Auto Immune Issues and the Athlete:

Auto Immune Issues and the Athlete:

By: Cynthia Monteleone

In pursuit of athletic goals, whether casual or at the elite level, sometimes clients come to me because they are sidelined unexpectedly by Auto Immune disorders. Why does this seem to happen "all of a sudden"?

Here is an explanation of how this pathway occurs, how it can be prevented and what to do about it. Autoimmune disorders happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. There are 3 top major contributors:

  1. Genetic predisposition

    • Certain genes (like those related to HLA markers) can make someone more susceptible. Autoimmune diseases often run in families.

  2. Environmental triggers

    • Things like viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus), toxins, mold, Birth Control, antibiotics, too much blue light in the evening, pollution, gut microbiome imbalances, smoking, and even diet can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions.

  3. Hormonal factors

    • Autoimmune diseases are way more common in women than men, suggesting hormones like estrogen may influence immune function. Life stages like pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause often trigger autoimmune flares.

1. Stress and Autoimmunity

  • Chronic stress changes how the immune system works. It pushes the body into an inflammatory state and dysregulates cortisol, which normally helps balance immune responses.

  • Stress can trigger flares or even the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s.

Example:
People under intense, long-term stress are way more likely to develop autoimmune symptoms.

 

2. Gut Health ("Leaky Gut")

  • Around 70–80% of your immune system lives in your gut. If the gut lining gets damaged (leaky gut syndrome), toxins, bacteria, and undigested food leak into the bloodstream.

  • This "confuses" the immune system into attacking both invaders and the body's own tissues — leading to autoimmune conditions.

Key culprits that damage gut lining:

  • Gluten (in sensitive individuals)

  • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)

  • Alcohol

  • Gut infections (like Candida overgrowth or parasites)

  • Prevotella over abundance (too much fiber/plants)

  • Poor diet (processed foods, too much sugary foods)

 

3. Molecular Mimicry

  • Some viruses, bacteria, or even foods have proteins that look similar to human proteins.

  • When the immune system attacks the invader, it accidentally cross-reacts with your own body.

Example:

  • After a Strep infection, some people develop rheumatic fever (an autoimmune attack on the heart).

  • Gluten sensitivity can sometimes mimic and trigger autoimmune attacks on thyroid tissue (as in Hashimoto’s).

 

Bonus — Other Factors:

  • Vitamin D deficiency — super common, especially in colder climates, and crucial for immune regulation.

  • Toxin exposure — heavy metals like mercury, pesticides, or mold toxins can provoke immune dysfunction.

  • Poor sleep — damages immune balance and worsens inflammation.

  • ROS (oxidative stress) from too much exercise activity without enough rest

 

In short:
Genetics loads the gun, but environment (infections, toxins, diet, stress) pulls the trigger, and the gut is often the battlefield where everything begins.

Genes + Environment + Gut Dysfunction → Immune Mistake → Chronic Autoimmunity

What to do:

Identify Genetic Risk]
--> Knowing your family history or even doing genetic testing can help you anticipate risks.

↓

[Reduce Environmental Triggers]

  • Heal infections (EBV, Lyme, gut parasites)

  • Minimize toxin exposure (clean water, air, organic food when possible)

  • Manage stress (meditation, therapy, breath-work)

  • Choose intense bursts of high quality exercise over long bouts of exercise that are hard on the body

↓

[Heal and Seal the Gut]

↓

[Modulate Immune Response]

↓

[Correct Molecular Mimicry]

  • Treat lingering infections and food sensitivities

  • Teach the immune system to "stand down" (gradual calming strategies)

↓

[Promote Deep Recovery]

  • Prioritize real rest and circadian rhythms

  • Gentle movement (like yoga, walking) combined with short intense work (resistance training, sprinting) instead of long endurance workouts

  • Emotional healing (because trapped trauma fuels chronic disease)

↓

[Autoimmune Symptoms Improve or Go Into Remission]
(not always a full "cure" — but often dramatically better health and stability)

 

If you imagine it visually, it’s like you’re pulling the bricks out of the domino line one by one, so the chain reaction never completes.

For individualized protocols, please book an Book Appointment here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The content contained in this article is for information purposes only, and is not meant to be a substitute or replacement for professional advice and medical consultation. It is just shared as information only, and with the understanding that Directional Force, LLC, (Directional Force) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services whatsoever. You unilaterally understand and agree that Directional Force shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in this article or any article provided by Directional Force. Please seek professional medical advice prior to engaging in, or undertaking any of the content, exercises, advice, and workouts provided by Directional Force.