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	<title>Inflammation &#8211; The Nutrition Factor – Vicky Ellenport </title>
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	<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au</link>
	<description>Located in Brighton, Melbourne, The Nutrition Factor aims to empower individuals to make better food and lifestyle choices.</description>
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	<title>Inflammation &#8211; The Nutrition Factor – Vicky Ellenport </title>
	<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au</link>
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		<title>How Your Gut Microbiome Drives Inflammation in Autoimmune Disease.</title>
		<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/gut-microbiome-autoimmune-inflammation/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Vicky Ellenport]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:20:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune Protocol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Microbiome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inflammation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anti inflammatory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Antiinflammatory Diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/?p=1533</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Your gut microbiome shapes your immune system. Research has found gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in your gut bacteria, is a common link across most autoimmune conditions.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 id="why-inflammation-is-the-thread-running-through-every-autoimmune-condition" data-lfile-container="f93bdeaf-071f-4ea3-afff-4c8d36214021" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Why inflammation is the thread running through every autoimmune condition</h2>
<p>If you live with an autoimmune condition, you already know the pattern: good weeks, then a flare that seems to come from nowhere. Fatigue, sore joints, gut upset, brain fog. Different diagnoses, but the same underlying cause: chronic inflammation, often rooted in the gut microbiome. Research has found gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in your gut bacteria, is a common link across most autoimmune conditions studied. It weakens the gut lining, making it more permeable or &#8220;leaky&#8221; and letting bacterial fragments into your bloodstream that keep your immune system on constant alert.</p>
<p>I know this from personal experience. I was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease in my 20s and spent decades managing symptoms when medication alone wasn&#8217;t enough. What finally changed things was functional testing. Microbiome stool testing and SIBO breath testing showed me that dysbiosis was actually driving my inflammation.</p>
<p data-lfile-container="f93bdeaf-071f-4ea3-afff-4c8d36214021" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Finally, I could treat it, rather than guess.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s what I&#8217;ve learned, clinically and personally: in autoimmune disease, the gut microbiome is often where inflammation starts — and where we have the most leverage to improve it.</p>
<h2 id="first-not-all-inflammation-is-bad">First, not all inflammation is bad</h2>
<p>Inflammation is your immune system&#8217;s way of protecting you. Cut your finger, catch a virus or get stung by a bee, and your body sends in a rapid-response team to contain the damage and start repairs.</p>
<p><strong>Acute inflammation</strong> is short and protective. You&#8217;ll notice redness, heat, swelling, pain or loss of function, and it resolves within days to a couple of weeks. The outcome is healing.</p>
<p><strong>Chronic inflammation</strong> is low-grade and never fully switches off. It&#8217;s often subtle: fatigue, aches, gut symptoms, brain fog, recurring flares that can persist for months or years, causing ongoing damage to cells, tissues and organs.</p>
<p data-lfile-container="f93bdeaf-071f-4ea3-afff-4c8d36214021" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Over time, chronic inflammation stops being a response to disease and becomes part of what drives it.</p>
<h2 id="what-keeps-chronic-inflammation-switched-on">What keeps chronic inflammation switched on?</h2>
<p>In autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly targets the body&#8217;s own healthy tissue — the thyroid in Hashimoto&#8217;s, the joints in rheumatoid arthritis, the gut lining in Crohn&#8217;s and ulcerative colitis. Each condition looks different, but chronic inflammation is the common driver of symptom severity. Common contributors include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>An unresolved trigger</strong> — an infection or injury that never fully settled</li>
<li><strong>Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability (&#8220;leaky gut&#8221;)</strong> — more on this below</li>
<li><strong>A diet heavy in ultra-processed food, added sugar and refined flour</strong>, and low in fibre and plants</li>
<li><strong>Ongoing stress and poor sleep</strong>, which shift the immune system into an overactive state</li>
