Autoimmune Disease and Gut Health Basics
An autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy body tissues, such as organs, glands, or joints. The immune system is designed to recognize and attack foreign substances in the body, such as viruses and bacteria. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes confused and starts attacking healthy tissues.
There are more than 100 types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. These diseases can affect different parts of the body and cause a wide range of symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases are relatively common, with an estimated 23.5 million Americans affected – 1 in every 5 Americans has an autoimmune disease. Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men.
Autoimmune Disease and Gut Health
Growing evidence suggests that gut health plays a crucial role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a critical role in regulating the immune system, and imbalances in the gut microbiome have been linked to autoimmune diseases.
Studies have shown that individuals with autoimmune diseases have different gut microbiome compositions than healthy individuals. For example, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have lower levels of certain beneficial bacteria in their gut. Additionally, certain diets, such as a high-fat or high-sugar diet, have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome that may contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Overall, while more research is needed to understand the relationship between gut health and autoimmune diseases fully, it is clear that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet and lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases and improve symptoms in those already affected.
Uncover the source of your chronic symptoms and discover the true state of your autoimmune health with FastLabs’ simple blood test – Comprehensive Autoimmunity & GI Panel.
This panel measures over 30 antibody markers that indicate autoimmune disease, 96 food sensitivities, and the presence of Leaky Gut Syndrome. These conditions are all closely linked and often trigger one another, making it very important to test for each one to truly understand the scope of your autoimmune health.
Jumpstart your wellness journey today and schedule an appointment for your Comprehensive Autoimmunity & GI Panel. One quick blood test is all it takes.
Appointments at Wellacy Are Available NOW
Visit Wellacy’s (AKA FastLabs’) new South Miami location at 6193 Sunset Dr, South Miami FL 33143 – across the street from South Miami Hospital and close to Larkin Hospital. This new state-of-the-art laboratory offers a FULL menu of laboratory testing and diagnostic options for patients, including the Comprehensive Autoimmunity & GI Panel. Appointments can be made directly on the Wellacy (AKA FastLabs) website, www.wellacy.com. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. Call (305) 741-2655 or email info@wellacy.com to find out more!