Gut Health Focus
Autoimmune diseases begin in the Intestine
Discover the relationship between the gut and autoimmune diseases. Learn how an intelligent diet and integrative strategies can improve your health and quality of life.
Autoimmune Diseases: What Does the Intestine Have to Do With It?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, and the intestine is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in their origin and progression.
The relationship between the intestine and autoimmune diseases is increasingly recognized by the medical and scientific community. The intestine, in addition to its digestive functions, plays a crucial role in the immune system, acting as a protective barrier against pathogens and helping to regulate the body's immune response.
The intestine, our central digestive organ, is not only responsible for absorbing nutrients from food, but it also houses a diverse population of microorganisms known as intestinal microbiota. This microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining overall body health.
In fact, it is estimated that about 70% of the body's immune cells reside in the intestine. When there is an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, the immune system can become hyperactive and start attacking healthy tissues, thus triggering autoimmune diseases.
Smart Eating for a Healthy Intestine and Strong Immunity
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in intestinal and immune health. A healthy intestine functions as a filter, allowing the passage of essential nutrients while preventing the entry of harmful substances. However, when this filter is compromised due to factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, and genetic predisposition, the immune system can become dysregulated and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
An anti-inflammatory diet is essential for controlling chronic inflammation associated with many autoimmune diseases. This involves including foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
In addition to diet, other factors such as chronic stress, lack of sleep, excessive use of antibiotics, and exposure to environmental toxins can also contribute to an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the development of autoimmune diseases.
Furthermore, it is important to improve digestion and avoid foods that may trigger an exaggerated immune response. Poorly digested proteins and xenobiotics, substances foreign to the body, can cause confusion in the immune system and contribute to the progression of autoimmune diseases.
Some foods that commonly trigger immune reactions include gluten, casein, soy, corn, peanuts, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, excess salt, ready-made spices, processed meats, and foods contaminated with pesticides and microplastics.
The periodization of nutritional strategies can also be beneficial for controlling symptoms and promoting remission in patients with autoimmune diseases. This may include cycles of diets such as low carb, plant-based, intermittent fasting not too prolonged, and low FODMAPs, adapted to the individual needs of each person.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, and the intestine is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in their origin and progression.
The relationship between the intestine and autoimmune diseases is increasingly recognized by the medical and scientific community. The intestine, in addition to its digestive functions, plays a crucial role in the immune system, acting as a protective barrier against pathogens and helping to regulate the body's immune response.
The intestine, our central digestive organ, is not only responsible for absorbing nutrients from food, but it also houses a diverse population of microorganisms known as intestinal microbiota. This microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining overall body health.
In fact, it is estimated that about 70% of the body's immune cells reside in the intestine. When there is an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, the immune system can become hyperactive and start attacking healthy tissues, thus triggering autoimmune diseases.
Smart Eating for a Healthy Intestine and Strong Immunity
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in intestinal and immune health. A healthy intestine functions as a filter, allowing the passage of essential nutrients while preventing the entry of harmful substances. However, when this filter is compromised due to factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, and genetic predisposition, the immune system can become dysregulated and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
An anti-inflammatory diet is essential for controlling chronic inflammation associated with many autoimmune diseases. This involves including foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
In addition to diet, other factors such as chronic stress, lack of sleep, excessive use of antibiotics, and exposure to environmental toxins can also contribute to an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the development of autoimmune diseases.
Furthermore, it is important to improve digestion and avoid foods that may trigger an exaggerated immune response. Poorly digested proteins and xenobiotics, substances foreign to the body, can cause confusion in the immune system and contribute to the progression of autoimmune diseases.
Some foods that commonly trigger immune reactions include gluten, casein, soy, corn, peanuts, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, excess salt, ready-made spices, processed meats, and foods contaminated with pesticides and microplastics.
The periodization of nutritional strategies can also be beneficial for controlling symptoms and promoting remission in patients with autoimmune diseases. This may include cycles of diets such as low carb, plant-based, intermittent fasting not too prolonged, and low FODMAPs, adapted to the individual needs of each person.
About the Author
Bruna Barbosa — Nutritionist, CRN-DF 16963
Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, empathy, and clinical practice. She produces accessible, well-founded content to guide more conscious and sustainable choices.
Learn more about Bruna →