<li><strong>Movement extremes</strong> — inactivity promotes inflammatory visceral fat, while chronic over-training can add to the load</li>
<li><strong>Environmental exposures</strong> — pollution, chemicals, smoking</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether it&#8217;s the cause or the consequence, bringing down inflammation is central to managing chronic illness.</p>
<h2 id="the-gut-microbiome-and-autoimmune-disease-where-it-often-starts">The gut microbiome and autoimmune disease: where it often starts</h2>
<p>If there&#8217;s one place to look when you want to reduce inflammation in autoimmune disease, it&#8217;s your gut. Most of your immune tissue sits just beneath your gut lining, separated from trillions of microbes by a barrier only one cell thick.</p>
<p>That proximity is deliberate. From birth, your gut microbes train your immune system to tell friend from foe — what to tolerate (food, beneficial bacteria, your own tissues) and what to attack (genuine pathogens). Autoimmunity is, at its core, a breakdown in that tolerance.</p>
<p>Genes load the gun, but they don&#8217;t fully explain who develops autoimmune disease. In animal studies, mice that are genetically prone to arthritis stay healthy when raised germ free and develop joint inflammation once specific gut bacteria are introduced. Your microbiome is one of the most important environmental triggers, and unlike your genes, it&#8217;s something you can change.</p>
<h3 id="4-ways-an-imbalanced-microbiome-fuels-autoimmunity">4 ways an imbalanced microbiome fuels autoimmunity</h3>
<p><strong>1. A leaky gut barrier.</strong> Dysbiosis weakens the tight junctions between gut lining cells. Bacterial fragments such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and partially digested food proteins then slip into circulation, keeping the immune system on constant high alert.</p>
<p><strong>2. Losing your anti-inflammatory bacteria.</strong> Beneficial species ferment fibre into short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate. Butyrate feeds your gut lining and supports regulatory T cells (Tregs) — the immune system&#8217;s peacekeepers. Lose those bacteria and the balance tips toward inflammatory Th17 cells, which drive tissue damage in many autoimmune conditions.</p>
<p><strong>3. Mistaken identity.</strong> Some bacterial proteins closely resemble human ones. When the immune system mounts a response against a microbe, it can cross-react with similar-looking proteins in your own tissues — a process called molecular mimicry.</p>
<p><strong>4. Bacteria in the wrong place.</strong> In a 2018 study published in Science, a gut bacterium called <em>Enterococcus gallinarum</em> crossed a damaged gut barrier into the liver and lymph nodes of autoimmune-prone mice and triggered autoantibodies. Researchers then found the same microbe in liver biopsies from people with lupus and autoimmune liver disease.</p>
<h3 id="what-a-microbiome-test-can-show-you">What a microbiome test can show you</h3>
<p>This is why I don&#8217;t start with a generic anti-inflammatory list. Two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different gut drivers. A comprehensive stool test can show:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Diversity</strong> — how resilient your gut ecosystem is</li>
<li><strong>Your butyrate producers</strong> — whether species like <em>Faecalibacteria prausnitzii</em> and <em>Roseburia</em> are present in healthy numbers</li>
<li><strong>Inflammatory and opportunistic species</strong> — overgrowths linked with immune activation</li>
<li><strong>Gut barrier and inflammation markers</strong> — such as zonulin, calprotectin and secretory IgA, depending on the test</li>
<li><strong>Fungal and parasitic overgrowth</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="where-the-autoimmune-protocol-aip-fits">Where the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) fits</h2>
<p>The Autoimmune Protocol is an elimination-and-reintroduction diet. It temporarily removes foods that commonly aggravate the immune system or gut: grains, gluten, dairy, eggs, legumes, nightshades, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods while doubling down on nutrient-dense vegetables, quality protein and healthy fats. Foods are then reintroduced one at a time to see what you actually tolerate.</p>
<p>The research is still small, but encouraging:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>IBD:</strong> In a pilot study of 15 people with active Crohn&#8217;s or ulcerative colitis, 73% reached clinical remission by week 6, and all maintained it through the maintenance phase. Quality-of-life scores also improved.</li>
<li><strong>Hashimoto&#8217;s:</strong> A 10 weeks study in 17 women found significant improvements in quality of life and symptom burden, with signs of reduced systemic inflammation (measured by CRP). Thyroid antibodies didn&#8217;t shift in that timeframe, but I have seen them shift over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>AIP is a short-term tool, not a forever diet and the reintroduction phase is key. Staying restricted long-term can narrow your microbiome and risk nutrient gaps. Microbiome testing alongside can show whether your priority is restoring fibre-loving bacteria, addressing overgrowth or repairing the gut barrier.</p>
