Beta Glucan

Gut Health and Autoimmune Disease: Beta Glucan Treatment

Oats, barley, and mushrooms contain beta glucan, which helps prevent autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system, lowering inflammation, and enhancing intestinal health.

Article Highlights

Gut Health and Its Role in Autoimmune Diseases

According to research by immunologists, a specific type of gut bacteria can escape from the intestines and cause inflammation, resulting in autoimmune illnesses.

The gut microbiome's balance influences inflammatory responses, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune disorders. (1)

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body instead of protecting it. There are more than 100 identified autoimmune diseases.

Common autoimmune illnesses include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

The human microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. (2) Based on medical data published on PubMed, these microorganisms include:

  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Viruses
  • Anaerobes
  • Facultative anaerobes
  • Potentially pathogenic organisms
  • Bacteria involved in diarrheal diseases

These all play essential roles in digestion, producing vitamins, and regulating immune function. Key functions of the gut microbiome include:

  • Digestion: Breaks down complex carbohydrates and fiber.
  • Vitamin Production: Synthesizes vitamins B and K.
  • Immunity: Regulates immune responses, preventing overactive immune reactions.

Food that is not properly digested can lead to the formation of antigens that trigger an autoimmune response.

Link Between Gut Health and The Immune System

Gut health directly affects immune function, and is in charge of a healthy balance between the two.

Gut health directly affects immune function.

The gut microbiome maintains immune balance by regulating the ratio between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). (3)

Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, leads to immune dysregulation and potentially triggers autoimmune diseases.

An altered gut microbiome is associated with several autoimmune disorders:

  • Multiple Sclerosis: Changes in microbial diversity can influence the development of this neurological disease.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Certain bacteria may exacerbate inflammation in joints.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Imbalanced gut flora contributes to pancreatic beta-cell destruction.
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Dysbiosis can lead to systemic inflammation and organ damage.

Common Autoimmune Diseases Linked to Gut Health

Research has shown a strong connection between gut health and autoimmune diseases.

Type 1 Diabetes and the Gut

Alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to higher risks of type 1 diabetes, nausea, fecal incontinence, constipation, and diarrhea. (4)

Multiple Sclerosis and Intestinal Permeability

Intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," has been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). (5) Leaky gut, a condition where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allows harmful toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream.

This influx of foreign substances triggers an immune response, which in turn can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Common triggers include:

  • Leaky Gut Connection: Increased gut permeability lets harmful substances enter the bloodstream.
  • Immune Triggers: These substances can initiate immune responses contributing to MS development.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Gut Dysbiosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been associated with gut dysbiosis. (6)

Abnormal gut microbiota composition can affect the immune system and may play a role in SLE.

  • SLE Connection: Dysbiosis can result in immune system dysregulation, contributing to SLE.
  • Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalanced microbiota can disrupt normal immune functions.

Beta Glucan for Autoimmune Disease

Beta glucan, found in plant and fungal sources, plays a significant role in managing chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders. (7)

In addition to natural food sources such as barley, yeast, whole grains, and seaweed, beta glucan can be used daily in the form of supplements.

Top benefits of glucan for autoimmune disease:

Strengthening the Immune System

Beta glucan activates immune cells like macrophages, NK cells, and dendritic cells by binding to specific receptors. (8)

This interaction triggers cytokine production, which stimulates other immune cells like T and B cells.

In turn, it helps the body fight off infections and diseases more effectively.

Activating White Blood Cells

Glucan primes white blood cells, such as neutrophils and natural killer (NK) cells.

This priming effect enhances the immune system's ability to identify and eliminate pathogens, reducing sickness incidence and promoting faster recovery.

For example, neutrophils are better equipped to target bacterial infections, while NK cells can efficiently destroy virus-infected cells. (9)

Reducing Hyperactive Immune Response

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

Beta glucan helps modulate this overactivity. By balancing cytokine production, beta-glucan can reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage. (10)

This modulation is crucial for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, where inflammation leads to joint pain and damage.

Speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are on medication.

How Does Yeast Beta Glucan Help with Autoimmune Disorders?

Yeast beta glucan offers various benefits for those dealing with autoimmune disorders.

Modulating the Immune System

Yeast beta glucan helps regulate immune responses, which is critical in autoimmune disease treatment where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. (11)

By activating white blood cells, yeast glucan enables the immune system to recognize and eliminate foreign substances like bacteria and viruses more effectively.

Reducing Inflammation

Yeast beta glucan promotes cytokine production, which reduces the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines common in inflammatory disorders.

Reducing inflammation, (common with inflammatory bowel disease), can alleviate symptoms typically associated with these disorders.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Yeast Beta Glucan

Supplements: Consider high-purity beta glucan supplements. Not all supplements are created equal. Do your research and speak with a doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet that includes beta glucan sources along with probiotics and prebiotics to support overall gut health.

Monitor Inflammatory Levels: Check inflammatory markers frequently if dealing with autoimmune disorders.

Focus on Gut-Friendly Foods: Prioritize foods that support a healthy gut microbiome like fermented foods, fibrous vegetables, high in glucan and low in sugars.

Consult with healthcare professionals experienced in autoimmune diseases and gut health.

Explore herbal supplements like turmeric, ginger, and licorice root for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, exercise and deep-breathing exercises.

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Conclusion

The gut microbiome's balance influences inflammatory responses and helps regulate the immune system, preventing overactive immune reactions.

Beta glucan, found in foods like oats and barley, plays a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Maintaining a healthy gut through dietary approaches and probiotic treatment is essential for preventing and managing autoimmune conditions.

Take action today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does gut health affect autoimmune diseases?

A balanced gut microbiome can significantly influence immune responses, helping to reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders. Keeping your gut healthy mitigates inflammation and supports overall immune function.

Does yeast beta glucan help autoimmune disease management?

Yeast beta glucan helps modulate the immune system and improves gut health, which can be beneficial in managing autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced immune response.

What is the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet?

The AIP diet focuses on eliminating inflammatory foods and incorporating nutrient-dense foods. It aims to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by minimizing foods that trigger inflammation and gut health issues.

Why are probiotics important for autoimmune diseases?

Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut, which modulate immune function, potentially reducing autoimmune disease flare-ups and symptoms.

What foods should be avoided for autoimmune conditions?

Eliminate inflammatory foods like gluten, processed sugars, and dairy. These can disrupt the gut lining and worsen autoimmune symptoms.

Can prebiotics aid in managing autoimmune conditions?

Yes, prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced gut microbiome and improving immune responses, which can help manage autoimmune conditions effectively.

References

  1. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365554/full
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8732367/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553219/#:~:text=Gastrointestinal%20symptoms%20occur%20commonly%20in,%2C%20diarrhea%2C%20and%20fecal%20incontinence.
  5. https://medicine.yale.edu/news/yale-medicine-magazine/article/exploring-the-connections-between-gut-bacteria-and-multiple-sclerosis/
  6. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202850/full
  7. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-beta-glucan
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30088084/
  9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074761321002508
  10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242015625_13-b-Glucan_affects_the_balance_of_Th1Th2_cytokines_by_promoting_secretion_of_anti-inflammatory_cytokines_in_vitro
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230631/