Did you know that 70% of the immune system is located in the gut? Yes, 70%! The immune system associated with the gut interacts with our gut bacteria and fungi, which are, in part, affected by the food that we eat, medications or supplements that we take, our stress response, and other factors. Leaky gut can affect the immune system’s response and this may have widespread consequences, not only in the gut, but throughout the body. It is no surprise, therefore, that gut wall integrity, has been found to play a role in autoimmune conditions.
Conventional medicine is quick to say that autoimmunity is incurable, focusing primarily on disease management. While managing the disease course and symptoms are key components of treatment (e.g., DMARD medications in rheumatoid arthritis), it is also paramount that we identify and address the root causes and triggers of autoimmunity. Functional medicine has shown that if we can address the root causes and triggers of autoimmunity, it is possible to affect the mechanisms leading to it. Recent research has shed light on the confluence of factors that likely underlie the autoimmune process, and supports a role for natural therapeutics in root cause healing. As we’ve often explored in our articles, much comes back to the gut.
In this article, written by Jonah Udall and reviewed by Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, we present an evidence-based overview of how leaky gut (compromised intestinal permeability) is connected to autoimmunity and how our actions, including choices of food, and how we cope with stress, play a role in leaky gut and inflammation.
To learn more about how you can support your gut, you may go HERE.
Disclaimer
Nothing stated or posted in this article is intended or should be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. The information made available in this article, including, but not limited to, interviews, text, graphics, images, links to other articles, websites, and other material contained in this article, is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information in this article is NOT (and should not be used as) a substitute for professional psychiatry, psychology, medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice or services, nor is it designed to suggest any specific diagnosis or treatment. Please always seek medical advice from your physician or a qualified health care provider regarding any medical questions, conditions or treatment, before making any changes to your health care regimen, medications or lifestyle habits. None of the information in this article is a representation or warranty that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you, or that any particular healthcare provider is appropriate for you. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help from a health care provider due to something you have read or seen in this article. Your reading/use of this article does not create in any way a physician-patient relationship, any sort of confidential, fiduciary or professional relationship, or any other special relationship that would give rise to any duties. This article does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, healthcare providers, procedures, or treatments, and if you rely on any of the information provided by this article, you do so solely at your own risk.
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