How Environmental Toxins Disrupt the Gut–Brain Axis

 Here's a post based on the recent findings about environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) and their impact on the gut–brain axis:

If you live with an autoimmune condition, you already know how delicate the balance of your immune system can be. But did you know that certain environmental chemicals—called endocrine disruptors—might be tipping that balance even further?

A recent study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety has revealed how environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) can wreak havoc on the gut–brain axis, a vital communication network that links your digestive system, brain, hormones, and immune function.

Let’s break down what this means—and why it matters for autoimmune health.

What Are Environmental Endocrine Disruptors (EEDs)?

EEDs are chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and even some foods. They mimic or block hormones in your body, interfering with normal endocrine function. Common examples include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Phthalates

• Parabens

• Organophosphates

The Gut–Brain Axis: Your Body’s Internal Communication Highway

The gut–brain axis is a two-way street connecting:

• Gut microbiome: trillions of bacteria that help digest food and regulate immunity

• Immune system: especially gut-associated immune cells like T cells and macrophages

• Neural signaling: neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine

• Endocrine pathways: hormonal systems like the HPA (stress response) and HPG (reproductive health) axes

When this system is in balance, it helps regulate mood, digestion, sleep, and immune responses. But EEDs can throw it off course.

How EEDs Disrupt the Gut–Brain Axis

The study uncovered four major ways EEDs interfere with this delicate system:

1. Gut Microbial Chaos

EEDs alter the composition of gut bacteria, reducing beneficial strains and allowing harmful ones to flourish. This dysbiosis can trigger inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune flare-ups.

2. Immune System Breakdown

EEDs impair gut-associated immune cells, weakening mucosal immunity. This makes the gut lining more vulnerable to infections and inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

3. Hormonal Havoc

EEDs disrupt the HPA and HPG axes, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect stress response, reproductive health, and immune regulation. For people with autoimmune disorders, this can mean more frequent or severe symptoms.

4. Neurochemical Imbalance

These chemicals interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood, sleep, and cognitive function. They may also cause direct damage to brain structures, compounding neurological symptoms.

What Can You Do?

While you can’t eliminate all environmental toxins, you can reduce exposure and support your gut–brain axis:

• Choose BPA-free and phthalate-free products

• Eat organic when possible to avoid pesticide residues

• Support gut health with probiotics and fiber-rich foods

• Manage stress to protect your HPA axis

• Work with a healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels

Why This Matters for Autoimmune Warriors

Autoimmune disorders are often triggered or worsened by environmental and lifestyle factors. Understanding how EEDs affect the gut–brain axis gives us a new lens to view chronic inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues.

This research is a call to action—for individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to take endocrine disruptors seriously and protect vulnerable populations.

If you’re navigating life with an autoimmune condition, your gut and brain are already working overtime. Let’s give them the support they need—starting with awareness.

Read the research 

Did you know about these EED's before reading this article? I would love to know in the comments. 

Vitamin D and Lupus: What You Should Know

If you’re living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), you know how unpredictable and exhausting it can be. 

A recent study from Mandalay General Hospital in Myanmar offers new insight into how vitamin D might play a role in managing lupus symptoms—and it’s something you can act on.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. That means your immune system—which normally protects you—starts attacking your own tissues. It can affect your skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and more. Symptoms vary, but common ones include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and anemia.

What Did the Study Look At?

Researchers wanted to see if there’s a link between vitamin D levels in the blood and how active lupus is. They studied 60 people with lupus, mostly women in their 20s, and measured:

• Their vitamin D levels

• Their disease activity using a score called SLAM (Systemic Lupus Activity Measure)

They divided participants into two groups:

• Active lupus (more symptoms)

• Inactive lupus (fewer symptoms)

What Did They Find?

The results were clear:

• People with active lupus had much lower vitamin D levels (average 12.2 ng/mL)

• People with inactive lupus had higher vitamin D levels (average 26.1 ng/mL)

• There was a moderate link between low vitamin D and higher disease activity

In simple terms: less vitamin D = more lupus symptoms

What Does This Mean for You?