<h2 id="6-gut-first-ways-to-reduce-inflammation-in-autoimmune-disease">6 gut-first ways to reduce inflammation in autoimmune disease</h2>
<h3 id="1-feed-your-anti-inflammatory-gut-bacteria">1. Feed your anti-inflammatory gut bacteria</h3>
<p>This is the foundation everything else builds on. Your butyrate-producing bacteria need fermentable fibre to thrive, and in return they calm your immune system and strengthen your gut barrier.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Prebiotic fibres:</strong> cooked-then-cooled potato or rice, green banana, oats, ground flaxseed, leeks, onions and asparagus (if tolerated)</li>
<li><strong>Polyphenols:</strong> berries, extra virgin olive oil, green tea, cacao and pomegranate help feed beneficial species such as <em>Akkermansia</em></li>
<li><strong>Fermented foods:</strong> sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir or coconut yoghurt — start with a teaspoon and build up</li>
<li><strong>Go slowly:</strong> if fibre makes you bloat, that&#8217;s a clue, not a failure. It can point to SIBO or slow motility, and it&#8217;s worth testing before you push through.</li>
</ul>
<p>A note on probiotics: benefits are strain-specific, and a generic supermarket product may do little for your gut. Your test results show which bacteria actually need support.</p>
<h3 id="2-eat-the-rainbow-your-microbes-love-variety">2. Eat the rainbow — your microbes love variety</h3>
<p>Colourful plants are packed with phytonutrients: the compounds that give food its colour, flavour and aroma, and act as antioxidants that help quieten inflammation. Variety matters as much as volume — different plant fibres feed different gut bacteria. Aim for 30 different plants a week, counting vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices, and lean on dark leafy greens.</p>
<h3 id="3-cook-with-anti-inflammatory-spices">3. Cook with anti-inflammatory spices</h3>
<p>Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and cloves all have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — and they count toward your plant total.</p>
<h3 id="4-check-your-vitamin-d">4. Check your vitamin D</h3>
<p>Vitamin D helps regulate immune function, and low levels are common in people with autoimmune conditions. Unless you send enough time outdoors without sunscreen in the mornings before the heat of the day, supplementation may be the better option. Food sources include salmon, sardines and eggs.</p>
<h3 id="5-protect-your-sleep">5. Protect your sleep</h3>
<p>Sleep is when your body repairs and recalibrates its immune response — even one bad night raises inflammatory markers. Aim for 7–9 hours with a consistent bed and wake time. Switch off screens an hour before bed, keep the room cool and dark, and use whatever helps you wind down: breathwork, a bath, music, a book.</p>
<h3 id="6-lower-your-stress-load">6. Lower your stress load</h3>
<p>Chronic stress keeps cortisol and inflammatory signalling elevated and directly affects your gut via the gut–brain axis. Mindfulness meditation, yoga and tai chi have all been shown to improve stress resilience, and research suggests mindfulness practices may reduce inflammation in chronic inflammatory disease. Start with five minutes a day.</p>
<p><strong>Bonus: move most days.</strong> Regular moderate movement such as walking, swimming or strength work lowers inflammatory markers. Match intensity to your energy — in a flare, gentle beats intense.</p>
<h2 id="test-dont-guess">Test, don&#8217;t guess</h2>
<p>Symptoms tell you something is wrong. They don&#8217;t always tell you why.</p>
<p>I combine microbiome testing, SIBO breath testing (when indicated) and a review of your pathology with a detailed health history. That shows me what&#8217;s driving your inflammation, so your food, supplement and lifestyle plan is built around you.</p>
<p><strong>Struggling with autoimmune or gut symptoms? Book a discovery call here.</strong></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re ready to understand your gut health a little better, follow along on Instagram. &#x1f49a;</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, AIP and the Gut Microbiome</title>
		<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/autoimmune-thyroid-disease-aip/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Vicky Ellenport]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune Protocol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Microbiome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inflammation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thyroid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graves' Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hashimoto's Thyroiditis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thyroid Disease]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/?p=1637</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is the most common cause of thyroid dysfunction in Australia, affecting around 10-15% of the population. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is used to identify dietary triggers, reduce inflammation, and improve thyroid symptoms.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-lfile-container="376751e4-5e78-42ff-8a7f-f316acada768" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most common cause of thyroid problems in Australia. A Western Australian study found raised thyroid antibodies in about 12% of people with no history of thyroid disease, so many people have it and don&#8217;t know.</p>
