare-ups due to stress.

According to a study published in the journal 'Autoimmunity Reviews', around 80% of the autoimmune patients admit to experiencing uncommon episodes of emotional stress before getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

Another study published in 'JAMA Network' shows that people with stress-related disorders, such as chronic anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), are at 58% higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Also Read: Why Women Are More Likely to Develop Autoimmune Diseases, Study Shows

The Role of Mental Health in Autoimmune Disease Management

According to Dr Tayal, mental health plays a crucial role in the management of autoimmune diseases. As mentioned earlier, neuroinflammation caused by chronic stress can worsen immune dysfunction. Therefore, to manage flare-ups, it is important to have an integrated approach.
Similarly, people living with an autoimmune condition are prone to emotional toll. They are highly likely to experience burnout, brain fog, and unexplained grief due to autoimmune flares.

Stress Management Techniques for Autoimmune Patients

People who have an existing autoimmune condition or those at risk must make certain lifestyle adjustments to relieve stress and manage flare-ups. Here are some things that can show effective results:

• Do breathing exercises daily: One of the most effective stress-relieving techniques is practising breathwork. It reduces stress and lowers heart rate.
• Perform low-impact physical exercises: Being physically active is proven to lower stress levels. The best activities include walking, yoga, swimming, and playing sports.
• Practice meditation: Even 15 minutes of mindful meditation daily can drastically lower stress and inflammatory markers in autoimmune patients.
• Improve sleep hygiene: Restful, sound sleep is essential for regulating the immune system. Vulnerable people must take 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Final Word

Autoimmune diseases can affect quality of life. Stress is not good for anyone, particularly autoimmune patients. Chronic stress and anxiety can trigger flare-ups, which can hamper your daily life. If you have an autoimmune disease, speak to your doctor about stress-relieving techniques to manage the condition. Additionally, those who are genetically predisposed to autoimmune diseases must take necessary precautions to prevent the onset and live a healthy life.