Promote Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract contains the greatest concentration of immune cells in the body and may be the activation site of fighter cells known as T-cells. Diets associated with chronic inflammation of the gut are therefore at a greater increase of developing an autoimmune disease.

Increased intestinal permeability allows food allergens to pass through the intestinal wall stimulating the production of antibodies. As you now know, specific antibodies seek to destroy the foreign invader by releasing fighter T-cells which cause chronic inflammation of the intestines. These fighter cells are also released into neighboring tissue and the bloodstream. As a consequence, the entire body is susceptible to an immune response resulting in fatigue, muscle stiffness and skin reactions.

The result of a chronic autoimmune response and decreased gut health increases the susceptibility of individuals to develop more than one type of autoimmune disease. Researchers found that 30% of patients with celiac disease also suffered from another autoimmune disease or autoimmune related problem such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Oxalates and Autoimmunity:

If you are experiencing symptom flare ups with no known reason, oxalates may be a source of inflammation for you. Detecting if oxalates may be triggering an autoimmune response in your body can help you heal sooner.

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds in nature found in many protein alternatives such as soy as well as grains, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables. Although some of these foods can be excellent additions to a healthy diet, an unhealthy gut can lead to chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiency, and oxidative stress and damage to the body. 

Antioxidants Reduce Inflammation:

Theoretically, increased antioxidants can decrease oxidative stress which promotes tissue damage and therefore directly correlate to reducing inflammation, chronic illness and autoimmune disease. One study found that diets supplemented with antioxidants and lower in total fat and caloric intake delayed the onset of Lupus symptoms by stimulating a healthy immune system.

Antioxidants protect the brain from oxidative stress known to cause aging and the loss of cognitive function. The healthy maintenance of the gut and mind interaction is crucial to healthy aging and vitality.

Vitamins which act as antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting cytokine activity in autoimmune diseases which signal cells for an inflammatory response. Many herbs high in antioxidants such as curcumin derived from turmeric have been shown to exhibit similar anti-inflammatory control as do synthetic drugs such as aspirin.

B Vitamins and Methylation:

Folate, B-6 and B-12 have antioxidant properties. Vitamin B-6 has specifically been shown to inhibit macrophages from engulfing foreign matter associated with autoimmune diseases (1). Vitamin B-6 deficiency is also positively correlated with increased sensitivity to oxalates in food. 

Individuals with MTHFR gene mutations have a lowered ability to produce the key anti-oxidant glutathione. Glutathione is critical for detoxification and immune modulation. These individuals are at a much greater risk for developing auto-immune or chronic inflammatory diseases.

They need extra methylation support nutrients such as methyl-folate, methyl-B12, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin and B6.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in the development, coordination and control of the immune system. Individuals with vitamin D3 deficiencies are at a much greater risk for the development of an auto-immune disease or chronic inflammatory disease. Supplementing to boost vitamin D3 levels can be very effective for reducing inflammation.

Studies have found that biologically active vitamin D is linked to a decrease risk of type-1 diabetes in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D. People in geographical locations that see fewer hours of sunshine have higher rates of type-1 diabetes.