(NaturalHealth365)  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting the colon, with millions of individuals afflicted.  The underlying causes of IBD and other inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are rooted in a complex interplay of factors.

One of these contributing factors is believed to be autoimmune, characterized by an aberrant immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy cells.  A recent study delved into the potential connection between another autoimmune condition, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and the development of IBD.  Let’s explore the study’s findings and their implications for individuals living with eczema about their risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease.

Certain genes and environmental triggers: A recipe for autoimmune disorders

The development of autoimmune diseases hinges on a multifaceted interplay of various factors within the body.  Some people have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.  Conditions like Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis often have a genetic component.  Still, there are likely environmental factors that lead to the susceptibility of each patient to these conditions.

Likewise, bodily situations such as a constant inflammatory state due to diet can also affect the incidence and severity of autoimmune diseases, whether they are on the skin, in the bowel, or in the joints.  It is possible to have several autoimmune diseases at the same time because of the factors that lead to each predisposing you to other conditions as well.  This intricate web of factors forms the basis of the hypothesis explored by researchers in the study.

Eczema’s hidden message: What your skin may be saying about our gut

The study published in JAMA Dermatology was conducted by matching a control of over 1.8 million children without eczema to 409 431 children with the skin condition.  A similar cohort of over 1.6 million adult control participants was matched to 625 083 adults with atopic dermatitis.

The participants were evaluated for incidents of inflammatory bowel conditions, including IBD, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.  In each group, the presence of atopic dermatitis was resoundingly positively correlated with the presence of both IBD and Crohn’s disease.  Interestingly enough, the connection between eczema and ulcerative colitis was not proven except in people with severe atopic dermatitis.

Ultimately, the study does indicate that people with atopic dermatitis have a dramatically increased risk – 44% at minimum – of some type of inflammatory bowel disease.

This is not an unreasonable conclusion, as other studies have already shown the comorbidity of psoriasis and various inflammatory bowel diseases.  It does seem to strengthen the line of thought that links multiple autoimmune disorders.

How to reduce your risk of developing autoimmune diseases?

Working with a holistic healthcare provider is critical for people with a high genetic marker for autoimmune diseases.  Besides seeking a knowledgeable provider, try making important diet and lifestyle changes.

For instance, sleep is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of general health, and people with autoimmune disorders must ensure they get about eight hours of quality sleep every night.  Optimizing your sleep is critical to regulating your metabolism and reducing inflammation.

Likewise, reducing inflammation through diet is critical.  Vegetable oils and processed seed oils like canola and corn oil have been shown to have pro-inflammatory markers, so avoiding these foods is essential.  Lowering your intake of fried and sugary foods and other high glycemic index foods like white bread also reduces inflammation by reducing insulin response.  Embrace an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and wild-caught fatty fish.  Add anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic to your meals.

Finally, exercise is a great way to keep your blood sugar in check and reduce inflammatory markers throughout the body.  When you exercise, your muscles release anti-inflammatory substances that can counteract the inflammatory response seen in many chronic diseases.  Just don’t overdo your exercise routine.  And, never forget the importance of resolving any emotional issues that might be present.

While you may not have the ability to completely prevent autoimmune diseases, actively striving to deter their onset can significantly reduce the risk and the impact they may have on your health.  Stay positive and always look to improve your lifestyle.  The rewards are worth the effort.

Sources for this article include:

JAMAnetwork.com