Ulcerative Colitis - An Autoimmune Disease

Colitis is thought to be an autoimmune disease. So what is an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmunity is where the body's immunity reacts against the body, causing excess inflammation in certain parts of the body. In the case of Colitis it is in the gut. But why does it do this?

Our immune systems are designed to react to both unwelcome outside invaders like bacteria and other pathogens, but also to malfunctioning cells, like cancer cells. Unfortunately sometimes the immune system can attack healthy cells, which results in autoimmune diseases like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's.

One way of looking at the situation is to assume that the immune system is over reacting to things and that it needs to be calmed down, and not boosted in any way. However a better way to describe the condition of Autoimmunity would be to look at it as a situation where the control mechanisms as to where the immune system is directed have malfunctioned, the immune-system is still working fine however it is being mis-directed in its efforts and sent to some incorrect places where it is not required. This then leads to problems as the body starts attacking itself. If this is the case then squashing the immune system with drugs is most likely not the best course of action. Perhaps if we can understand the cause of the malfunction we would be better able to solve the problem.

One of the most popular theories as to the current increase in Autoimmune conditions is that we live in too clean and hygienic environments and that we don't get enough exposure to bugs and bacteria. Most bugs and bacteria contain beta-glucans in their cell walls and these beta glucans stimulate the immune system in such a way as to build up normal healthy immunity. Beta Glucans appear to act as immune system modulators, and may be of use in correcting a misbehaving immune system. Beta Glucans are naturally found in foods like Shitake Mushrooms and Oats.

The balance between Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids is another factor that in implicated in gut inflammation. By increasing the intake of Omega 3 in proportion to Omega six the guts over reactivity is turned down. In our modern diet we generally ingest far more Omega 6 than Omega 3; they should ideally be in an equal balance. So eating oily fish and taking omega 3 supplements is a good course of action.