Making Autoimmune Disease Part of the Conversation During Men’s Health Month
With More Than 12 Million Men Affected in the US Alone, It’s Time to Spotlight What They Need to Know
Autoimmune disease (AD), a condition in which one’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells, is currently reported to affect 50 million Americans today. So why is autoimmune disease virtually absent from the discussion during Men’s Health Month?
Autoimmune disease is disproportionately prevalent among women — which account for more than 75 percent of diagnosed cases. As a result, this disease has largely been written off as a women’s health issue. The problem with using that metric to exclude men from the conversation is that with 50 million affected in the US alone, that leaves more than 12 million men (25 percent) affected by some form of autoimmune disease. That’s an extremely significant figure.
With more than 100 different types of autoimmune diseases, gender does not diminish the impact for those who suffer from them. In honor of Men’s Health Month, I would like to bring awareness to autoimmune disease in men by highlighting pertinent information about this complicated disorder.
Here are five important facts that can help men gain a better understanding of autoimmune disease and the impact an autoimmune disease can have on them:
1. There are a multitude of autoimmune diseases that men are just as likely, or even more likely, to develop, including:
· Ankylosing spondylitis
· Type 1 diabetes
· Wegener’s granulomatosis
· Psoriasis
2. Autoimmune diseases that affect blood vessels can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, with Type 1 diabetes, impotence or ED may occur as a result of nerve or vascular damage associated with the condition.
3. Regardless of gender, there are a few additional risk factors for developing an autoimmune disorder:
· Genetic predisposition — A family history of autoimmune diseases places you at higher risk, as with many other health concerns.
· Environmental factors — While there is nothing you can do about genetics, it’s important to understand that clean eating, good hygiene practice and the avoidance of chemicals and pollutants can help lower your risk.
· Age — Younger and middle-aged people are more at risk overall, with the exception of certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that present later in life.
· Ethnicity — African Americans, American Indians and Latinos are more likely than Caucasians to develop AD.
4. Autoimmune disease puts both men and women at a higher risk for other health concerns, including:
· Heart disease
· Cancer
· Depression
5. Having one autoimmune disease puts you at higher risk for developing additional autoimmune diseases. In fact, 25 percent of men and women who suffer with AD have multiple. Some autoimmune conditions commonly occur with others. For example, multiple sclerosis is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis. And Type 1 diabetes is associated with several autoimmune conditions. Dr. Matthew Freeby, an endocrinologist and director of the UCLA Gonda Diabetes Center states, “Hypothyroidism is the most common in Type 1 diabetes. We also see vitiligo and celiac disease.”
As a point of clarity, there is a difference between autoimmune disease and autoimmune sensitivity and reactivity. Millions of men and women suffer from autoimmune sensitivity and reactivity to certain foods, which can present the same symptoms and reactions as many autoimmune diseases. However, this does not indicate a disease where an attack on the body’s own healthy cells occurs. It simply means that the body is rejecting the particular foreign substance (food, chemical or environmental element) that is ingested. Distinguishing the exact cause for the symptoms is paramount to treatment and healing.
Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, offers advanced, innovative tests designed to detect food sensitivities and monitor autoimmune reactivities and their possible triggers in men and women. This type of testing could be a great catalyst for helping to pinpoint or even rule out causes of any symptoms you might be suffering from. For example, if you suffer from post-meal inflammation and bloating, the Array 10 — Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen would be a great option. If you believe you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), The Array 22 — Irritable Bowel/SIBO Screen might be recommended. For those who have already been diagnosed with AD, the Array 5 — Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen would be a good way to ensure that you don’t have any additional autoimmune diseases.
Men have been on the sidelines of the autoimmune disease conversation for too long. This Men’s Health Month, it’s time to recognize the very real challenges that millions of men are going through every day as they live with autoimmune disease. And, if you’re a man and think you may be suffering from autoimmune disease, it is always recommended that you start by seeking the medical advice of your trusted healthcare provider. Autoimmune reactivity screening is a great place to start and learn more about any potential conditions you may have. Awareness, prevention and good health practice is all up to you.
