Autoimmune Diseases & Gut Function


Insert Testimonial
Insert Symbol or Content Template

Autoimmune Disease and Gut Function

There’s been a lot of emerging evidence in the last 10 years or so to show that there may be a connection between gut function, autoimmune disease and even mental health problems. If you have read the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet book by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, you will have read that a poor gut microbiome can cause and exacerbate symptoms of autism, dyslexia, ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. (To learn more about GAPS, please visit http://gapsaustralia.com.au/what-is-gaps/). But what I’d like to explore further today is the connection between gut function and autoimmune disease.

So, what is autoimmune disease? 

Autoimmune disease is an umbrella term for a group of conditions where the body’s antibodies attack the body’s tissues. Autoimmune conditions can include the following:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  • Asthma
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Hives
  • Raynaud’s syndrome
  • Type 1 diabetes

How do you contract an autoimmune disease? 

The premise of what causes autoimmune diseases to develop include the confluence of 3 factors:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Exposure to a trigger (eg specific antigen or protein)
3. Intestinal permeability

The majority of orthodox treatment for autoimmune disease involves immune-suppressant drugs and symptomatic management. Unfortunately this does not address any of the causal, driving factors of the autoimmune issue and therefore never fully resolves it.

How can fixing my gut help with autoimmune disease?

Considering that intestinal permeability is likely to be one of the driving factors for autoimmune problems, fixing this may help resolve a lot of your symptoms.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is the official term for intestinal permeability problems. It is a disorder where the cells of the intestine become permeable and leak substances into the blood stream that are toxic. LGS seems to be a common denominator for a number of diseases, not just autoimmune problems and is diagnosed with special urine tests and microscopic examination of the gut lining.

How can you develop LGS and what are its symptoms?

LGS can be triggered and caused by GIT infections (fungal overgrowth, parasitic infections), certain drugs, Crohn’s disease, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, excess alcohol consumption, strenuous exercise and food allergies.

The symptoms of LGS can include:
• Bloating
• Candida overgrowth
• Constipation
• Ongoing diarrhoea
• Gas

So, if I do have LGS, how do I get treated? 

Treatment for LGS includes dietary control, elimination of anti-inflammatories and alcohol, supplementation and probiotic treatment.

If you think you may have LGS symptoms or you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, it is worthwhile seeing a Naturopath who can aid in your diagnosis and treatment.


Are you ready to break free of your pain?

We're serious about helping you live life without pain. Right now, you can book in for a FREE initial assessment. No hidden funnies, weird pyramid schemes, or quackery. Just a great chance for you to see how physiotherapy can help you move again. In fact, we're so serious, we even offer half-price treatment should you chose to pursue your tailored therapy, right in the very same session. Press the button below to quickly make an online booking. It's no fuss and super-simple, we promise.


Scroll to Top