<p>In clinic, I often see women who are on thyroid medication, whose blood tests look &#8220;normal&#8221;, and who still feel tired, bloated, foggy and constipated. Medication replaces the hormone. It doesn&#8217;t address why the immune system is attacking the thyroid in the first place, and that is where the gut comes in.</p>
<h2 id="how-does-the-thyroid-work">How does the thyroid work?</h2>
<p>Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, just below your Adam&#8217;s apple. Its hormones help regulate almost every system in your body, including metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, mood, brain function and bone health.</p>
<p>The thyroid uses iodine and the amino acid tyrosine from your diet to make two main hormones:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>T4 (thyroxine):</strong> about 80% of what the thyroid releases. T4 is a storage form that needs to be converted into T3 before your cells can use it.</li>
<li><strong>T3 (triiodothyronine):</strong> the active hormone. The thyroid makes a small amount directly, and most of your T3 is made from T4 in tissues like the liver, kidneys and gut.</li>
</ul>
<p>Your brain controls how much hormone the thyroid makes. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which tells the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then tells the thyroid to produce more T4 and T3. This feedback loop is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.</p>
<p>This system can be thrown off by nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, infections, environmental toxins, inflammation, gut dysbiosis and autoimmunity.</p>
<h2 id="hashimotos-and-graves-disease">Hashimoto&#8217;s and Graves&#8217; disease</h2>
<p>There are two main types of autoimmune thyroid disease.</p>
<p><strong>Hashimoto&#8217;s thyroiditis</strong> is the most common. The immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and gradual damage to thyroid cells, so over time the thyroid makes less hormone (hypothyroidism). Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, thinning hair, joint and muscle aches, low mood and heavy periods. It is far more common in women.</p>
<p><strong>Graves&#8217; disease</strong> happens when antibodies switch the thyroid on, so it makes too much hormone (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms can include weight loss, a racing heart, loose bowels, sweating, anxiety, poor sleep, shaky hands and lighter periods.</p>
<p>Once you have one autoimmune condition, you&#8217;re more likely to develop another. Hashimoto&#8217;s often occurs alongside coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren&#8217;s syndrome.</p>
<h2 id="the-gut-and-thyroid-connection">The gut and thyroid connection</h2>
<p>Researchers now talk about a &#8220;gut-thyroid axis&#8221;. Your gut and your thyroid affect each other in both directions, and when one is out of balance, the other usually is too.</p>
<p><strong>Dysbiosis and leaky gut.</strong> People with Hashimoto&#8217;s and Graves&#8217; tend to have different gut bacteria to people without thyroid disease. When the microbiome is out of balance, the gut lining becomes more permeable and lets bacterial fragments into the bloodstream. This keeps the immune system on alert and can make thyroid autoimmunity worse. I explain this in more detail in <a href="https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/gut-microbiome-autoimmune-inflammation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">How Your Gut Microbiome Drives Inflammation in Autoimmune Disease</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Nutrient absorption.</strong> Your thyroid depends on selenium, zinc, iron and iodine, and your gut bacteria play a key role in absorbing them. You can eat well and still be low if your gut isn&#8217;t absorbing properly.</p>
<p><strong>Hormone recycling.</strong> Gut bacteria help reactivate thyroid hormone that the liver has packaged up for removal, so more of it goes back into circulation.</p>
<p><strong>Medication absorption.</strong> Thyroid medication is absorbed in the small intestine. Coeliac disease, <em>H. pylori</em> infection, low stomach acid and inflammatory bowel conditions can all reduce how much you absorb. If your dose keeps creeping up, your gut is worth checking.</p>
<p><strong>SIBO.</strong> A slow thyroid slows the gut, and a sluggish gut is a set-up for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. A 2025 study found people with hypothyroidism were about twice as likely to develop SIBO, and the risk was higher again with autoimmune thyroiditis. This is one reason bloating and constipation are so common with Hashimoto&#8217;s.</p>
