What does our gut bacteria have to do with lupus?
We already know a great deal about how the bacteria that live on and within us play a huge role in our overall level of health and wellness. They are more than just simple passengers along for the ride. They play a critical symbiotic relationship with the rest of our bodies by interacting with our cells and playing host to many vital bodily functions.
Now, researchers are discovering that our gut bacteria may play a role in the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. More commonly known as lupus, this is an autoimmune disease associated with many different systems that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue and causes joint problems, tiredness, and rashes. Pain is associated with inflammation of the kidney, lungs, and even brain.
For a long time, little was known about what caused lupus, but a new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine finds that one of the potential contributing factors might be the bacteria in the gut. While researchers have not stated gut bacteria may be the primary cause, factors associated with it may play a part in aggravating the condition.
The mechanism governing the actions behind lupus is the Ro60 protein, which can be found in some bacteria that lives in soil. When lupus flares up, it attacks this protein. When researchers examined whether gut bacteria produce this protein they discovered it does. For those who have lupus, the presence of Ro60 might trigger an immune response.
Researchers took bacteria that produce a similar protein in mice bred without gut bacteria. The resulting reaction was like what is seen in people who have lupus. Until now it has been assumed that lupus results from a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. It could be that those who have a genetic susceptibility to the Ro60 hormone may also be at greater risk, as the presence of this protein will put their immune system into overdrive.
As researchers continue to find the triggers responsible for autoimmune and other chronic conditions, it is likely that answers will likely continue coming from unexpected places.
Ever since the advent of insulin therapy in the 1920s, peptide therapeutics have continued to play a crucial role in medical practices. From its ability to cure bones, to its ability to act as a skin anti-aging agent, peptides have exploded in popularity.
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For many women, hormones have a significant impact on their moods, attitudes and even what they decide to eat. For anyone who has ever had a love life hiccup that lead to the consumption of ridiculous amounts of chocolate, they can thank hormones. OK, maybe that hit below the belt for some of us. But seriously, our hormones affect our quality of life much more than we want to admit. The truth is, an imbalance can cause us to feel tired, change the tone and appearance of our skin and even weigh us down with a sense of heaviness. To combat this, actress Suzanne Somers enthusiastically supports the use of bio-identical hormones. She says they play a crucial role in our health. Plant-based sources of hormones replace those naturally occurring ones that have declined over time, bringing hormone levels back in proper alignment. In addition to the aging process, exhaustion and illness may also decrease the body’s ability to produce a sufficient quantity of female hormones. So how do you know you have a hormonal imbalance? Take a close peek in the mirror at your skin. What is the quality of your complexion? Has it changed? And examine your overall health. Are you more tired than you used to be? Does it seem as if you catch every little bug that is making the rounds? If you have experienced one or more of these symptoms, you are not alone. We live in a very stressful world that takes a toll on the body’s production of nourishing hormones. The solution is simple — a course of restorative hormone therapy using bio-identical plant-based hormones to give you that boost in energy and vitality you’ve been wanting for so long. As with any medical regimen, you should seek the expertise of a competent health care provider experienced in administering bio-identical hormone therapy. Get ready to feel great!
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