COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 441
● SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been associated with various
neurological complications, potentially involving
autoimmune mechanisms [90]
● Streptococcal infections can lead to PANDAS/PANS through
molecular mimicry [91]
● Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) has been associated with
various neurological autoimmune manifestations [92]
These infections can lead to immune confusion where antibodies
originally targeting the pathogen cross-react with similar structures
in neural tissues [93].
Environmental Toxins
Toxic exposures can contribute to neuroinflammation and
subsequent autoimmunity [94]:
● Mycotoxins from mold exposure can breach the blood-brain
barrier and trigger neuroinflammation [95]
● Heavy metals, particularly mercury and lead, can stimulate
autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals [96]
● Organic solvents and pesticides may contribute to
neuroinflammation and autoimmunity [97]
● Air pollution has been linked to increased neuroinflammation
and neurodegenerative processes [98]
These toxins can damage neural tissues, expose normally
sequestered antigens, and act as adjuvants that amplify immune
responses [99].
Intestinal Permeability and Food Sensitivities
Gut-brain connections play a significant role in neurological
autoimmunity [100]:
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