Autoimmunity and the Gut Microbiome
It’s thought that about 5% of the world’s population has be diagnosed with one of hundreds of known autoimmune diseases. Approximately 80% of patients with a diagnosis are women and it’s well recognised that there may be many more people unknowingly suffering with the condition. Scientists are not sure exactly what causes the disease, but research points to multiple factors, including a family history of autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, triggers, such as stress and infections, and overuse of antibiotics, among others.
What exactly is an autoimmune condition? It’s defined as a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The body produces antibodies against itself that end up harming cells they are designed to protect. The area they attacks will dictate the disease, some examples with be: hashimotos being associated with the thyroid, MS with myeline shealth (the protective coating over nerves) and type 1 diabetes with the pancreas.
There is a growing body of research suggesting a clear link between autoimmune issues and the health of the gut microbiome. It’s now well recognised that about 80% of our immune system resides in our gut, no surprise then that we need to look carefully at the balance of microbes and the overall health of our digestive system!
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, or suspect you might have one, it’s worth having a look at your gut health. Many clients find that their health is sub-optimal, but they are not taken seriously until their condition has become much more debilitating. This is where functional medicine and functional nutrition can help! Microbiome testing can identify imbalances in gut microbes, allowing plans to be individually tailored to each person. Feeling like testing is out of your budget? We will work with you on a diet and supplement plan to get you going in the right direction!
Feel free to get in touch with any questions.
GUT HEALTH, AUTOIMMUNITY, MS, HASHIMOTOS, COLITIS, PSORIASIS, CROHN’S, LUPUS, RA, PANDAS, TYPE 1 DIABETES
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01837-8
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.746998/full