Gut Inflammation: Causes & Solutions
By Nicqui Grant, RD(SA), IFNCP
Our gut is crucial to our overall health, serving as a foundation for well-being. Inflammation is a key factor in gut health, often driving the development of gastrointestinal issues and contributing to broader systemic health problems.
Chronic or unresolved inflammation can damage the intestinal lining, resulting in a condition associated with gut barrier damage. This compromise allows harmful substances such as bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream, triggering additional immune system reactions.
Inflammation in the gut can disrupt imbalanced gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, favoring harmful bacteria over beneficial bacteria. Bacterial Imbalance or dysbiosis is linked to various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic disorders. Inflammation can interfere with the gut's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to deficiencies that may weaken overall health and immune function.
Gut inflammation doesn’t remain confined to the digestive system; it can trigger systemic inflammation, linked to various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Inflammation genes that impact gut health:
- HLA (DQ 2.2/5.8) gene variants are associated with an increased potential for celiac disease and autoimmune responses.
- FUT2 and IL-1+ are linked to heightened susceptibility to dysbiosis, such as H. pylori infections, and associated gut inflammation. This increased vulnerability is also connected to a higher risk of developing gastric cancer.
- TNFa (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha): Increased levels of TNF are associated with conditions such as IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Genetic variations that lead to higher TNF production can intensify inflammation in both the gut and other areas of the body.
- CRP (C-reactive protein) is produced in response to inflammation throughout the body, including in the gut, and its levels can rise during the acute phase response. Individuals with genetic variations that increase CRP production may experience higher levels of acute inflammation.
- IL-6: In inflammatory bowel diseases, IL-6 levels are often elevated, driving inflammation in the gut. Genetic variants of IL-6 can lead to higher levels of this cytokine, intensifying the inflammatory response and contributing to conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- FOXO3 plays a crucial role in suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines while promoting the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which is important in inflammatory bowel disease. Variants of the FOXO3 gene are linked to a reduced ability to resolve or clear inflammation and are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and even bowel cancers.
- SLC22A5 is responsible for supplying the gut with carnitine, which is essential for metabolizing short-chain fatty acids, the primary source of energy and anti-inflammatory protection in the gut. Variants in the SLC22A5 gene can impair carnitine transport, ultimately contributing to chronic gut inflammation.
The gut is often called the "second brain" due to its powerful impact on overall health and immune function. A balanced gut microbiome and optimal gut health are crucial for maintaining a long-lasting health span.
Immune System Regulation: The gut microbiome plays a central role in immune function, with around 70% of the immune system residing in the gut. A balanced microbiome helps regulate immune responses, preventing chronic or excessive inflammation. Certain beneficial gut bacteria have anti-inflammatory effects, extending beyond the gut to support the health of the brain and heart as well.
Nutrient Absorption: The gut plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Chronic gut inflammation or dysbiosis can hinder nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies that affect various gene functions. Reduced nutrient absorption can result in poor energy levels, and impaired tissue repair, and contribute to conditions such as arthritis, blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, osteopenia or osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Gut-Brain Axis, Mental Health, and Cognitive Inflammation Regulation:
The gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve, forming a bidirectional communication system known as the gut-brain axis. A balanced gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate stress response and mood. Additionally, the gut communicates with the brain to influence cognition and emotional well-being. Chronic gut inflammation can trigger neuroinflammation, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
A healthy, balanced microbiome helps reduce inflammation by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate from beneficial bacteria. Chronic inflammation is a key feature of aging and plays a role in age-related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. A well-functioning gut helps regulate inflammatory responses, reducing the risk of these conditions and supporting longevity and health span.
Conclusion:
Understanding your genetics can help tailor a personalized approach to maintaining optimal gut health. A diet and lifestyle focused on reducing gut inflammation are essential for ensuring optimal nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, and controlling inflammation. Reduce your vulnerability to gut inflammation by following an anti-inflammatory diet which includes turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich fatty fish. Enjoy foods that support your microbiome like fermented kefir, kimchi, and high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid processed foods that exacerbate gut inflammation and prioritize antioxidant-rich options such as cruciferous vegetables and green tea. A healthy gut reduces inflammation in the gut, body, and brain, playing a vital role in promoting longevity and overall healthspan.