The Microbiome and the Connection with Autoimmune.

The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that reside in and on the human body, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in regulating our immune system, digestion, and overall health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome also has a significant impact on autoimmune diseases.

One of the ways that the microbiome impacts autoimmune diseases is through the regulation of the immune system. The microbiome is responsible for training the immune system to distinguish between harmful and harmless bacteria and viruses. When the microbiome is imbalanced, it can cause the immune system to attack the body’s own cells and tissues.

Several studies have linked imbalances in the gut microbiome to the development of autoimmune diseases. For example, a study published in the journal Cell found that people with autoimmune diseases have less diverse gut microbiomes than healthy individuals. Another study published in the journal Nature found that people with autoimmune diseases have more harmful bacteria in their guts than healthy individuals.

In addition to regulating the immune system, the microbiome also plays a critical role in digestion. The bacteria in the gut help break down food and absorb nutrients, which are essential for maintaining overall health. When the microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Several factors can contribute to an imbalanced microbiome, including a poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and other medications. To help maintain a healthy microbiome, it is essential to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods, such as yogurt and kefir. Additionally, reducing stress and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and other medications can help maintain a healthy microbiome.

Overall the microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, digestion, and overall health. Imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. By maintaining a healthy microbiome through diet, stress reduction and other lifestyle factors, individuals can help improve their overall quality of life.

References:

Arrieta, M. C., et al. (2015). “Alterations in intestinal permeability.” Gut 64(10): 1562-1563.

Kostic, A. D., et al. (2014). “The microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease: current status and the future ahead.” Gastroenterology Reports 2(4): 307-315.

Ruff, W. E., et al. (2020). “The gut microbiome in autoimmune and connective tissue diseases.” Clinical Immunology 215: 108400.

Vangay, P., et al. (2015). “Microbiome-mediated regulation of anti-inflammatory T cells.” Gut Microbes 6(3): 202-212.

Zhang, X., et al. (2015). “The oral and gut microbiomes are perturbed in rheumatoid arthritis and partly normalized after treatment.” Nature Medicine 21(8): 895-905.