I need to re-establish a good relationship with food. Chronic illness has led to my recent major trust issues. Not too long ago, most meals didn’t cause me harm. By harm I mean: Mood swings, swelling, gastric upset and the bane of my existence…. JOINT PAIN!! Then again that glorious period I speak of, was me being in remission. Now the game’s changed, arguably rigged in my disfavor.
So why does food (something that once gave me joy and excitement to make and enjoy) cause great grief these days? For starters there might be something up with my gut. My literal gut! Studies have been touting this link for years. Apparently, there’s something called, The “Gut-Immune System Axis.” Which basically is when the gut and the immune system share a complex relationship. The gastrointestinal tract contains a large number of immune cells, which help regulate immune responses and maintain a balance between tolerance and defense against harmful pathogens. Sadly, disruptions in this delicate equilibrium can trigger immune dysfunction and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Dysbiosis of the Microbiome
Another term I recently learned about is called, “Dysbiosis of the Microbiome”. Now that’s a mouthful! This means that: the gut bacteria in one’s microbiome isn’t balanced, either due to stress, poor diet and possibly antibiotics. Dysbiosis has been linked to various autoimmune diseases, suggesting that an altered gut microbiome may contribute to immune dysregulation and inflammation.
See Related: Exploring Gut Health for a Vibrant Life: 12 Possible Setbacks
Leaky Gut
The final term is one, many of us have heard of before and that is, “Leaky Gut Syndrome” or increased intestinal permeability. To refresh, this means: The intestinal lining acts as a barrier, selectively allowing nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while keeping out harmful substances. However, when the intestinal barrier becomes compromised, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria may leak into the bloodstream. This leakage triggers an immune response, potentially leading to chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals.
Bottom line, any of the three above mentioned reasons could be the source of it all. While I see that the cycle has begun, prevention is not an option. However, I am determined to retrain my body as well as mind when it comes to its reaction to food. No one should feel fear when presented with a nourishing plate of food. So, while it may take time to fix my microbiome, wait for my immune system to settle down, or heal my leaky gut, perhaps modifying my attitude towards food is a good place to start.
See below for a helpful mindful eating exercise, something I will be incorporating with the next few meals.
