This has been an interesting read for me in many ways my dear friend. Above all, because of my very personal reasons to understand the workings of our immune system. See, I am allergic to every other thing on this planet. From household products to foods. I was very ill in my mid-20's, but not anymore ;) I have been strong and healthy for most of the past 13 years thanks to what you said: 'information is power' 😎
You have covered numerous topics here. And I always ask myself how you manage to do this without ever overwhelming your readers (?)! But I was mostly drawn to the 'Take out the trash' part, particularly when you highlighted chronic inflammation as a possible cause for autoimmune deficiencies, and linked this to specific conditions (e.g. SLE). As you might guess I have huge interest in, and have dedicated some time (for the past 3 years) to look into the links between inflammation and brain/mind disorders. It's incredibly revealing!
This is why I didn't think twice before downloading the recent study you pointed us to here on 'Autoimmune diseases & Psychotic disorders', in which the authors say (p.5):
Signs of a dysregulated immune system has also been found in mental illnesses and might play a role in the association found between the two.
This supports many, many other studies I have come across in the past. And, although such studies tend to place huge emphasis on the hereditary, biological side of these scenarios. Oftentimes painting a picture of little choice for patients, I see it as a glimpse of hope in how symptoms and suffering could be alleviated by life changes such as eating habits. Even more so when the role of the microbiome comes up over and over again. For example (p.7):
Psychological stress have been thought to influence composition of the microbiome and vice versa, as well as the microbiome's effect on peripheral inflammation.
As always, you have enlightened us with your thorough, well-researched work <3 Simply incredible and impressive!! :D
Much love to you always & forever my dear @agmoore2,
Your friend from across the ocean :*
Dear Abigail, I began this response earlier...had to leave on family business.
First of all, thank you for those kind words. I try when writing about medical topics to give people the sense that they should be partners in their medical care--not passive consumers.
This is something you apparently came to understand through experience. That is a terrible lesson to learn as a young woman. Overcoming serious illness gives you strength and insight I think. This may be one source of your great empathy. May your good health continue--for at another 50 years :)
As for allergies... I think you and I may have more in common than I suspected. Super-charged immune systems. But that's OK, because we have the resources to get what we need. And the good sense to avoid what can hurt us.
And I'm not likely to be overwhelming my readers with information..because I usually start from ignorance. I have to study the stuff inside out until it makes sense to me, before I can explain it to anyone else. No jargon in my pieces because I don't know any :))
I think epigenetics gives lie to all those who would blame heredity--for anything. The environment has such a profound effect on gene expression. Knowing this makes social policy--social equity-- all the more compelling. Heredity is a cop out, I think. Even something like Huntington's Disease, which is generally described as a genetically transmitted disorder, can be affected by lifestyle and environment.
Thank you for reading, and commenting on my long blog. I know you're busy, especially this time of year. So your feedback is much appreciated.
We are getting ready for Thanksgiving here, in the USA. I'm barely used to fall, and it seems winter is pressing upon us. Fall is my favorite season..best time for walking.
Hope you are well, peaceful, and not too pressed for time.
Love, from your good friend, in chilly New York,
AG
Dear Abigail,
A postscript to my comment--my son just sent me a University of Birmingham article, which I thought you might find interesting (in light of your remarks about the relationship between inflammation and mental illness):
Link between inflammation and mental sluggishness shown in new study.
If you have ever visited an online lupus support groups, one of the most common complaints is 'brain fog'.
Hope you are having a great day, dear Abigail 😇
Oh, thank you so much my friend! 😃 I had a quick look at the article and already saw they discuss something that I have interest in - the brain processes involved in visual attention! And no, I never knew that people who have lupus complain of ‘brain fog’.
The article has been saved and it will be with me during my post lunch coffee today! I will also think of you 😘
Much love <3