Womenâs Day 2025: Why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases â and what we can do about it (image credit: istock)
Autoimmune diseases occur when the bodyâs immune system accidentally attacks its own healthy tissues rather than harmful invaders. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, but women are more likely to develop them than men. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and Sojograin syndrome, female-to-men, show high as high as 9: 1 and 19: 1 respectively. But does it make women more weak? We have advisory-supernatural medicine at Marngo Asia Hospital, Gurugram. Dixit came in contact with Goyal, who explains the major causes behind this inequality.
X-chromosome connection
One of the main causes women are more prone to autoimmune diseases, which are inherent in their genetic makeup â in particular, X chromosomes. While men are inherited by one X and a Y chromosome, women have two x chromosomes. The X chromosome consists of several genes related to immune function, making womenâs immune system naturally more active.
Dr. Goyal explains, âWomen usually have a strong immune response than men, which helps them fight infections better. However, this increased activity can also increase its risk of autoimmune diseases. ,
There is a system called X-chromosome inactivity to prevent overproduction of protein from both X chromosomes in the body. However, this system is not always correct. Sometimes, immune-related genes avoid this process and become very active, causing excessive immune response. It can increase the possibility of developing conditions such as rheumatism, multiple sclerosis and scleroderma.
Hormones and autoimmune disease risk
Another major factor is hormone â especially estrogen. This hormone plays a role in regulating immune function, and high estrogen levels have been added to an increase in immune activity. Although it can be beneficial to fight infections, it can also make women susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Goyal explains, âHormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can affect autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus often deteriorates during pregnancy due to an increase in estrogen levels, while conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can improve during pregnancy but provokes after childbirth. ,
Effect of environment and lifestyle
Although genetics and hormones increase risk, environmental and lifestyle factors also play a major role in triggering autoimmune diseases. Stress, diet, physical activity, exposure to toxins, infections, and sleep patterns all contribute to deteriorating or managing these conditions.
Dr. According to Goyal, the normal lifestyle trigger is included:
Chronic stress: Long -term stress increases inflammation and weakens immune function, causing the body to become more weak.
Unhealthy diet: Eating too much processed food, sugar and unhealthy fat can disrupt immune balance.
Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity can contribute to inflammation and metabolic disorders, which spoil both autoimmune conditions.
Toxin exposure: Chemicals, pollutants and infections can act as environmental triggers.
Poor sleep habits: Sleep is essential for immune regulation, and inadequate sleep can cause autoimmune.
Management of autoimmune disease risk
While autoimmune diseases cannot be prevented always, creating a healthy lifestyle option can help manage their severity and progress.
1. Eat a balanced diet: Dr. Goyal recommends a nutrient -rich diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. âFoods like fish and nuts provide omega -3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support immune balance,â she advises.
2. Be active: Regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, or swimming helps to regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
3. Manage stress: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness can help control the level of stress, which can reduce the chances of immune overesting.
4. Get enough sleep: Dr. Goyal explains the importance of 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night to allow the immune system to be properly repaired and functioning.
5. Avoid harmful habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and weaken the immune system, so it is important to avoid these habits.
6. Regular health checkups: For people with family history of autoimmune diseases, regular medical checkups can help in early detection and preventive care.
The high risk of women is due to a combination of biological, hormonal and environmental factors. Although these risks cannot be completely eliminated, informed lifestyle options can help reduce their effects and improve overall welfare.
Dr. Goyal says, âBy maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, managing stress and keeping with regular medical examination, women can protect their immune health and lead a healthy life.â
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