<p><strong>Coeliac disease.</strong> Coeliac disease is more common in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. It damages the gut lining, affects nutrient and medication absorption, and is easy to miss because the symptoms can be subtle.</p>
<h2 id="testing-look-at-the-thyroid-and-the-gut">Testing: look at the thyroid and the gut</h2>
<p>Thyroid symptoms overlap with so many other conditions that they&#8217;re easy to miss. A detailed personal and family history is often the first clue that the thyroid needs testing.</p>
<p><strong>A full thyroid panel</strong>, not just TSH, should include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>TSH:</strong> high usually means an underactive thyroid, low usually means an overactive one</li>
<li><strong>Free T4 and free T3:</strong> how much hormone is available, and how well you&#8217;re converting T4 into active T3</li>
<li><strong>Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Ab)</strong> and <strong>thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb):</strong> raised in Hashimoto&#8217;s</li>
<li><strong>TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb):</strong> raised in Graves&#8217; disease</li>
</ul>
<p>Your doctor may also order a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules or enlargement.</p>
<p><strong>Gut testing</strong> is where we find out what&#8217;s driving the immune response:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Microbiome stool testing</strong> to look at diversity, beneficial bacteria, inflammatory species and gut barrier markers</li>
<li><strong>SIBO breath testing</strong> if you have bloating, gas, constipation or reflux</li>
<li><strong>Coeliac screening</strong> through your GP, before removing gluten, because the blood test needs gluten in your diet to be accurate</li>
<li><strong>Nutrient levels</strong> such as iron studies, vitamin D and zinc</li>
</ul>
<p>Test don&#8217;t guess. Two people with the same antibody levels can have very different things going on in their gut microbiome.</p>
<h2 id="where-does-aip-fit">Where does AIP fit?</h2>
<p>The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is an elimination and reintroduction diet. For a period of time, it removes foods that can trigger an immune response in some people (gluten and other grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, nightshades, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods). The focus is on vegetables, quality protein and healthy fats. Foods are then brought back one at a time so you can see what you actually react to.</p>
<p>In a 10-week study of 17 women with Hashimoto&#8217;s, AIP significantly improved quality of life and symptoms, and lowered a marker of inflammation (hs-CRP). Thyroid antibodies didn&#8217;t change in that time. It&#8217;s a small study, but it supports what I see in practice. People often feel much better even when their medication dose stays the same.</p>
<p>AIP is a short-term tool, and the reintroduction phase is the most important part. Microbiome testing shows which beneficial bacteria are missing or low, which helps me prioritise the foods to bring back first. Fibre is usually the most important, because it feeds the bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory compounds like butyrate. Staying restricted for too long starves these bacteria, so a guided reintroduction is important.</p>
<h3 id="nutrients-that-support-the-thyroid">Nutrients that support the thyroid</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Selenium:</strong> an analysis of 35 studies found selenium lowered TPO antibodies in people with Hashimoto&#8217;s. Brazil nuts are a rich source, but the amount varies a lot between nuts, so supplements should be dosed carefully.</li>
<li><strong>Zinc:</strong> needed to make thyroid hormone and convert T4 to T3.</li>
<li><strong>Vitamin D:</strong> helps regulate the immune system, and low levels are common in autoimmune disease.</li>
<li><strong>Iron:</strong> low iron stores can slow thyroid hormone production.</li>
<li><strong>Iodine, with care:</strong> the thyroid needs iodine, but too much can trigger or worsen Hashimoto&#8217;s. Don&#8217;t take iodine supplements or kelp without professional advice.</li>
</ul>
<p>Stress, sleep and regular movement all matter too. Chronic stress affects both your thyroid and your gut, so it&#8217;s part of any plan I put together.</p>
<h2 id="ready-to-look-deeper">Ready to look deeper?</h2>
<p>If you&#8217;ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto&#8217;s or Graves&#8217; and you&#8217;re still struggling with fatigue, bloating, constipation or brain fog, your gut is a good place to start. I combine microbiome testing, SIBO breath testing (when needed) and a review of your pathology, then build a plan around what&#8217;s actually going on for you.</p>
<p><strong>Book a discovery call here.</strong></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re ready to understand your gut health a little better, follow along on Instagram. &#x1f49a;</p>
<p>REFERENCES</p>
<p>Abbott RD, Sadowski A, Alt AG. Efficacy of the autoimmune protocol diet as part of a multi-disciplinary, supported lifestyle intervention for Hashimoto&#8217;s thyroiditis. <em>Cureus</em>. 2019;11(4):e4556. doi:10.7759/cureus.4556. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4556</p>
