A society of overfed, under-moved, hyper-sanitised people who panic at the first sign of a tickly cough. Riddled with self-inflicted diseases and mysterious ailments, we run to pills to mask symptoms and sweet foods to make us feel better, yet we never question why our bodies are failing us?
Autoimmune diseases are at an all-time high. Allergies are everywhere. In 2025, nearly 10% of the population is battling an immune disorder – a number unthinkable a couple of centuries ago. Some say it's down to better testing. Others claim we’ve created such an unnatural environment that our immune systems have turned against us.
This twisted paradox of obsessive cleanliness has incited an explosion of immune disorders that are constantly overreacting to benign triggers. What appears to be the evolution of comfort and health is now a breeding ground for unstoppable, incurable conditions.
PART ONE: THE INFLUENCE OF THE MODERN WORLD
Surrounded by dirt, bacteria and viruses, our ancestors were constantly exposed to pathogens. Essential to survival, exposure to a range of microbes teaches the immune system to differentiate between harmless substances, like pollen, and real threats, like bacteria. Our sterile homes, antibacterial wipes and constant use of hand sanitiser tell our immune system to “switch off” and without regular exposure to microbes, our bodies lack the training to know how to respond resulting in immune system malfunctions.
While genetics play a role in autoimmune diseases, recent research suggests it's not so straightforward. Instead, the combination of genetics with environmental factors triggers onset. For example, air pollution increases the risk of lupus in those genetically predisposed, and infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are showing links to multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Western diet, rich in processed foods, refined sugars, and synthetic additives, actively undermines our health and has a profound effect on our gut microbiome. When bad bacteria outnumber the good, the disrupted microbiome sends misleading signals to the immune system, causing an inappropriate reaction; often manifesting as dysbiosis, bloating, acne, fatigue, depression, brain fog, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Environmental pollution, industrial chemicals, and toxic substances are ubiquitous. From pesticides to plasticisers, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, chemicals are everywhere: on everything, and ingested continuously – via the food we eat, the utensils we use, the creams we lather on, and the air we breathe. Urbanised areas, filled with traffic and industrial activity, are hotbeds for harmful airborne particles. Many people now suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma from air pollution, multiple sclerosis from heavy metals, and dysregulated hormones from plastic containers and pesticides.
Surrounded by an invisible killer, noise pollution is causing heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Chronic exposure to sounds, such as traffic and industrial movement, increases stress hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation in the body. Professor Charlotte Clark, from St George's, University of London, explains that we never turn our ears off – even during sleep, we’re still listening – hence heart rate spikes during the night.
Constantly stimulated, never bored and unable to let our minds ‘wonder’ – we are perpetually on edge. Work, societal pressures, smartphones and financial concerns consume us, triggering our fight-or-flight response – great for the short term, horrendous when chronic. Shown to exacerbate autoimmune diseases, provoke flare-ups and develop conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, psychological stress alters the gut microbiome – resulting in a vicious cycle of hyper-active, knowledge, under-trained immune systems. Flooding unnecessary cortisol and adrenaline into our bodies, our immune system works overtime to determine appropriate responses. Exhausted from constant perceived activation, we weaken our body's ability to defend against disease.
PART TWO: MEDICATION OVERUSE
Medication saves lives — but our reliance on them is causing more harm than good. Emerging research suggests that overusing certain medications, particularly antibiotics, NSAIDs, and acid reflux drugs, could be fueling immune dysfunction.
Antibiotics, often prescribed for viral infections they can’t treat, disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome, killing harmful and beneficial bacteria simultaneously. This can lead to permanent imbalances, paving the way for untreatable diseases. In children, overuse is linked to an increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. In adults, it can contribute to chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, damage the gut lining by allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering long-term immune responses.
Vaccines have saved millions of lives, but some researchers argue that reduced exposure to infections – from vaccines and improved sanitation – under-stimulates immune system training, potentially leaving us more susceptible to autoimmune and allergic conditions. This is a theoretical risk with no credible evidence linking vaccines to autoimmune diseases. Measles, tuberculosis, and polio, once caused widespread death and disability, are now eliminated – thanks to vaccines.
Medical interventions have extended human lifespans, but prescription overuse may be leaving us vulnerable. By masking symptoms and bypassing natural immune responses, we risk weakening our bodies’ ability to defend against illness and become hypersensitive to our environment.
PART THREE: CLIMATE CHANGE — A HUMAN HEALTH CRISIS
Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased pollution are having a profound effect on our immune system. Warmer temperatures and higher CO₂ levels stimulate plants to produce more pollen, earlier in the year, and for longer periods -- making allergic reactions more severe. Increases in wildfires and industrial emissions are linked to respiratory conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and immune dysfunction, and climate changes have altered where infectious diseases thrive, with mosquito-borne illnesses now emerging in areas previously too cold. Increased humidity fosters the spread of fungal infections, while extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods contribute to food and water insecurity, higher stress and increased exposure to toxins.
PART FOUR: 80% OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES OCCUR IN WOMEN
Women account for nearly 80% of autoimmune disease cases, and researchers believe five key factors explain this disproportion: hormones, the X chromosome, microchimerism, gut microbiome, and stress.
Oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone, supercharges the immune system – giving women stronger immune defences than men. However, this heightened immune activity comes at a cost: it increases the risk of immune overreaction, making women more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. In addition, fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the natural cycle trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Women inherit two X chromosomes, while men inherit one. The X chromosome contains a high concentration of immune-related genes, which regulate inflammation and immune responses. Since having two X chromosomes doubles this genetic load, the body inactivates one in every cell to prevent an overload. However, this process – X chromosome inactivation (XCI) – is imperfect. Some immune-related genes escape inactivation, leading to higher immune activity in women and increasing the risk of autoimmune conditions.