While this study doesn’t prove that low vitamin D causes lupus flares, it does suggest that vitamin D might help regulate your immune system. It could be a useful marker for tracking your disease—and possibly even a target for treatment.

Here’s what you can do:

• Talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin D levels

• Ask if supplements are right for you

• Spend safe time in the sun (with sunscreen!)

• Eat vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk

A Word of Caution

This was a small study, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. But it’s a promising step toward understanding how lifestyle and nutrition can support autoimmune health.

Final Thoughts

Living with lupus is tough—but knowledge is power. This study gives you one more tool to help manage your symptoms and feel more in control. Vitamin D might not be a cure, but it could be part of your healing journey.

Stay curious, stay hopeful, and keep advocating for your health.

Read The Study Report

You might also like:

Food Sources of Vitamin D : Nourishing from the inside 

Vitamin D and it's link to Lupus (SLE)

10 Tips for living with Autoimmune Fatigue

The information on this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for treatment by a health care practitioner.

Why Platelets Matter in Autoimmune Disease

Most people think platelets only help stop bleeding. But new research shows they do much more — especially in autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis (MG).

Platelets Can Fuel Inflammation

In MG, platelets are overactive. They team up with another immune cell called neutrophils. Together, they create a loop that keeps the body inflamed:

• Neutrophils release sticky traps (called NETs) that activate platelets.

• Activated platelets then make neutrophils release even more traps.

• This cycle makes inflammation worse.

This kind of teamwork between platelets and neutrophils may also happen in other autoimmune diseases.

Platelets Affect the Immune System

Platelets in MG don’t just cause inflammation—they also:

• Boost immune cells that attack the body

• Block cells that calm the immune system

This makes it harder for the body to control the disease.

A New Way to Treat Autoimmune Disease?

The study found that blocking a molecule called RANTES helped calm down platelets and reduce inflammation. That means platelets could be a new target for treatment—not just in MG, but maybe in other autoimmune diseases too.

What This Means for You

If you live with an autoimmune condition, this research is hopeful. It shows that:

• Platelets may play a bigger role in your disease than we thought.

• New treatments could focus on calming platelets to reduce inflammation.

Science is learning more every day—and that means better care and more options for you.

Read the full scientific study report

Natural Remedies for Inflammation: What Science Is Discovering

If you live with an autoimmune condition, you know how frustrating chronic inflammation can be. It’s your body trying to protect you—but sometimes it goes too far, causing pain, swelling, and long-term damage.

Doctors often prescribe medications like NSAIDs (think ibuprofen or diclofenac) to calm inflammation. But these drugs can come with side effects, especially if you take them often. That’s why scientists are exploring safer, plant-based options—and the results are promising.

What Did This Study Look At?

Researchers used computer simulations (called “in-silico” methods) to test natural compounds from traditional medicinal plants. They wanted to see if any of these plant chemicals could block COX-2, an enzyme that plays a big role in inflammation.

Plants That Showed Promise

They studied compounds from plants like:

• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) …and several others.

Four natural compounds stood out:

• Solasonine

• Solamargine

• Rutin

• Glycyrrhizin

These had stronger anti-inflammatory potential than diclofenac, a common NSAID.

Why It Matters for You

• Less risk to the heart: Some of these natural compounds may be gentler on your heart than traditional meds.

• Better body absorption: Especially rutin, which showed good results for how it moves through and works in the body.

• Stable and strong: The compounds stayed stable when bound to the COX-2 enzyme, which is a good sign for effectiveness.

What’s Next?

This was a computer-based study, so it’s not ready for the pharmacy shelf yet. Scientists still need to test these compounds in the lab and in people. But it’s a hopeful step toward safer, natural options for managing inflammation.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RUTIN

WHAT FOODS AID THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

I’m Taking Thyroid Medication… So Why Do I Still Feel Awful?

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis quite a few years ago, and like many people, I was prescribed thyroid hormone replacement—levothyroxine. I thought that would be the fix. My labs started looking “normal,” but I didn’t feel normal. I was still exhausted, foggy, gaining weight without explanation, and constantly battling mood swings. It felt like my body was betraying me, even though I was doing everything “right.”

So I started digging. And what I found changed everything.