<p>Busto Silva I, Puig-Domingo M. The impact of thyroid disorders on the gut microbiome: emerging mechanisms and clinical relevance. <em>Arch Endocrinol Metab</em>. 2026;70(spec issue 1):e250075. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/12679698</p>
<p>Hughes K, Eastman CJ. Hashimoto&#8217;s thyroiditis: how to spot the diagnosis and how to manage it. <em>Med Today</em>. 2017;18(9):27-32. https://medicinetoday.com.au/mt/2017/september/feature-article/hashimotos-thyroiditis-how-spot-diagnosis-and-how-manage-it</p>
<p>Huwiler VV, Maissen-Abgottspon S, Stanga Z, et al. Selenium supplementation in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. <em>Thyroid</em>. 2024;34(3):295-313. doi:10.1089/thy.2023.0556. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10951571/</p>
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		<title>Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility Testing</title>
		<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/hair-500-bio-compatibility-test/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Vicky Ellenport]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:42:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutritional Heath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diagnosis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inflammation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/?p=1592</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility Test analyses over 500 different foods and household items to determine what items are compatible with your body on a cellular level. Once the incompatible items are removed, the cells are able to repair and function normally and the body can begin to heal itself naturally. ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>WHAT IS THE HAIR 500 TEST?</strong><br />
The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility Test is used in over 20 countries around the world to determine the compatibility of different foods and household items on your body. In other words, to identify food or chemical sensitivities.<br />
It was developed by Naturopaths in Australia and is based on 30 years of research and development.</p>
<p><strong>HOW DOES IT WORK?</strong><br />
Every cell in the body relies on electrical stimulation for proper cellular function. Foods have their own electrical systems which can sometimes interfere with those within the body cells. The result is poor cellular function which can lead to inflammation, immune dysfunction and ultimately disease.<br />
The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility test allows us to identify the foods which are not compatible with your body and may be the driving factor in your health issues. Removing these reactive and aggravating foods allows the cells to repair and function normally, resulting in a reduction of symptoms and a resolution of health issues.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?</strong><br />
The Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility test is a non-invasive test that requires a small hair sample (or saliva if no hair is available) to be collected and sent in for testing. The list of 500 items to be tested covers all food groups as well as bathroom, laundry, and kitchen products. The test includes local and common brands found in Australian supermarkets. If needed, additional food or household items can also be sent in for analysis.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT IS THE COST?</strong><br />
The cost of the test is $257.00 and includes a comprehensive report highlighting the food/household items to be avoided and a list of the foods that are safe to eat. After following the plan for six months you will be able to retest to determine which of those items are able to be reintroduced.</p>
<p><strong>WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS TEST?</strong><br />
The test is suitable for babies, children, and adults. The test may be helpful for people experiencing symptoms such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Headaches or migraines</li>
<li>Itchy skin, rashes, acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis</li>
<li>Hay fever, chronic sinus congestion, wheezing</li>
<li>Bloating, diarhhoea, constipation, IBS, flatulence</li>
<li>Fatigue, sleep disorders, restless legs and more!</li>
</ul>
<p>If you would like to know more about the Hair 500 Bio-Compatibility Test, get in touch with Vicky Ellenport now.</p>
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		<title>Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease</title>
