Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune conditions occur when your immune system attacks your own self, and are more common in women.
There are a wide number of autoimmune conditions which often link inflammation, gut health and genetic disposition. You cannot cure an autoimmune condition. However, diet and nutrition can play an important role in managing symptoms and even inducing remission
Key Facts
- The most common autoimmune conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis, thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and complex conditions like Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Sjogren’s disease.
- Autoimmune diseases have a major connection with gut health as this is where much of the immune activation occurs. Healing leaky gut and reducing gut inflammation is key
- Advanced immune testing can measure how your immune system is imbalanced and monitor changes in inflammation
- An anti-inflammatory diet can be very effective, as can avoiding gluten, dairy and other triggers depending on your health, gut barrier and reactivity
- There are a wide number of excellent anti-inflammatory natural compounds including medicinal mushrooms which can be included in the diet or as supplements
Best Test Options
Patient Story
History
Barry attended our clinic after he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He wanted to try to reduce his pain and inflammation naturally as much as he could. He also reported ongoing loose bowel movements and foul flatulence. His diet was high in saturated fats and low in fibre.
Tests
Barry carried out a gut microbiome analysis which identified elevated markers of inflammation and leaky gut. He also had very low levels of beneficial bacteria which help to promote balance in the immune system.
Barry also carried out a SIBO breath test which was negative for SIBO.
Plan
Barry adopted a gluten free diet which has been shown to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. He increased his fibre intake, and variety of fruit, vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods. He started on anti-inflammatory supplements and probiotics.
Re-test
On repeat, Barry’s inflammatory markers were normal and the leaky gut marker had improved. His levels of beneficial bacteria were also improved.
Outcome
Barry’s bowel movements were normal and the foul flatulence had much improved. His joint pain had diminished and inflammation had reduced. He remained on a strict gluten free diet, though maintaining efforts to support variety and an anti-inflammatory diet.
“I had suspected my diet might have had something to do with my inflammation but I never thought it would make such a difference!”
