Autoimmune Disease Symptoms: Don't take fatigue and joint pain lightly; this disease can start in the intestines.

Gut Health And Immune System: Many times, these are not isolated problems, but point to a larger cause, an imbalance in the immune system, which may start from the gut.

 

Are fatigue and bloating a sign of an autoimmune disease?

Can Fatigue and Bloating Be Signs of Autoimmune Disease? We often ignore our body's small signals. We mistake fatigue for stress, bloating for an eating disorder, and dismiss joint pain as a result of age or work. But often, these aren't separate problems, but rather point to a larger cause: an imbalance in the immune system, which can begin in the gut.

What are its signs?

In fact, autoimmune diseases don't initially show signs of being overt, but rather give subtle signals. The body doesn't make a fuss about them, but rather gives subtle signals that are often ignored. In many cases, they begin in the gut, where a large part of the immune system is controlled. The gut is not only a part of digestion, but also a major immune center of the body. Approximately 70 percent of immune activity occurs in the gut lining. The microbiome, a balanced group of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, helps the immune system function properly. But when this balance is disrupted, the body's immune system itself begins to become confused.

When the gut lining becomes weakened, commonly known as leaky gut, harmful substances can enter the bloodstream. This causes the immune system to be repeatedly activated and inflammation to increase. Over time, this condition can lead to autoimmune problems.

What are the initial symptoms?

Its initial symptoms may seem quite common, such as persistent fatigue, frequent bloating, mental fogginess, mild but recurring joint pain, or skin problems. These symptoms may not seem serious on their own, but if they persist for a long time or appear together, they should not be ignored. Molecular mimicry may also be a cause of immune system dysfunction. In this, some bacteria resemble the body's own tissues, confusing the immune system and causing it to attack internal parts of the body. This process gradually gives rise to autoimmune diseases.

What do experts say?

Dr. Aniruddha Maslekar told TOI that autoimmune diseases don't always begin where symptoms appear. In many cases, they can be triggered by an immune imbalance in the gut. He explains that the initial signs are often mild, so people tend to ignore them, leading to delayed diagnosis. Doctors recommend that if symptoms like fatigue, stomach problems, and bloating occur simultaneously and persist for a long time, one should immediately consult a doctor. If identified early, these diseases can be better controlled.