		<link>https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/diagnosing-autoimmune-disease/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Vicky Ellenport]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2021 09:34:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Autoimmune Protocol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inflammation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutritional Heath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AID]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ankylosing Spondylitis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Autoantibodies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coeliac Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diagnosis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hashimoto's Thyroiditis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lupus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Type 1 Diabetes]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thenutritionfactor.com.au/?p=1543</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Not all Autoimmune Diseases cause symptoms immediately. It is possible to live with an AID for many years before symptoms become apparent or before an incident occurs that leads to an AID diagnosis.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although there are over 80 known autoimmune conditions (and a possible 40 additional conditions suspected of being autoimmune), accurately diagnosing an autoimmune disease (AID) can be difficult. Sometimes there is no one defining sign, symptom or test that can be used to provide a definite AID diagnosis.</p>
<p>The process of getting an AID diagnosed can be so long, drawn out and frustrating that it is not uncommon for people with AID to be labelled a hypochondriac – a person who fears they are living with a serious, undiagnosed medical condition despite diagnostic tests showing that there is nothing wrong with them – especially in the early stages of illness.</p>
<p>On average, a person will see <strong>5 doctors</strong> over the course of <strong>several years</strong> to finally receive an autoimmune disease diagnosis.</p>
<h4><em><strong>Autoimmune Disease Symptoms</strong></em></h4>
<p>While different autoimmune diseases affect different organs and systems in the body, what they all have in common is that they occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.</p>
<p>Autoantibodies are immune proteins that target the body’s own healthy tissue when the immune system fails to distinguish between “self” and “non-self”.</p>
<p>The continual attack on the body’s cells causes inflammation and sufficient tissue damage that symptoms of disease begin to emerge.</p>
<p>People with an autoimmune disease may describe long-term struggles with a wide range of symptoms such as: fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, recurring infections, skin problems, allergies, migraines, unexplained weight changes, anxiety/depression, low/high blood pressure and more.</p>
<h4><strong><em>Why does it take so long to get an autoimmune disease diagnosis?</em></strong></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Common, non-specific symptoms.</strong> The symptoms of autoimmune conditions vary widely and are generally non-specific, that is, symptoms that may describe any one of a variety of conditions. In the early stages of the illness people will usually present to their doctor or health professional for help with one, primary complaint (e.g., recurring urinary tract infection or persistent acne or inability to lose weight) and many of the other symptoms they are experiencing do not get mentioned. It is not until the practitioner has a full picture of ALL the symptoms, together with a full health history, that the connection between the symptoms becomes clearer, and that the possibility of an AID may become apparent.</li>
<li><strong>Remission/flare pattern. </strong>It is possible for an AID to enter a period of <em>remission</em>, where a person may have very mild symptoms, or even be asymptomatic, for a period. At this time, for an undiagnosed person, it may seem that the illness has resolved and is all but forgotten about. However, when triggered, AID can enter a <em>flare</em> phase when symptoms return suddenly and severely leaving the sufferer exhausted, depleted and in pain.</li>
<li><strong>Asymptomatic or slow to develop signs and symptoms. </strong>Not all Autoimmune Diseases cause symptoms immediately. It is possible to live with an AID for many years before symptoms become apparent or before an incident occurs that leads to an AID diagnosis. For example, ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may develop very gradually and often goes undiagnosed for several years, before it becomes visible on an x-ray. Likewise, Type 1 diabetes involves a gradual destruction of the pancreatic beta cells and it is only diagnosed once 90% of the cells have been destroyed.</li>
<li><strong>Co-Conditions. </strong>It is possible to have more than one AID, in fact having one AID increases the chances of you developing another. When there is more than one AID present, it is possible for one to mask the other. For example you may have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, but in actual fact you also may have Coeliac Disease, the symptoms of which contribute to joint pain, but remains undiagnosed if there are no other obvious symptoms.</li>
<li><strong>Every person is different</strong> and, with AID affecting a wide variety of organs and causing such varied symptoms, each presentation of each condition can be different. It is possible that two people may be diagnosed with the same condition with very different symptoms. Alternatively, two people with the same symptoms may be affected by different conditions.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong><em>Risk Factors for Autoimmune Disease.</em></strong></h4>