During pregnancy, some fetal cells cross the placenta and embed themselves in the mother's tissues – including the skin, thyroid, liver, and brain—where they can remain for decades. This phenomenon, called microchimerism, means a mother carries foreign cells with a different genetic blueprint inside her body. The immune system may struggle to recognise these cells as “self,” potentially triggering autoimmune responses. However, these cells can also be protective, aiding tissue repair – making microchimerism a biological paradox.
Deeply intertwined with immune function, a woman's gut microbiome is constantly shifting due to hormonal changes. Oestrogen promotes anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, but fluctuations (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) can cause gut dysbiosis and weaken immune tolerance. Meanwhile, progesterone strengthens the gut lining, but when levels drop (such as before menstruation or in perimenopause), the gut becomes more permeable, increasing the risk of leaky gut and autoimmune flares. Prescribed copious medications from birth control pills to antidepressants, women are more likely to consume gut-disrupting drugs that weaken immune tolerance and increase dysfunction.
From emotional labour, pregnancy, birth, and societal pressures, women bear more stress than men, resulting in chronically elevated cortisol. Bombarded with endocrine-disrupting products, including makeup, skincare, perfumes and household cleaning products, these chemicals interfere with immune function and increase inflammation. Women’s immune systems are biologically wired to be stronger – but are more vulnerable to dysfunction. The combination of hormones, genetics, stress and a modern lifestyle are making women sick and suffering in silence.
PART FIVE: REBUILDING OUR RESILIENCE
We may be fighting an uphill battle, but we're not powerless. While we can't change our genetics, we can adopt healthier habits to support our immune systems.
Embrace Nature. Spend more time outdoors. It sounds “kooky” – but frolic in forests, beaches, your garden (if you have one). Introduce diverse microbes by gardening, walking barefoot and spending time around animals to diversify your gut microbiome.
Let Kids Be Kids. Watch children play; they are obsessed with putting things in their mouth. What seems utterly disgusting to us adults, is actually the natural process of building resilient immune systems. Early-life exposure to bacteria and viruses is essential for developing well-regulated immunity and removes unnecessary antibiotic use in the future.
Stop Sanitising EVERYTHING! Chill out on the cleaning and excessive sterilisation. Yes, hygiene is crucial, but constant bacterial sprays and harsh chemical cleaners are destroying skin, respiratory systems and are often harmful – hence the lethal warning signs on the back of the bottles. Opt for natural cleaning products and don’t underestimate white vinegar.
Prioritise Gut Health. Eat a diverse, whole-food diet. Eliminate ultra-processed foods and refined sugars. Fibre-rich vegetables, fermented foods, and a variety of plants promote microbiome diversity.
Medicate responsibly. If you have a cold, do not use antibiotics – save them for serious bacterial infections. When prescribed, follow the instructions and complement them with probiotic foods.
Be Selective with Skincare & Household Products: Many conventional beauty and cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. Opt for fragrance-free, non-toxic, and organic alternatives when possible.
Reduce Plastic Use: Plastics leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals into food and beverages. Avoid plastic water bottles, food containers, and utensils – use glass or stainless steel instead.
Manage Stress: Prioritise sleep, adopt stress management tools, exercise regularly, and get some sunlight.
Savour the Silence: Incorporating regular, daily periods of silence can mitigate some of the adverse effects of noise pollution. Even brief moments of quiet can reduce stress levels more effectively than relaxing music. Addressing noise pollution involves urban planning strategies. Cities like Paris and Nice are taking steps to combat noise pollution, but more comprehensive efforts are needed to protect public health.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to curing autoimmune diseases, but some dietary patterns have shown promise in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. The key is eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, avoiding processed quick fixes, and prioritising gut health.
The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP)
Designed to reduce inflammation and heal the gut, this diet is a stricter version of paleo. It eliminates grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, peppers), eggs, nuts, seeds, alcohol, and processed foods. Instead, it prioritises bone broth, organ meats, wild-caught fish, leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. After several weeks of strict elimination, foods are reintroduced gradually while monitoring the body's response.
The Carnivore Diet
Consisting of only animal products, the Carnivore diet excludes all plant-based foods. With a foundation of meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats, this diet has gained a dedicated following. While scientific research is still limited, anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits, such as reduced inflammation, alleviated autoimmune symptoms, stable energy levels, and easier weight management. By eliminating common irritants, some individuals find relief from chronic health issues. However, the diet remains controversial for negatively impacting gut health due to a lack of fibre and nutrient deficiencies. This diet is urged to be followed for a short time, undergoing gradual reintroduction of foods — especially fibre.
The Low FODMAP Diet
Focussing on reducing fermentable carbohydrates, Low FODMAP is a complicated diet to follow but appears effective at managing gastrointestinal-related diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. High FODMAPs to remove include certain fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and legumes.
These diets are extreme, highly restrictive, and challenging to sustain. Long-term research is limited, and nutrient deficiencies are common. Prolonged lack of dietary diversity can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially worsening gut health – however, when used short-term and implemented correctly, they can be highly effective for identifying trigger foods and guiding gradual reintroduction.
PART SIX: THE CONCLUSION
We’ve created a world that works against our health – but we have the power to reverse the damage. By embracing nature, removing processed foods, reducing our reliance on medication, nurturing our gut health, silencing the noise and managing stress, we can rebuild the resilience of our immune systems. It may take time, but through small, everyday changes, we can restore the balance our bodies desperately need to thrive. But you’ve got to put in the work and let go of this victim mentality.
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