COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 442
● Increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") can allow food
proteins and bacterial products to enter circulation and
potentially trigger systemic inflammation [101]
● Gluten sensitivity has been associated with various
neurological manifestations beyond celiac disease [102]
● Dairy proteins, particularly casein, may cross-react with
neural tissues in susceptible individuals [103]
● Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut microbiota) can contribute to
systemic inflammation and potentially neuroinflammation
[104]
The gut-brain axis represents a critical pathway through which
intestinal dysfunction can contribute to neurological autoimmunity
[105].
Acute and Chronic Stress
Psychological stress can modulate immune function and
potentially contribute to autoimmunity [106]:
● Chronic stress can alter the blood-brain barrier integrity [107]
● Stress hormones modulate immune function and can affect
T-cell differentiation [108]
● Psychological trauma has been associated with increased
inflammatory markers [109]
● Sleep deprivation can disrupt normal immune regulation
[110]
The bidirectional communication between the nervous system
and immune system means that psychological stress can have
profound effects on immune function [111].
Interpreting Antibody Classes: IgG, IgA, and IgM
442
