021 - Pathogens, Infections, and Autoimmunity

Nearly every autoimmune disease has at least one pathogen or infection associated with it - Epstein-Barr Virus, Helicobacter pylori, Candida, SARS-CoV2, and many others are associated with autoimmunity. Does this mean that an infection "caused" your autoimmune disease or "contributed" to it?? MAYBE!In this episode I give an overview of pathogens, infections, and autoimmunity. Pathogens are well-known triggers of autoimmune disease, which makes sense because we KNOW that our immune system responds when it "catches" a flu, cold, or other illness, but our relationship with pathogens is complex and we have trillions of them at all times, so it's not as simple as something you "catch". What is important to understand is that it's not a SINGLE INFECTION, but rather the BURDEN OF INFECTIONS from childhood that is important, and even then - different pathogens do different things to different people based on their genetics and history. Sometimes pathogens will flare autoimmune onset or progression. Sometimes pathogens are actually protective against autoimmunity. IT'S. COMPLICATED. In this episode I review from the scientific literature the 10 Principles That Summarize The Relationship Between Infection and Autoimmunity, as well as discuss some of the very important concepts to understand when trying to manage your own personal autoimmune journey!