The Gut – Joint Axis

Understanding the surprising link between your gut and your joints

Dr Madura Prasad Suman  ·  VGM Hospital, Trichy Road, Coimbatore

Perhaps the least spoken about, yet of clinical significance, especially in multiple joint pains of unknown origin, can be attributed largely to the causal relationship of the gut & the joints. Sounds unbelievable, doesn't it. Despite the gaining traction on awareness of gut microbiota and statistically higher incidence of IBS and IBD with every passing year, our patients find this astounding relationship unnerving and mind-blowing.

There have been discussions, forums and research at an international level to understand this causal relationship in the molecular level. But the basis of the bigger picture of joint inflammation, seems to reside in the six metres long intestines invariably. This in-turn translates to healthy and balanced diet practices.

What is this gut microbiota exactly?

Our gut houses a diverse ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms (good bacteria, fungi and viruses) living in a balanced and harmonious relationship in our lifetime. These gut microbiota synthesize some vitamins and SCFA's (Short chain fatty acids) which maintain gut health.

The question which immediately follows is a big HOW?

Gut bacteria play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of your intestinal lining. Once this gut-homeostasis (also referred to as Eubiosis) goes for a sixer, the gut becomes leaky, akin a king's fort walls lay demolished, enabling enemies in the form of toxins and metabolites to enter the blood stream.

These rogue toxins find their way to selective joints, which act as hotspots to trigger inflammation.

This in-turn causes pain and swelling of the joints as an immediate response and abet cartilage damage and early arthritis in the long term. A more disabling and unsettling situation is the consistent hyped up inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis and IBD arthritis. Although these conditions have no added direct mortality themselves, their morbid nature impairs quality of life on a day-to-day basis.

Why does dysbiosis happen?

A number of everyday habits have been implicated in altered gut microbiome:

Traditionally "Palaya Soru" or fermented rice water has been beneficial in restoring gut microbiota and preventing and improving autoimmune disorders. Other traditional herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin and saffron have time immemorial served as the toxin-busters fostering better gut immunity.

Gut microbial transplantation has also been studied in rheumatological disorders and found to be of benefit in some studies.

So take care of your gut, and evade autoimmune problems like rheumatoid arthritis.

— Dr Madura Prasad Suman
VGM Hospital, Trichy Road, Coimbatore