Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune related disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30.
Some agent or a combination of agents -- bacteria, viruses, antigens -- triggers the body's immune system to produce an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal tract. Recent studies show some combination of hereditary, genetic, and/or environmental factors may cause the development of IBD.
Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease usually are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Types of Digestive Autoimmune Diseases
While there are several autoimmune diseases connected to the digestive system, the following ones are the most common: Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn's Disease. Celiac Disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered a functional bowel disorder, not an autoimmune disease. However, certain autoimmune diseases produce symptoms similar to IBS and you can have an autoimmune disease and IBS at the same time.
When the body senses danger from a virus or infection, the immune system kicks into gear and attacks it. This is called an immune response. Sometimes, healthy cells and tissues are caught up in this response, resulting in autoimmune disease.
They can be a variety of things, including gluten, soy, dairy, corn, nightshades, grains, legumes, coffee, and/or eggs. Work with a functional medicine doctor to find out what diet is best for you. Environmental toxins: Mold and other environmental toxins can both induce AI disease and trigger AI flares.
Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more. Specific symptoms depend on the exact disease.
Your workup may start with a complete blood count (CBC) and stool test to look for signs of intestinal inflammation. You may also get one or more of these diagnostic tests: Colonoscopy to examine the large and small intestines. EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) to check the digestive tract for swelling and ulcers.
The Risks of Not Treating IBD
One risk of not treating IBD is a higher frequency of flare ups (of inflammation and symptoms) and progression of the inflammation to irreversible bowel damage.
Autoimmune condition
This results in swelling and redness (inflammation) of body tissue in the infected area. In ulcerative colitis, a theory is that the immune system mistakes "friendly bacteria" in the colon, which aid digestion, as a harmful infection, leading to the colon and rectum becoming inflamed.
Autoimmune enteropathy occurs when the body's own immune system attacks itself, and irritates or inflames the lining of the intestine. Sometimes this is a problem only with the bowel or intestines; sometimes the body attacks itself in other places such as the thyroid or other glands in the body.
Autoimmune disorders in general cannot be cured, but the condition can be controlled in many cases. Historically, treatments include: anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation and pain. corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation.
Choose Calming Foods
Fruits and vegetables (aim for a broad rainbow of colors to get the most antioxidant variety), fish and fish oil, olive oil, ground flaxseeds, and spices like ginger, rosemary, basil and turmeric can all have a quieting effect on an overactive immune system.
Physical and psychological stress has been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease, since numerous animal and human studies demonstrated the effect of sundry stressors on immune function.
Eating a thyroid-friendly diet can help reduce inflammation and decrease the severity of flare-ups. Try to eat meals that mostly consist of lean meat, fish high in omega-3's, and vegetables. Some studies suggest that eating a gluten-free diet may also help people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's.
Tests that may be done to diagnose an autoimmune disorder include: Antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests. Autoantibody tests. Complete blood count (CBC) with white blood cell differential (CBC with WBC differential)
As around 80% of your immune cells are located in the gastrointestinal tract, gut health is closely linked to immune function. Research shows that the digestive condition known as leaky gut (or intestinal permeability), is a common factor in the biological mechanism that leads to the onset of autoimmune disease.
Rheumatologists evaluate and treat autoimmune, inflammatory or other musculoskeletal conditions like: Rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Now a new study shows that allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis also tend to overlap with having IBS and functional dyspepsia.