The Hidden Link: Leaky Gut's Role in Autoimmune Conditions

Written By Dr. Prathibha .

We find ourselves at the crossroads of medical advancements and a growing understanding of the intricate workings of our bodies. So, what is a leaky gut? Picture your digestive system as a complex network of cells, serving as a barrier between the outside world and your internal organs. When this barrier becomes compromised, it allows harmful substances to pass through, triggering a cascade of events that can potentially lead to autoimmune diseases. Let me explain more.

The gastrointestinal tract, also known as the digestive tract, aids in the movement of food and liquids through our bodies, breaks down the food we eat, absorbs the essential nutrients into the bloodstream so we can use them for energy, and flushes out waste products.

In addition to microbes, hormones, and enzymes, nerves are also important for digestion.

Importance of gut health

  • A healthy gut aids in better digestion and sleep.

  • It helps to maintain heart and brain health. 

  • It strengthens the immune system and prevents malignancies and autoimmune disorders.

  • In short, gut health contributes to a person's overall well-being.

The Gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis is the communication channel between the gut and the brain. Both mutually affect and depend on each other.

The gut has about a million neurons that connect the brain through the vagus nerve (the largest nerve) and biochemically through neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, etc. Our gut has its brain, which impacts our mood and thinking, and vice versa.

Gut microbiome

The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of different microbes that coexist in our intestines. Microbiome has both helpful and harmful microbes. However, much remains unknown about the many functions that they perform in the body. 

According to research, the "good bacteria" support the body with various activities, including 

  • Nutrition absorption

  • Neuron function

  • Immune system stimulation

  • Toxic food breakdown

  • few vitamins and amino acids production (Vit B12 and K)

  • Indigestible fiber fermentation, which forms short-chain fatty acids (necessary for muscle function, some cancers, and prevention of chronic diseases like bowel disorders) 

One's microbiota depends on their DNA. As an infant, the first exposure to microbes happens in the mother's birth canal and breast milk. Later, environment, diet, and the usage of medications influence the population and variety of microbes present in the colon (large intestine). 

Gut lining

The lining of the intestines (the body's largest mucosal surface) provides an interaction with the outside environment. The main barrier of the gut includes an evolved gut mucosa with intact tight junctions (TJ).

The gut mucosa lining works against the passage of harmful components like viruses, fungi, and harmful bacteria that might damage the host system.

What happens when the gut becomes leaky?

The interaction between genes and the environment results in the immune response. Our immune system activates when the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced and has more harmful bacteria than beneficial bacteria. Bacteria and poisons within the intestines can occasionally penetrate the intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream.

A leaky gut occurs due to decreased barrier function in the gut mucosa, which results in even bigger holes in the lining.

As a result, formerly prevented things (e.g., proteins, gluten, microbes, and food antigens) can now pass through the tissue and the bloodstream. 

It causes intestinal inflammation and potentially triggers the immune system against the host which starts reacting to the toxins you have been exposed to before. These result in a variety of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), celiac disease, autoimmune hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes (T1D), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Common symptoms of leaky gut

  • Digestive issues (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation)

  • Immune system disorders

  • Food allergies and sensitivities

  • Digestive pain (such as abdominal cramps or flatulence)

  • Skin problems

  • Mood swings

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Chronic fatigue

    Some risk factors that cause leaky gut

  • Dysbiosis

  • Stress

  • Poor diet

  • Nutrition insufficiency and low stomach acid

  • Toxic exposure and overload

  • Alcohol consumption/smoking

  • Infections

  • Diabetes

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Medications

Development of autoimmune diseases

Usually, the immune system functions effectively by protecting against harmful infections and organisms. In this case, it turns against the body because it cannot differentiate between self and foreign bodies.

Stress is one of the main factors that could damage the immune function. Besides that, gene predisposition (increased chance of getting a disease due to a family medical history of the same condition), environmental toxins, leaky gut syndrome, and chronic nutritional deficiencies give rise to the growth and development of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases develop due to long-standing inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is a sign of normal immune function as it helps to fight off infections and recover from an illness. But, when it remains for long, it could result in chronic problems, especially autoimmune disorders we face today. 

Early signs of prolonged inflammation are brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, digestive distress, rashes, joint and muscle pains, lower back pain, excess mucus production, dry eyes, insulin resistance, etc.

Leaky gut in Ayurveda/Siddha lens

In these two traditional systems of Indian medicine, the focus is to find the root cause and eliminate it. Balancing the body, mind, and spirit through three humours or doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) to maintain optimal health. Ayurvedic/Siddha practitioners believe that leaky gut syndrome is associated with an imbalance in the "agni" or digestive fire, which also indicates an imbalance in the body's energy, leading to digestive disturbances and inflammation. The agni usually regulates the digestion and absorption of nutrients and plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health.

Repeated exposure to factors such as

  • Lack of routine eating and general activities- disturbed circadian rhythm

  • Eating when not hungry or in the case of indigestion

  • heavy and regular consumption of cold or raw foods leads to a reduction in the agni or digestion fire's ability. This becomes the cause of ama dosha (undigested food->toxin formation in the gut) which happens to be the crucial factor in the development of many diseases.

    When the doshas become compromised, the first indicator is an increase in kapha (congestion), followed by Pitta, which sets up a cycle of inflammation, and finally, Vata, which is accountable for all degenerative changes.

    Our bodies are amazing at communicating with us, constantly sending signals and warning signs when something is off-balance. By paying attention to these messages and taking action, we can prevent small imbalances from turning into bigger health issues. Imagine how empowered and healthy we could feel if we embraced Ayurvedic principles and focused on prevention rather than just treating symptoms!?

    Some of the proactive approaches to avoid leaky gut

    A healthy gut is a sure sign of good health. It isn't just our digestive system that digests and metabolizes food, it is also our thoughts and emotions. So, keeping a healthy state of mind and body is important, so we can better control the further development of any kind of sickness by practicing good daytime rituals, nighttime rituals, seasonal lifestyle, and diet (that calls for another blog post). If our digestion power or agni is strong, we make healthy tissues, efficiently eliminate waste products, and create the subtle essence of vital strength (Ojas). Ojas is a living protoplasmic substance that is responsible for the clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity of an individual.

  • One of the first things you have to keep in mind is maintaining a routine diet, which means eating at the same time each day to regulate your circadian rhythm.

  • Intermittent fasting with the guidance of a healthcare professional may work as fasting helps in toxin elimination and reduces gut permeability.

  • Take a closer look at your body and attempt to correct the imbalances sooner.

    In the following blog post, we will learn more about how to stop leaky gut symptoms using home remedies, medicinal herbs, and required lifestyle changes.



References

Dr. Prathibha . https://www.al-tru-well.com
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