Autoimmune Disease and COVID-19: Understanding the Risks

COVID-19 has undeniably shifted the way we think about health, especially for those with autoimmune conditions. The anxiety surrounding COVID-19 is enough to manage on its own, but if you have an autoimmune disease, there’s the added concern of balancing viral risks with the reality of autoimmune flare-ups.

Autoimmune conditions come with their own set of challenges, including:

• Joint pain
• Mysterious rashes
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Brain fog

And if you’re wondering whether COVID-19 could worsen your autoimmune condition, you’re right to be concerned. Research confirms that COVID-19 can increase the risk of autoimmune flares or even trigger new onset autoimmune conditions.

But there’s good news! As a specialist in autoimmune care for women, I’m here to share evidence-based strategies to support your immune health and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Supporting Your Immune System’s “Warrior” Branch: Th1

Think of your immune system as a multi-layered defense army, with different branches working together to protect you. One crucial division is the Th1 branch—I affectionately call it the “warrior”—that stands guard against viruses, bacteria, and even certain cancer cells. Th1 cytokines also suppress autoimmunity while defending against acute infections. A robust Th1 response is a win-win for viruses and autoimmunity.

For many with autoimmune conditions, however, the Th1 branch is often downregulated, making it harder to fend off infections and avoid autoimmune flares. Luckily, you can help strengthen the Th1 branch with certain nutrients and lifestyle choices, including baicalin, berberine, sulforaphane, echinacea, glutathione, and quality sleep.

We talk more in depth about supporting the Th1 “warrior” in our post T-Cell Regulation for Autoimmunity: A Functional Medicine Approach.

How COVID-19 Affects Autoimmunity

COVID-19 can impact the immune system by overloading it with an inflammatory “cytokine storm,” which over-activates certain immune responses and leaves you with fewer resources to manage autoimmune flares. If you have an autoimmune condition, this storm can make it harder to recover and may even trigger a new autoimmune response.

But before you start searching the internet, let me guide you through each phase of prevention and recovery to protect your health.

Prevention: Strengthening Your Defenses Against COVID-19

Preventing COVID-19 starts with addressing any underlying chronic inflammation, like blood sugar dysregulation or allergies, which can interfere with your immune defenses. Here are some foundational nutrients to boost your body’s virus-fighting potential:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Zinc

For added support, consider N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), quercetin, and astragalus to further fortify your immune system. Taking these steps can help protect you from infection in the first place.

Infection: Supporting Your Body When You Catch COVID

If you do contract COVID-19, have immune-supportive supplements ready. This way, you can begin taking them at the first sign of symptoms when early intervention is most effective. To bolster your immune system during an infection, try the following:

Increase your prevention supplements to four doses per day for five days, and support your immune system with herbs such as:

• Berberine
• Baicalin (Skullcap)
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal

Escalating Inflammation: Managing Severe COVID-19 Symptoms

For severe cases, where inflammation escalates, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting agents can help control inflammation. Consider adding:

• Liposomal glutathione
• Curcumin
• Resveratrol
• Sulforaphane
• Natto-kinase

Recovery: Healing After COVID-19

Recovery from COVID-19 can take time, and for some, “long COVID” presents lasting symptoms. Here are a few supplements that can support recovery:

• Lung recovery: American Ginseng and Cordyceps
• Cardiovascular health: Natto-kinase and Serrapetase
• Liver support: Milk Thistle
• Brain health: Lion’s Mane and Ginkgo

Need Support with Autoimmune Health?

If you’re looking for guidance in managing your autoimmune condition holistically, I invite you to join my Road to Remission program—a 4-month program designed for women who want to reverse their autoimmune conditions naturally. You’ll find the knowledge, strategies, and encouragement you need to achieve lasting health.

Take control of your health today—there’s a spot waiting just for you.