<p>Certain risk factors are known to increase the chances of developing an autoimmune disorder. The presence of any one of these risk factors, along with a description of all the symptoms, can help to get closer to an AID diagnosis.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Genetics.</strong> While members of the same family may suffer from different autoimmune conditions, a predisposition to autoimmune disease does appear to run in families.</li>
<li><strong>Excess weight</strong> is associated with increased risk of developing an AID that affects the joints such as Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis. In addition, adipose tissue, or fat, secretes pro-inflammatory compounds that cause low-grade chronic inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system.</li>
<li><strong>Smoking. </strong>The toxic chemicals that are released when tobacco is burned impacts the immune system by causing inflammation, suppressing immune function, and stimulating the production of autoantibodies.</li>
<li><strong>Certain medications.</strong> The side effects of some pharmaceuticals that are widely used daily can have side effects that involve the immune system and can lead to an autoimmune reaction.</li>
<li><strong>Infection</strong> with a virus, such as Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), or bacteria, such as Streptococcus, can turn on genes that impede the immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self, initiating an autoimmune reaction.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong><em>Are there tests for Autoimmune Disease?</em></strong></h4>
<p>There is no single test to diagnose AID but rather a selection of markers in blood or urine samples which, when put together with the presenting symptoms can lead to an AID diagnosis.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Autoantibodies:</strong> The presence of autoantibodies may indicate an autoimmune disease.
<ul>
<li>Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test. A high level of these autoantibodies may be used to diagnose a systemic AID such as lupus and may be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms</li>
<li>Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is used to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). A positive test for RF differentiates RA from osteoarthritis and other connective tissue disorders.</li>
<li>Thyroid Antibody test (TPO) is used to diagnose Hashimoto’s or Graves disease in conjunction with other thyroid testing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inflammation Markers: </strong>C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) are used to detect the presence of inflammation, a common characteristic symptom of all AID’s.</li>
<li><strong>X-Rays, Gastroscopes and Biopsies: </strong>may be used to confirm or support an AID diagnosis.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong><em>Why do you need a diagnosis?</em></strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Many people suffer with symptoms for many years and finally having a diagnosis can be a validation that it was not just in their mind.</li>
<li>Knowing what is causing your symptoms allows your health practitioner to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.</li>
<li>Having a diagnosis means that your health care team can anticipate, and help to reduce the risk, of disease progression or future complications.</li>
<li>It helps you educate yourself and gain a better understanding about your condition and how to manage it.</li>
<li>It reminds you that you are not alone, and that you can reach out and connect with others with the same condition so that you may support one another.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong><em>You have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, so what now?</em></strong></h4>
<p>Once you receive an AID diagnosis, the treatment approach is up to you. As there is no proven cure for AID, treatment is aimed at improving symptoms and promoting remission.</p>
<p>One option is the conventional medicine approach which prescribes pharmaceutical medications to manage symptoms and induce remission.</p>
<p>The other option is the natural medicine approach which aims to determine the underlying cause of your AID and to tailor a treatment plan to improve your symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.</p>
<p>As a natural medicine practitioner Vicky works in conjunction with your medical team, using a holistic approach to managing AID that encompasses thorough testing, identification of nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and stress management techniques.</p>
<p>If you have been struggling with a long-term, undiagnosed health issue, or if you have recently been diagnosed with an AID, book in for a complimentary Discovery Session with Vicky to discuss the best options for managing your health.</p>
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