The gut and the immune system are inextricably linked. Up to 80% of our body’s immune cells live in the gut, so it’s no surprise that gastrointestinal (GI) health can influence the immune system. This means poor gut health can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Conversely, the immune system dysfunction in autoimmune disease can also directly impact the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

When it comes to poor gut health and autoimmune disease, it’s often a case of the chicken or the egg. Which one came first? Because the relationship between autoimmune diseases and GI health is bidirectional, it’s not always clear if changes in the gut caused the autoimmune dysfunction or vice versa.

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect The Gut

Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. It can also cause structural damage to the gastrointestinal tract and impact gut barrier function. This chronic inflammation and damage can result in a host of GI symptoms. It can even affect the gut-brain axis, leading to neurological symptoms.

There are also numerous autoimmune diseases that attack the gastrointestinal tract directly. Autoimmune disorders (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis and microscopic colitis) affect the various parts of the gastrointestinal system. They can cause a range of symptoms.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Bloody stools
  • Constipation
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Malabsorption
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Weakness 
  • Weight loss

Other autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease also affect the digestive tract by altering motility. In hyperthyroidism, motility is increased and leads to diarrhea. Hypothyroidism slows the system down, causing constipation.

How The Gut Contributes To Autoimmune Disease

Poor gut health can contribute to the development of autoimmune disease by compromising the gut barrier. It reduces the immune system’s anti-inflammatory response.

  • Reduced Anti-Inflammatory Response: Short-chain fatty acids and regulatory T cells help suppress inflammation and excessive immune responses. An imbalanced microbiome can lead to reduced production of both of these, contributing to autoimmunity.

How To Support Gut Health For Immune And GI Health

Regardless of whether you have an existing autoimmune disease, if you want to avoid developing one or if you simply want to maintain good gut health for your general well-being, there are lifestyle habits you can employ to support your GI system.

  • Eat a high-fiber, plant-based diet that includes a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole-grains.
  • Consume prebiotic and probiotic foods to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Avoid or reduce the amount of processed foods, sugars, saturated fats and alcohol in your diet.
  • Stay physically active.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
  • Manage stress.

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Early diagnosis of autoimmune disease can significantly improve outcomes and help avoid irreversible damage.

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.