Hashimoto’s Isn’t Just a Thyroid Problem

What I didn’t realize at first is that Hashimoto’s is actually an autoimmune condition. My immune system is attacking my thyroid, and the medication only replaces the hormones—it doesn’t stop the attack. That’s why symptoms can persist even when your TSH levels look fine.

I learned that healing Hashimoto’s requires a whole-body approach. Here’s what I’ve been trying—and what’s actually helping.

1. Tackling Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a huge part of autoimmune disease. I started by cutting out gluten and dairy, which are common triggers for people with Hashimoto’s. I also added more anti-inflammatory foods like wild salmon, berries, turmeric, and leafy greens. Within weeks, I noticed less joint pain and fewer energy crashes.

 2. Supporting My Gut

I kept reading that 70–80% of the immune system lives in the gut. That blew my mind. I did a food sensitivity test, through the hospital, and discovered I had issues with salicylates. I also started taking a high-quality probiotic and added bone broth to my routine. My digestion improved, and surprisingly, so did my brain fog.

3. Checking Nutrient Levels

Even though I was taking thyroid meds, my body was still low in key nutrients. I got tested and found out I was deficient in:

• Selenium

• Zinc

• Vitamin D

• B12

I added targeted supplements (with guidance from a functional medicine practitioner), and it made a noticeable difference in my energy and mood.

4. Managing Stress (For Real)

I used to roll my eyes at the idea that stress could affect my thyroid. But cortisol plays a huge role in hormone balance. I started doing breathwork, journaling, and walking outside daily. I also made sleep a priority—no more scrolling at midnight. It’s not perfect, but I feel more grounded and less reactive.

5. Rethinking My Medication

This one was tricky. I learned that some people don’t convert T4 (levothyroxine) into T3 (the active hormone) efficiently. I spoke with my doctor about trying a combination therapy that includes T3, and it’s been a game-changer. If your symptoms persist, it’s worth exploring options like natural desiccated thyroid or compounded meds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re living with Hashimoto’s and still feel awful despite taking your meds, you’re not crazy—and you’re definitely not alone. Your body is asking for deeper support. For me, healing has been about listening, researching, and making small but powerful changes.

I’m still on the journey, but I finally feel like I’m moving forward—not just surviving.

Rutin: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Ally — Q&A

What is rutin?

Rutin is a natural compound found in many fruits and vegetables—especially apples, citrus fruits, buckwheat, and tea. It’s part of a group called flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How does rutin help with inflammation?

Rutin can block certain enzymes, like COX-2, that trigger inflammation in the body. This is the same enzyme targeted by common anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and diclofenac—but rutin may do it more gently, with fewer side effects.

Is rutin safe for people with autoimmune conditions?

Early research suggests rutin may be safer than some NSAIDs, especially for long-term use. It’s shown low risk of heart-related side effects and good absorption in the body. But always check with your doctor before adding new supplements.

Can I get rutin from food?

Yes! You can boost your rutin intake naturally by eating:

• Buckwheat (especially roasted groats or soba noodles)

• Apples (with the peel)

• Citrus fruits (especially the white pith)

• Green tea

Foods containing Rutin

Is rutin available as a supplement?

Definitely. Rutin is sold in capsule or powder form at many health stores. If you're considering it, look for products that are third-party tested for purity and dosage.

Are there any side effects?

Rutin is generally well tolerated, but in high doses, some people may experience:

• Mild digestive upset

• Headache

• Allergic reactions (rare)

Start low and monitor how your body responds.

What does the latest research say?

A recent study used computer simulations to test rutin’s ability to block COX-2. It showed strong binding power, better than some prescription drugs, and favorable safety predictions. It’s not a replacement for medication yet, but it’s a promising natural option.

Is rutin worth trying for my autoimmune symptoms, and what's next?

Rutin holds real promise as an adjunct for taming inflammation and oxidative stress in conditions like RA and lupus, backed by lab/animal data showing joint protection and reduced cytokines which can mean fewer flare-ups, less pain, and slower disease progression. However, clinical evidence is emerging but not definitive—think of it as a supportive player, not a star.

