Salt and Autoimmune Disease

2013-06-18 14:42:48

Several recently published studies in the Journal Nature have brought to light a connection between salt consumption and autoimmune disease.⁽¹⁾. An immune cell called T helper 17 (TH17) has been linked to a number of auto-immune/auto-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and lupus.⁽²⁾ This TH17 cell when activated pumps a protein into the body that is pro-inflammatory. In isolated situations, as in the case of infection, this would be a positive thing. However the inappropriate or uncontrolled activation of this protein creates an undesirable state of auto-immune disease. Although the research is still in preliminary stages, it does show that even a modest increase in salt concentration boosts activation of mouse and human TH17 in test tube studies as well as in living mouse models.^{(1, 3)} Although we know genetics plays a role in auto-immune disease researchers are discovering that environmental factors also have a huge impact on the genes, one of these factors might just be overconsumption of salt! More research needs to follow; however if you’re suffering with an auto-immune condition it may be worth considering your salt intake and making some simple adjustments.