Podcast Episode: How Gluten Impacts Your Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Tom O'Bryan

Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues and organs. While the exact causes are not fully understood, research suggests that inflammation, intestinal permeability (often referred to as leaky gut), and gluten sensitivity may play roles in their development and progression. 

Dr. Tom O'Bryan, an internationally recognized expert on gluten and autoimmune diseases, has been educating healthcare professionals and the public about this potential link. With a wealth of knowledge, he discusses how gluten might contribute to autoimmune conditions.

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The Leaky Gut Connection

According to Dr. O'Bryan, "All disease begins in the gut." He explains that a significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut because that's where we encounter many environmental triggers through our food and drink.

The gut has a semi-permeable barrier that allows nutrients to pass through while blocking larger substances. However, when this barrier is compromised (leaky gut), partially digested food particles may enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering an immune response. Dr. O’Bryan likens the intestinal barrier to a cheesecloth, which helps illustrate the concept:

"When you've got dysbiosis in the gut, inflammation in the gut, you tear the cheesecloth," says Dr. O'Bryan. "When you tear the cheesecloth, now bigger clumps get through the tears in the cheesecloth, the leaky gut."

The Role of Gluten

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is often discussed in relation to leaky gut and inflammation. Dr. O'Bryan references a 2017 review from The Journal of the American Medical Association, suggesting that gluten may activate certain immune receptors, potentially leading to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation.

In other words, when gluten enters the body, it may activate specific immune receptors that recognize it as a potential threat, which could contribute to inflammation and increased intestinal permeability.

The Molecular Mimicry Mechanism 

Once gluten particles enter the bloodstream through a leaky gut, the immune system may recognize them as foreign invaders and produce antibodies to address them. However, due to molecular mimicry, these antibodies might mistakenly target the body's tissues, potentially leading to autoimmune responses.

"Some of the protein structures of what looks like a bug or looks like that chicken, whatever it is, it's the same protein structure that makes up a part of your thyroid," explains Dr. O'Bryan. "And so the immune system attacking that filet of [in my example], beef will go after your thyroid, and it damages the thyroid cells."

This mechanism has been discussed in relation to various autoimmune conditions like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

The Widespread Impact

While many people associate gluten sensitivity or intolerance with gastrointestinal symptoms, Dr. O'Bryan emphasizes that the impact of gluten may extend beyond the gut. "The ratio is eight to one. Only one person gets gut problems with a problem with wheat. The other seven get brain problems, skin problems, hair problems," he says.

Indeed, research has explored potential links between gluten consumption and a range of autoimmune conditions and neurological issues, including:

• Thyroid disorders: Gluten may trigger the production of antibodies that affect the thyroid gland, potentially contributing to conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
• Brain inflammation: Some studies suggest that gluten might contribute to brain inflammation and neurodegeneration, which could potentially increase the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
• Skin disorders: Gluten has been implicated in various skin conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis (an autoimmune skin condition often associated with celiac disease) and psoriasis.
• Joint problems: The immune response potentially triggered by gluten may lead to inflammation and affect the joints, possibly increasing the risk of autoimmune arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The Path to Healing

Dr. O'Bryan suggests identifying and reducing exposure to potential environmental triggers like gluten to help manage inflammation and support healing. However, going gluten-free alone may not be sufficient. 

"I never put them just gluten-free. It's always gluten-free, dairy-free, added sugar-free," he says, noting other foods that might contribute to inflammation.

He also recommends reducing exposure to environmental factors like plastics and considering the use of air-purifying plants.

The Power of Testing

Dr. O'Bryan advises considering testing to determine if gluten sensitivity might be contributing to one's autoimmune condition using advanced tests. By identifying potential triggers through testing, individuals may be able to manage their autoimmune conditions more effectively.

See our comparison of the Top Gluten Sensitivity Labs Tests at Rupa

The Importance of Quality of Life

Dr. O'Bryan's goal is to help people thrive and maintain a high quality of life into their later years, which may be challenging if they continue exposing themselves to gluten and inflammation.

He stresses that even occasional gluten consumption might exacerbate autoimmune issues for some individuals, potentially increasing inflammation and affecting quality of life.

The Path Forward

While the information may seem daunting, Dr. O'Bryan offers a practical approach: dedicating just one hour per week to learning and implementing healthy changes like switching to glass food storage, exploring organic products, and adding air-purifying plants.

"It's the consistency that will make the difference," he says, advocating for gradual but consistent lifestyle improvements.

The Power of Community

In his docuseries, "Betrayal: The Autoimmune Disease Solution," Dr. O'Bryan shares stories of individuals who have managed their autoimmune conditions by following his principles, such as a 42-year-old woman from London who experienced significant improvements in her mobility.

These stories suggest that autoimmune diseases may be managed more effectively through a comprehensive approach addressing inflammation and potential environmental triggers like gluten.

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A Call to Action

In the face of the autoimmune disease epidemic, Dr. O'Bryan encourages individuals to take an active role in their health by understanding the potential gluten-gut-autoimmunity connection and making informed choices.

By considering a gluten-free, anti-inflammatory lifestyle, leveraging testing, and consistently implementing practical strategies, individuals may be able to manage inflammation, identify and reduce triggers, and enhance their quality of life.

As Dr. O'Bryan passionately states, "You can reverse major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia. Just Google Schizophrenia and Gluten. Here come the studies from the psychiatry journals. The psychiatrists are startled that these people are functioning really well, and it's somewhere around 24% to 30% of schizophrenics have a problem with wheat."

By considering Dr. Tom O'Bryan's insights and guidance, individuals can embark on a journey toward better health management, empowerment, and a future where autoimmune diseases have less impact on their lives.