Rutin-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet

• Buckwheat (especially whole groats and soba noodles) → One of the best sources! Despite its name, buckwheat is gluten-free and great for porridge or pancakes or as noodles.

• Apples (especially with the peel) → The skin contains most of the rutin, so skip the peeling when you can.

• Citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits) → The white spongy part (called the pith) between the peel and the fruit is loaded with rutin.

• Elderberries → Often used in syrups and immune-boosting remedies, they pack a rutin punch.

• Figs → Fresh or dried, figs are a sweet way to get more rutin.

• Green tea → A soothing drink that delivers antioxidants including rutin.

• Asparagus → A spring veggie that’s not only tasty but also rutin-rich.

• Unripe bananas → Less sweet, but higher in certain flavonoids like rutin.

• Red onions → Especially when eaten raw, they offer a good dose of rutin.

These foods are easy to incorporate into meals and snacks, and they support your body’s natural defenses against inflammation.

Always Talk to Your Doctor if taking new supplements

Even though rutin is natural, it can still interact with medications. If you're managing an autoimmune condition or taking prescription drugs, check with your healthcare provider before adding rutin supplements.

Rutin and Drug Interactions: What You Should Know

1. Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin)

• Interaction risk: Moderate

• Why it matters: Rutin may affect blood clotting. If you're on anticoagulants like warfarin, combining them with rutin could increase bleeding risk.

2. Diabetes Medications

• Interaction risk: Moderate

• Why it matters: Rutin might lower blood sugar. If you're taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, this combo could cause blood sugar to drop too low.

3. Before Surgery

• Interaction risk: Caution advised

• Why it matters: Rutin may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. It’s recommended to stop taking it at least two weeks before any scheduled procedure.

General Safety Notes

• Rutin is usually well tolerated when taken in moderate doses (up to 600 mg daily for 12 weeks).

• Common side effects: mild headache or stomach upset.

• There’s not enough data on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so stick to food sources unless advised otherwise.

Autoimmune Conditions That Commonly Cause Pain

Pain is one of the most common and complex symptoms across autoimmune conditions, and it often shows up differently depending on the disease.

Why It Matters

Pain in autoimmune disease isn’t just physical—it’s often systemic, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. It can stem from inflammation, nerve damage, tissue changes, or even medication side effects. Recognizing the type and pattern of pain helps tailor treatment and validate the lived experience.

Here's a breakdown of how Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Sjögren’s Disease (SjD)—along with other autoimmune conditions—cause pain:

Condition	Type of Pain	Description
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)	Inflammatory spinal pain	Chronic stiffness and pain in the lower back, hips, and spine; worsens with rest and improves with movement
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)	Symmetrical joint pain	Persistent inflammation in joints (hands, wrists, knees); often worse in the morning or after inactivity
Sjögren’s Disease (SjD)	Joint, muscle, and nerve pain	Aching joints, muscle soreness, and burning nerve pain; often overlaps with fibromyalgia
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)	Joint and muscle pain	Widespread pain, fatigue, and inflammation; may mimic RA symptoms
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)	Joint and tendon pain	Pain in joints and at tendon/ligament insertion points (enthesitis); often with skin symptoms
Polymyositis	Muscle pain and weakness	Inflammation of skeletal muscles causing pain and difficulty with movement
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)	Musculoskeletal and nerve pain	Tight skin, joint stiffness, and nerve-related pain due to tissue fibrosis

Pain is a powerful signal, and in autoimmune conditions, it often reflects deeper systemic inflammation, nerve involvement, or tissue damage. 

While this post highlights some of the most common autoimmune diseases that cause pain—like AS, RA, and Sjögren’s—they’re far from the only ones. Conditions such as lupus, vasculitis, mixed connective tissue disease, and even autoimmune thyroid disorders can also bring complex, chronic pain into daily life. 

If you're living with unexplained pain, know that your experience is real, and you deserve compassionate care and thorough investigation. Understanding the root of autoimmune pain is the first step toward relief, advocacy, and reclaiming your quality of life.

