Blessings to you Kim

There is always a personal connection.

This week, I’d love to focus on autoimmune conditions that affect the digestive and endocrine systems. As I review this list, I can’t help but think of the many personal encounters I’ve had—both in my own life and throughout my career as a physical therapist.

During my clinical training more than 20 years ago, I worked in a hospital where I met a young man—likely in his 20s or 30s—living with Crohn’s disease. He was incredibly frail, weak, and chronically ill. He was frequently admitted during flares, and I still remember how deeply his condition had impacted his strength and vitality.

Years later, I met a young physical therapist in her 20s who had recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She lit up when she shared how a physician at MUSC recommended Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’s book Fiber Fueled. Within just one week of changing how she ate, her blood markers improved—and more importantly, she felt better.

I also know individuals with celiac disease, and I’ve seen firsthand how removing gluten dramatically improves their quality of life—while also requiring constant vigilance to maintain health.

Autoimmune Conditions of the Digestive & Endocrine Systems

Before diving into specific conditions, it helps to understand the systems involved.

The Digestive System

The digestive system, while located inside the body, is technically considered outside of it. Surprising, right? It begins at the mouth and ends at the anus—both open to the external world—and stretches nearly 30 feet through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

The digestive tract communicates with the body through absorption. When the intestinal lining becomes compromised, larger particles can pass through where they shouldn’t. The immune system sees these as foreign invaders and launches an inflammatory response. This process is known as intestinal hyperpermeability, commonly referred to as leaky gut.

Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye). Eating foods that contain glute cause immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, depression, osteoporosis, and more. Strict avoidance of gluten is currently the primary management strategy.

Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
These inflammatory bowel diseases involve an overactive immune response to normal gut bacteria.

• Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, often the small intestine, and may involve deep ulcerations.
• Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects only the large intestine.

Both can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and mouth sores.

The Endocrine System

We touched on the endocrine system last month when discussing hormones. As a refresher, it includes glands that release chemical messengers (hormones) into the bloodstream to regulate vital body functions.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The thyroid plays a major role in metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, muscle function, energy use, growth, and brain health. When it’s under autoimmune attack, symptoms can be widespread—or subtle—making diagnosis challenging.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
The pancreas is both a digestive and endocrine organ. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Without insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream rather than entering muscle and liver cells. Insulin replacement is necessary, but blood sugar control is also influenced by nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress resilience.

Tip of the Week: Nutrition Awareness

Because gut health plays such a central role in autoimmune disease, nutrition is a powerful starting point.

A simple first step is keeping a food and symptom journal. Track:

• What and when you eat or drink
• How you feel afterward (energy, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, GI symptoms, mood)

Patterns often emerge that can provide valuable insight for you and your healthcare team.

Coming Next Week

Autoimmune Conditions of the Musculoskeletal & Nervous Systems
We’ll explore how movement—even when limited—can be a powerful part of healing.

Ready to Connect?

If you’re ready to take charge of your health, I invite you to book a Find Your Energy Discovery Session, or if you have a few questions for clarity or for someone else please schedule a virtual coffee chat or local coffee chat.

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”
— Ayurvedic Proverb

May you be blessed to digest,
Kim
Hope & Healing Lifestyle Coach
Website: hopeandhealinglifestyle.com
Email: kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com