It is well-known that the immune system drives the inflammatory process in disease. Unfortunately, western medicine has very little to offer when it comes to managing or overcoming the autoimmune process. The typical medical approach is to suppress the immune system and inflammation with medications, but the drugs used to accomplish this do not stop the underlying disease process. Autoimmune disease is considered incurable.

Since 80 percent of your immune system is in the gut, it makes sense that digestive health is of paramount importance in healing autoimmune conditions. Aside from genes and the environment, intestinal permeability (AKA leaky gut) is considered the predisposing factor that sets the stage for autoimmune reactions.

Leaky gut refers to the increased permeability of the mucosal lining in the small intestine that makes it less able to protect the internal environment, as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. As a consequence, some bacteria and their toxins, yeast, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may "leak" out of the intestines into the bloodstream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction.

Obvious signs of leaky gut include gas, bloating, poor digestion, multiple food and chemical sensitivities, gut pain, and inflammation. Not so obvious signs of leaky gut include decreased mental clarity (brain fog), headache, depression, allergies, eczema, body aches and fatigue.

There are many factors that contribute to leaky gut. Poor diet, including processed foods, excess sugar, and fast foods, are common culprits. Certain medications increase the risk including corticosteroids, antibiotics, antacids and NSAIDS. Overgrowth of bacteria, yeast infections, parasitic infections, and intestinal viruses can also cause leaky gut. Chronic stress raises the adrenal hormone, cortisol, which degrades the gut lining and contributes to leaky gut. Other causes of leaky gut are hormone imbalances, environmental toxins, vitamin D deficiency and poor antioxidant status.

Since leaky gut has been found in connection with so many autoimmune diseases, fixing it should be a priority, as it may be the key to halting the progression of autoimmunity. Without exception, an effective anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle plan is needed to calm down and balance the overactive immune system and heal the gut.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.