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February 3, 2025 • 1hr 24min
Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Happen to Women & Solutions From a Renowned MD
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Dr. Sarah Szal, Harvard and MIT-trained physician with over 25 years of clinical experience, discusses why 80% of autoimmune diseases happen to women and provides solutions for taking back control of health. The episode explores what autoimmune diseases are, their causes, symptoms, and evidence-based approaches for healing.
Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Happen to Women & Solutions From a Renowned MD
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Key Takeaways
- Autoimmune diseases affect women 4x more than men due to both biological s*x differences and socially constructed gender differences
- Three root causes of autoimmune disease:
- Genetic predisposition
- Leaky gut (loss of boundary in digestive system)
- Triggers (trauma, stress, hormonal changes)
- Key lifestyle changes that can help:
- Elimination diet (remove gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol)
- Address stored trauma and stress
- Deep breathing exercises
- Get proper testing to identify issues
- The body is designed to heal itself if given the right conditions and support
Introduction
Dr. Sarah Szal, Harvard and MIT-trained physician with over 25 years of clinical experience, discusses why 80% of autoimmune diseases happen to women and provides solutions for taking back control of health. The episode explores what autoimmune diseases are, their causes, symptoms, and evidence-based approaches for healing.
Topics Discussed
Understanding Autoimmune Disease (8:46)
Dr. Szal explains that autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system becomes confused and attacks normal tissue in the body, creating a "civil war" internally. Key points include:
- Autoantibodies are created when the immune system attacks normal tissue
- There are over 100 different types of autoimmune diseases
- Common examples include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease (16:50)
Dr. Szal outlines three fundamental requirements for autoimmune disease to develop:
- Genetic predisposition - Can be identified through genetic testing
- Leaky gut - Loss of boundary in digestive tract allowing foreign particles to trigger immune response
- Triggers including:
- Trauma and toxic stress
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
- Environmental factors
The Impact on Women (33:50)
Dr. Szal discusses why women are disproportionately affected:
- Biological factors:
- X chromosome differences
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Social/environmental factors:
- Higher rates of stress and trauma
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Gender bias in medical treatment
Signs and Symptoms (54:32)
Common symptoms that may indicate autoimmune disease:
- Physical symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Unexplained weight changes
- Digestive issues
- Skin problems
- Cognitive/emotional symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood changes
Testing and Diagnosis (1:01:27)
Dr. Szal recommends comprehensive testing including:
- Immune system markers:
- Complete blood count with differential
- High sensitivity C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Metabolic markers:
- Glucose levels
- Insulin levels
- Hormone levels:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Vitamin D
Healing Approaches (1:03:17)
Key strategies for addressing autoimmune conditions:
- Dietary changes:
- Eliminate gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol for 3 weeks minimum
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods
- Stay hydrated
- Stress management:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Trauma resolution:
- Create safety in the body
- Address stored trauma
- Work with qualified practitioners
The Role of Trauma (1:21:12)
Dr. Szal emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):
- Each ACE increases autoimmune risk by 20%
- Impacts nervous system regulation
- Creates stored patterns in the body
- Healing approaches:
- Focus on embodiment practices
- Create safety in the nervous system
- Combine physical and emotional healing
Conclusion
The episode provides hope and practical solutions for those dealing with autoimmune conditions. Key messages include:
- Autoimmune diseases are not permanent sentences - the body can heal with proper support
- Lifestyle changes and addressing root causes are essential for long-term healing
- Creating safety in the body through various practices can help regulate the immune system
- Small consistent changes in diet, stress management, and trauma resolution can lead to significant improvements