When the immune system starts attacking itself

The immune system protects the body from pathogens: viruses, bacteria, parasites. As well as from allergens, toxins and malignant cells. To do this, it has two main tools: antibodies and immune cells. Antibodies are proteins that travel through the bloodstream, bind to pathogens or their proteins - antigens, and neutralize them. In addition, antibodies can “attract” immune cells to destroy the “enemy”.

Normally, the body has immune tolerance to its antigens, that is, it can distinguish its own cells and proteins from others. But sometimes the immune system breaks down and autoimmune diseases develop.

The most common autoimmune diseases are:

Type 1 diabetes. The immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. The patient feels intense thirst, lack of strength, and sometimes constant hunger.

Rheumatoid arthritis – in this case, the immune system destroys the joints. The joints (mainly the arms and legs) are swollen, painful, and the fingers bend and twist unnaturally.

Multiple sclerosis – the neurons in the brain and their myelin sheath are destroyed.

Ulcerative colitis – is a lesion of the intestinal mucosa and the bacteria living in it. The mucosa is inflamed, the patient suffers from abdominal pain, nausea and indigestion.

Psoriasis – the immune system attacks the skin, causing it to dry, redden and peel.

Some autoimmune diseases affect more than one system. This is how systemic lupus erythematosus manifests itself. Its symptoms are so non-specific that it is very difficult to diagnose the disease.

Before an autoimmune disease develops, the body must develop and accumulate antibodies to its own tissues. The exact cause of this is still unknown. Scientists speculate and study risk factors. The influence of the microbiota on immunity and the development of autoimmune diseases is being actively studied.

The connection between autoimmune diseases and the microbiota

Approximately 100 trillion different types of bacteria live in the human intestine.

The intestinal microflora of healthy adults mainly consists of six types of bacteria:

Firmac,

Proteobacteria,

Bacteroides,

Actinobacteria,

Fusobacteria,

Verrucomicrobia

Bacteroides and Firmicutes make up the majority of the normal microbiota, with slightly more Firmicutes than Bacteroides in healthy adults. Bacteria produce many metabolites, some of which can provoke the development of autoimmune reactions, while others, on the contrary, protect the body. Thus, certain types of intestinal bacteria can influence the appearance or maintenance of certain immune cells, for example, T-helpers. These cells are associated with various autoimmune processes: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis. Some staphylococci produce superantigenic toxins, which also cause hyperactivation of T-lymphocytes. Some bacteria of the Clostridia and Bacteroides types (for example, Bacteroides fragilis) can suppress autoimmune inflammatory diseases, as they induce regulatory T-lymphocytes.

Maintaining your intestinal microbiota and thus protecting yourself from many diseases can be achieved with a few healthy habits.

Get more fiber

Fiber is a prebiotic and food for bacteria, allowing the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. The main sources of fiber: vegetables, fruits, berries, legumes, cereals, nuts. A diet rich in fiber will reduce the risk of developing diabetes and at the same time increase the diversity of the microbiota, as well as reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.

Sweets

You should consume sweets in moderation, because if there is too much sugar, microbial diversity decreases. As a result, the risk of ulcerative colitis and other autoimmune diseases increases. The amount of sugar should not exceed 10% of the calories consumed, and preferably 5%. On average, this is no more than 50 grams of sugar per day. This is approximately how much is contained in one two hundred gram piece of cake. And remember: sometimes you can eat 100 or even 200 grams of sugar. Just don't do it all the time.

Move more

Physical exercise has a positive effect on the microbiota, increasing its diversity, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and limiting the activity of T-lymphocytes. This means that they reduce the risk of developing diseases, including autoimmune diseases. The intestinal microbiota can affect the metabolism of glucose, as well as other substances in the body. Based on the results of the studies, scientists have described the microbiota profile that is seen in type 2 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other autoimmune diseases. The less the patient's microbiota profile resembles the disease profile, the higher the protection. The indicator is rated on a scale of 1 to 10.