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“Anti-inflammatory diet can work wonders for gut health and avert autoimmune disorders”
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New Delhi, April 22, 2019:
A recent research conducted on mice discovered that having too much molecular switch called VGLL3, which regulates immune response genes in skin cells, lead to autoimmune diseases. The study published in ‘JCI Insight’ pointed a key role for VGLL3. Three years ago, a team of University of Michigan researchers showed that women have more VGLL3 in their skin cells than men.
One of the basic foundations of the human body, the immune systems, protects us from many diseases. However, even this system can sometimes turn against the body and cause tissue destruction and degenerative diseases by attacking the healthy cells. This condition leads to what are known as autoimmune disorders (AID).
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “AID often mimic several other health conditions and therefore, an accurate diagnosis is often difficult. They can affect different parts of the body. However, it is imperative to watch out for some symptoms and get tested if they prolong. Some of these include new allergies; heightened sensitivity to chemicals, foods, or smells; lack of energy; absence of any sickness since the immune system is busy attacking itself; brain fog; and even anxiety and depression. People with certain risk factors are more prone to AID than others. Genetic predisposition to the condition is an important aspect. Apart from this, their prevalence is more in women due to hormonal changes. In some, AID can set in during the childbearing years. Some other factors include age, ethnicity, certain bacterial or viral infections, and diet and exposure to chemicals and environmental toxins.”
Some examples of AID include multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic thyroiditis, among others. Over 80 million types of AID affect approximately 100 million people worldwide. 1 In India, at least 10% of the population suffers from various such conditions making them an important reason for morbidity and mortality.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “AID can be diagnosed with a complete blood count test. A deviation from the normal level of white and red blood cells can indicate some underlying issue. A few other tests that can detect an inflammation characteristic to AID are the C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate test. As each AID has markedly different symptoms, the treatment can also vary accordingly. For instance, celiac disease needs to be managed with a gluten-free diet. Other conditions may require therapy or medication.”
Some tips from HCFI
- Our eating patterns have a major role in the prevention of AID. It is imperative to avoid eating an unhealthy diet as processed foods can not only lead to inflammation but also set off an immune response.
- A healthy and balanced diet can do wonders for gut health and further, a strong immune system. A diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A and D, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, pro-biotics, glutamine, and flavanols can avert the onset of autoimmune diseases.
- It is also a must to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day as it helps in boosting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanism.
- Stress is a major factor triggering inflammation, and therefore, it is a good idea to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
healthysoch
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