Gluten sensitivity, leaky gut and autoimmunity

Without question, today there has been an explosion of three major inflammation factors: gluten sensitivity, leaky gut (or intestinal permeability), and autoimmunity. Additionally it appears that these three factors combine to create vicious cycles, leading to various ailments and symptoms. For example, gluten sensitivity leads to leaky gut, or leaky gut development leads to gluten sensitivity, and both gluten sensitivity and leaky gut have been shown to be major triggers for various autoimmune responses. Also, the inflammatory response of autoimmunity promotes tight gap junction breakdown and intestinal permeability and gluten sensitivity.

At the core, it’s the hybridization and deamidation of the grain that has lead to new proteins that are problematic in the system. Deamidated means that a chemical group, an amide, has been removed from the original protein.  In part, the amino acid sequencing of the new proteins are very similar to sequences of self-tissue, particularly in the brain tissue — which is one reason why we see such a prevalence of brain fog and memory issues with autoimmune conditions. The new gluten proteome also induces intestinal inflammation. So the gliadin peptides go into the bloodstream, through the weak barrier system in the gut and the immune system tries to recognize it. It starts to develop antibodies to contend with this new invader. And then, when anything looks similar to that amino acid structure, it’s on the attack. If self-tissue looks similar, there is a chronic attack on self, which is inflammation — as the immune system is trying to put out what it determines is a “fire.”

Gluten sensitivity linked with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. It is very rare to find a person with Hashimoto’s who does not have some degree of gluten sensitivity or full-blown celiac disease. Gluten overstimulates the immune system. Gluten sensitivity is basically defined as any immune response to gluten.

Such an immune response is never good for a person with Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune disease. The immune system is already imbalanced and overactive during an active autoimmune condition. A consistent immune reaction to a regular food in the diet only makes the immune system more volatile, further exacerbating the autoimmune condition.

This overall activation of the immune system creates inflammation and explains why symptoms of gluten sensitivity vary. For some the inflammation may target the joints, creating pain and swelling. For others skin rashes and skin disorders ensue. Many others suffer inflammation in the brain, resulting in brain fog, mood and anxiety disorders, or memory loss.

The list of inflammation-induced symptoms brought on by a gluten sensitivity goes on and depends upon the person’s genetic makeup. Needless to say such systemic inflammation also flares up an autoimmune condition.

Experience shows a gluten-free diet is a must. Most Hashimoto’s patients fall somewhere between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Nevertheless, almost all patients with Hashimoto’s improve on a strict gluten-free diet, even if they do not fit the established criteria of celiac disease. By strict I mean you are 100 percent gluten-free. Because the immune reaction to gluten has been shown to last up to six months after exposure, cheat days or occasionally eating gluten will derail the therapeutic benefits of a gluten-free diet.

Both the scientific and clinical evidence linking gluten with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune disease in general is too powerful and abundant to ignore. A strict gluten-free diet is the first and most important step to managing your Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism or celiac disease.