What Research Reveals About the connection between Psoriasis and Thyroid Disease

 

When Thyroid and Skin Speak the Same Language

If you live with a thyroid condition or psoriasis—or both—you’ve probably felt like your body is speaking in riddles. Fatigue, inflammation, skin flares, mood shifts… it can feel like a game of symptom ping-pong. But a new study published in Medicine (September 2025) offers something rare: clarity.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization—a way of analyzing genetic data to explore cause-and-effect relationships. Their goal? To determine whether thyroid dysfunction actually causes psoriasis, or vice versa.

Here’s the headline: Thyroid disease may causally increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Specifically, the study found that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were associated with a higher likelihood of psoriasis. However, the reverse wasn’t true—psoriasis didn’t appear to cause thyroid disease.

Why Does This Matter?

For years, people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ have reported skin issues, including psoriasis. But the medical community often treated these as separate silos. This study suggests they’re more like neighboring houses—connected by shared pathways of inflammation, immune dysregulation, and hormonal shifts.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed when linking your skin flares to your thyroid labs, this research says: you’re not imagining it.

What Can You Do With This Information?

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned warrior, here are a few gentle takeaways:

• Track symptoms holistically. If your thyroid levels shift, pay attention to your skin. Flares might not be random.

• Advocate for integrated care. Share this research with your GP, endocrinologist, or dermatologist. It may help them see the bigger picture.

• Support your immune system gently. Anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene aren’t just buzzwords—they’re bridges between systems.

• Validate your experience. You don’t need to prove your body’s complexity. This study does it for you.

A Note for the Autoimmune Community

Living with chronic illness often means piecing together fragments of truth. This research offers a rare mosaic—a glimpse into how your thyroid and skin might be speaking the same language. And more importantly, it affirms what many of you already knew: your symptoms are connected, and your story deserves to be heard in full.

Kaempferol: A Natural Ally for Your Immune System

Living with an autoimmune condition can feel like your body is fighting itself. But what if a natural compound found in everyday foods could help calm that storm? Meet Kaempferol—a plant-based flavonoid with powerful immune-balancing effects.

What Is Kaempferol?

Kaempferol (KMF) is a yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables—like apples, strawberries, beans, carrots, and even ginkgo leaves. It’s part of a group called flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.

Scientists have discovered that KMF doesn’t just protect cells—it also helps regulate the immune system in smart, flexible ways.

How Kaempferol Supports the Immune System

KMF works like a gentle conductor, helping different immune cells stay in balance. Here’s how:

• T Cells (the decision-makers) KMF helps calm overactive T cells, which are often involved in autoimmune flare-ups. It also encourages a healthier mix of T cell types—reducing inflammation and promoting tolerance.

• Natural Killer Cells (the body’s defenders) KMF boosts their ability to fight cancer and infections. It even improves gut health, which helps these cells work better.

• Dendritic Cells (the messengers) Depending on the situation, KMF can either activate or calm these cells—helping your body respond appropriately to threats without overreacting.

• Neutrophils & Eosinophils (the first responders) KMF reduces their overactivity, which can help with allergic reactions and chronic inflammation.

• Mast Cells (involved in allergies) KMF blocks the release of histamine and other chemicals that trigger allergic symptoms.

• Macrophages (the clean-up crew) KMF encourages a shift from “angry” macrophages to “healing” ones—especially helpful in chronic illness and tissue repair.

Why It Matters for Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases often involve a confused or overactive immune system. KMF helps restore balance without shutting the system down completely. It’s like turning down the volume instead of cutting the power.

Researchers believe KMF could be useful in conditions like:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriasis

• Allergic asthma

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Even cancer-related immune dysfunction

How to Get Kaempferol

You can find KMF in:

• Apples 🍏

• Strawberries 🍓

• Beans 🫘

• Carrots 🥕

• Broccoli 🥦

• Ginkgo leaves 🌿

• Green tea 🍵

While food sources are gentle and safe, supplements may offer higher doses—but always check with a healthcare provider first, especially if you’re on medication or managing multiple conditions.

Final Thoughts

Kaempferol isn’t a magic cure, but it’s a promising tool in the autoimmune toolkit. It supports your body’s natural wisdom—helping your immune system respond with more clarity and less chaos.

If you’re exploring gentle, plant-based ways to support your health, Kaempferol might be worth a closer look.

You can read the full scientific review .