Autoimmune Disease and GUT health
Autoimmune disease is on the rise. A big question for me is why?
If you have read my past blogs you will know I have two Autoimmune conditions, both in remission and have been for 18 months. One of my Autoimmune conditions is gut related and I believe that set off the other one. Once I got my gut right and with the right support the other condition went into remission. It has stayed there for 18 months because I have made sure that my gut has been healthy. This has been no easy task as I’ve had multiple antibiotics for various infections over the last 12 months, but each time I have looked after and continued to support the health of my gut.
Antibiotics and GUT health, I’ll save for another blog. :)
What I really want to talk about is the health of your gut and how it can contributes to Autoimmune Disease.
Dysbiosis and altered gut flora in autoimmunity is more widely recognised and studies are showing the link. There is evidence that specific bacteria can promote or inhibit immune responses which can influence inflammatory responses in the body.
The lining of the gut has an inner and outer mucus layer, epithelial cells, immune cells. The mucus layer prevents bacteria from coming in contact with the host, us. If there is breach in this layer there is another defence layer composed of other cells. Their line of protection included IgA.
The function of secretory IgA is to bind to bacteria, neutralise the toxin and interact with the immune system. These cells create an intact tight junction to basically keep the pathogens and toxins out. If there is any disruption to the physical gut barrier then the pathogen can invade and interact with the immune system. This is often called Leaky Gut. This is simplified and condense description for ease of understanding.
How does this play a role in Autoimmune Disease?
When the gut is ‘leaky’ or the tight junctions are not so tight anymore, it is so much easier for bacteria to leak through the barrier and translocate ie. move to other parts of the body. This cause inflammation and an increase in the immune response. Along with other predispositions in a particular person this causes issues and symptoms and over time can lead to Autoimmune Conditions.
This is by no means the only factor. Autoimmune disease is often looked at like a three legged stool. Genetics, environment and stress. The gut I believe falls in the environment category.
So if I use myself an an example, which I’m more than happy to share my story if it can help others.
I had gut issues. They started off with a symptom here and there and it was ignored. I put it down to something I ate. Add in massive amounts of stress, a bit of genetics (Autoimmune runs in my family history) and you have the perfect storm waiting to happen.
Please note this is how I see what happened to me though I believe there is a pattern to most Autoimmune sufferers.
Once the first diagnosis came through it was hard to find the answers. Dr said they couldn’t help me except place me on medication, which is a bandaid solution not treating the cause. Once I found some direction (which I did while studying to become a Naturopath) I started to work on healing. However I feel that I wasn’t quick enough (and add some more stress, moving to a big city etc) and then BAM a second Autoimmune condition comes along.
While researching on Autoimmune Hepatitis I came across a recently published paper that discovered a pathogen found in the liver that had ‘translocted’ from the gut was linked to Autoimmune Hepatitis and Lupus. To me this made perfect sense. I was even more determined to fix my gut.
So now just over 2 years ago since I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis, I am in remission, have been for 18 months. My gut is the best its ever been, my liver is normal and I am always looking at ways to continue with good gut health.
So don’t discount gut health. It’s Phase 1 in my treatment plans for my clients. Always.
So trust your gut (pun intended) if things are not quite right, get them right. If Autoimmune disease runs in your family, it doesn’t mean you will get an Autoimmune disease. Arm yourself with the right information and prevent anything from happening to you. Prevention is key and if you already have an Autoimmune disease then heal your gut. I am more than happy to help.
Here’s to a healthier you,
Jennie x
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6985452/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6300650/
https://news.yale.edu/2018/03/08/enemy-within-gut-bacteria-drive-autoimmune-disease
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180308143102.htm