Over the past several years, the relationship between gut health and autoimmune disease has received a great deal of attention from both scientific and health professionals. The studies have revealed that the health of our gut, especially the population of the bugs in the gut called the gut microbiome, can determine if someone will develop an autoimmune disease and how it is going to be managed. Understanding this connection is vital to treat and prevent autoimmune disease in predisposed patients.
Autoimmune diseases are disorders that happen when the body’s immune system fails and mistakenly launches an attack against its own tissues, organs, or cells. Normally the immune system works to protect the body against the invaders of viruses and bacteria, while in autoimmune diseases, this process goes wrong. There are over eighty types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. The symptoms vary between one condition and another and can include joint pain, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and neurologic symptoms.
The true cause of autoimmune diseases are complex and not completely understood in the conventional medical model. These diseases are considered genetic in origin and modulated by environmental factors including diet, stress, infections, and exposure to toxins. Of all the factors involved, the involvement of the gut and its relation to immune function has become the most prominent.
The gut is a key player in immune function. About 70% of the immune system is said to reside within GALT (Gut-associated lymphoid tissues) and thus the gut can be considered one of the central hubs for immune interactions. The immune cells communicate with gut bacteria and other microorganisms of the microbiome, consisting of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes residing in our gastrointestinal tract.
Health and composition of the gut microbiome are at an integral part of immune regulatio. A balanced microbiome educates the immune cells on the differentiation between invasive pathogens andthe body tissues. When the gut microbiome is out of balance-a state called dysbiosis occurs In this state, immune responses can become dysregulated, which can lead to the onset of autoimmune disease.
The lining of the gut presents a barrier that is selectively permeable, allowing certain things into the bloodstream and not others. If this barrier is compromised, it may give rise to “leaky gut,” or increased intestinal permeability. In this condition, larger particles-most notably foods, toxins, and microbes-can enter the bloodstream. These microbes in the wrong place can cause immune reactions which can precipitate autoimmunity. Specifically, leaky gut has been found to be prevalent in many cases involving autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Immune Dysregulation Dysbiosis is characterized by an imbalance in the composition of gut bacteria, whereby the “bad” bacteria override “good” ones. This disruption can lead to the initiation of pro-inflammatory pathways. One such pathway is the production of cytokines, molecules which are used as messengers of signaling in the immune system-known to activate autoimmune responses. Specific microbial imbalances have been seen in individuals with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. Healing of the gut and subsequent healthy microbial balance might reduce the vulnerability of the immune system to autoimmunity.
Sometimes gut bacteria and pathogens can appear similar to human tissues. This similarity can cause cross-reactivity called molecular mimicry, which is a process in which an immune response against one bacterium generates antibodies that could also attack a human protein whose structure resembles it. This has been process has been seen in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
Th17 cells are one subset of immune cells participating in the response to inflammation and are considered to take part in the development of autoimmune diseases. Gut microbiota may influence the development and function of Th17 cells. Some gut bacteria drive Th17 cells toward production of pro-inflammatory responses, increasing the risks for autoimmune diseases. Studies suggest a disturbed gut microbiome can lead to overproduction of Th17 cells, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune disease.
The “good bacteria” in the gut can create dietary metabolites which can affect and improve immune function. The beneficial bacteria ferment dietary fiber and produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). In addition, SCFA’s maintain integrity in the gut lining, reduce inflammatory responses, and regulate immune responses. Low levels of SCFA’s have been reported in autoimmune diseases and may enhance inflammation and immune dysregulation.
Diet has a great impact on the composition and health of gut microbiota. Prebiotics which are foods with soluble dietary fiber are a fuel for the good gut bacteria, which stimulate SCFA production and improves gut barrier function. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed good bacteria selectively and thus are particularly effective at supporting a healthy microbiome. Food containing prebiotics includes garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas.
An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds can help lower systemic inflammation. Some plant-based foods have polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which benefit gut microbiome. For example, foods such as berries, green tea, turmeric, and olive oil will contain polyphenols and promote balanced immune function.
Probiotics are some healthy bacteria given through supplements or fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. The foods introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut and may promote microbial balance.
Gluten, in sensitive individuals can promote autoimmune reactions, especially in conditions like celiac disease. Recent literature suggests that gluten, combined with other inflammatory food consumption promotes intestinal permeability and dysbiosis which can potentially lead to worsening of autoimmune symptoms. At Whole Gut Health we use energy testing techniques to identify food triggers.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, among flaxseeds and walnuts. These fatty acids reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune response. Omega-3s may help alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases by decreasing inflammation in the gut and the rest of the body.
Stress Management- Chronic stress can negatively affect the gut by encouraging dysbiosis and increasing intestinal permeability. Various mind-body practices, including meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and contact with nature, may reduce stress and improve gut health.
Sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy microbiome. Poor sleep could lead to worsening gut health and a decline in immunity or worsening autoimmune symptoms. Healthy balanced sleep schedules and high-quality deep sleep participate in creating a robust microbiome and a balance immune system. Optimize good sleep hygiene such as minimizing screen time before for a healthy gut and immune system.
Regular exercise promotes a diverse microbiome, enhances immune function, and reduces systemic inflammation. Walking, cycling, swimming, and weight exercise are great options. The intensity of exercise may need to be moderated in autoimmune disease to avoid causing stress on the body which can precipitate symptom flares
Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and certain chemicals can trigger gut dysbiosis and increase autoimmune risks. This can be lessened by using organic produce, natural cleaning products, and the limiting of plastic exposure. Smoking and excessive use of alcohol have been known indirectly to attribute to the risk of dysbiosis and leaky gut, exacerbating autoimmune diseases. A reduction or elimination of such practices can improve gut health and immunity.
Optimization of gut health is crucial in optimizing immune health and improving autoimmune disease. Gut health specialists may be able to identify a particular gut imbalance, stress factor or food sensitivity that could be involved in the disease process.
The consumption of whole foods with high fiber and anti-inflammatory nutrients, while avoiding processed foods and known/suspected triggers is critical in creating a healthy microbiome. Regular consumption of probiotics and prebiotics will enable the gut to maintain its balance of gut flora, thus helping with immune function and a reduction of inflammation.
Stress-reducing activities, sleeping, and regular, moderate exercise can help build the microbiome. The gut is a key player in immune regulation. A dysbiotic gut contributes to the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. Knowledge of the key mechanisms between gut health and autoimmunity provides tools to heal autoimmune conditions. By using diet, lifestyle modification, stress management, and root-cause healing modalities, we can develop a gut-friendly environment that promotes a healthy and balanced immune system, a robust microbiome and overall health.
Let us help. CALL NOW
