Autoimmune Warrior

Reality TV star Christina Anstead from the hit HDTV show Christina on the Coast revealed she suffers from autoimmune diseases this past week.

In a candid Instagram video featuring her 4-month-old son Hudson, Anstead wrote, “With having autoimmune issues and a new baby, I need all the help I can get. Supplements are key for me to feeling my best. I take a ton of supplements and [NatureWise] is my go-to brand.” 

In the comments, a fan asked for details on which autoimmune issues she had. Anstead replied that she suffers from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She also said she has Eczema, which flares up when she consumes certain foods.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This, in turn, leads to hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland underproduces important hormones necessary for metabolism and other bodily functions. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, heavy menstrual periods and feeling cold all the time.

PCOS is a condition that involves the recurrence of cysts on a woman’s ovaries. While PCOS is not yet proven to be autoimmune, a 2016 publication theorized that it is an autoimmune disease; the theory states that the condition starts when low levels of progesterone cause the body to over-produce estrogen, which results in the production of auto-antibodies.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that results in painful, itchy rashes and redness of the skin. It is often triggered by external factors, such as certain foods, smoke, pollen, or other irritants.

Having experienced both painful ovarian cysts and irritating eczema myself, I can relate to Anstead’s struggle a lot. However, with the right treatment and proactive care, the symptoms can be manageable. And, the fact that Anstead has accomplished so much as a successful real estate investor, reality TV star, and mom of five, while managing multiple chronic illnesses, makes her success all the more impressive.