1 year ago
Hi,
I have recurring uveitis condition(auto immune condition affecting the eye, causing redness and pain) and it doesn't seem to go away even after immune modulation drugs. Could it be gut related?
1 year ago
Dear Shifali Shetty, Thank you for the question
Uveitis, an inflammatory disease of the intraocular uveal tissues (including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid). It occurs when there is a dysfunction in a person’s immune system leading to attack on the proteins in the eye.
According to research studies there is an increased evidence which suggests that there may be a potential association between the microbiota in the gut and the development of autoimmune disorders. However, there is no established evidence that indicates Uveitis can be caused due to Gut microbiota in humans.
We request you to contact your specialized health care professional such as an ophthalmologist for further diagnosis and assistance.
Nutrients important in vision health include vitamins and minerals with antioxidant functions (eg, vitamins C and E, carotenoids, zinc ) and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties (omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA].
Gut microbiota includes a diverse community of bacteria in human gut, they carry out various functions that influences our overall health. The functions include, nutrient metabolism, natural defense against infections and regulation of immune system.
For managing a healthy gut it is important to consume a diversified balanced diet at regular intervals, maintain hydration and include dietary fibre in your daily diet. It is also important to engage in regular physical activity and include prebiotic and probiotics in your daily diet Prebiotics are food components that confer benefits to the host by selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial gut microbiota whereas Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that incur positive effects on human health. They are present in the human gut and are also taken through food products such as yogurt, fermented foods, dietary supplements etc.
Prebiotics naturally exist in different foods including, asparagus, garlic, chicory, onion, honey, banana, barley, tomato, rye, soybean, human’s and cow’s milk, peas, beans, etc.
The common sources of probiotics are yogurt, cultured buttermilk and cheese. The other foods that are produced by bacterial fermentation are, tempeh, sauerkraut, sour dough, bread etc. Look for food products labelled ‘Probiotic’, ‘Probiotic food’, ‘Contains Probiotics’, ‘with Probiotics’ etc.
Daily RDA for fiber as per NIN, ICMR is: 25g per day for females
Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health.
For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.
Hope we have answered your query.
Wishing you a great day ahead