study claims gut biota different for specific diseases

[Sooki]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150331121455.htm

A recent study shows that intestinal bacteria are so different in different diseases (lupus was one studied) that the bacteria can be used to classify effect of different diseases. 

For instance, obese people have different biota than do thin people.  People with lupus have a different set of bugs.  In obese people with lupus, the lupus pattern is dominant (suggesting a reason why lupus people have a greater disposition to metabolic syndrome). 

The study authors are studying this diagnostic to study disease effects, but it seems there could be some treatment (or at least diagnosis) implications in it too.   This is really interesting stuff with much food for thought!

[Sooki]

This one just came out too
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150119082952.htm
showing that injecting bacteria into mouse gut can trigger autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Something to this gut biome (now called the metabolome!) apparently.

[Nymph]

Thanks for the articles! I am super-interested in this subject. I read "An Epidemic of Absence" last year and was just fascinated by all the connections. The hygiene hypothesis is steadily gaining ground in allergic etiology. I think that it makes a lot of sense that could be a very important part of autoimmunity, too.

Anecdotally, I started taking regular probiotics in January. Since that time I have been exposed to the flu, norovirus, and started a job working with second-graders who regularly shower me with snot. I have not been sick ONCE this year! That never happens! Usually I am the first person to come down with everything. I have also not yet had my regular spring flare... Hope that sticks. I know that this may not be the case for everyone but I have a feeling that this is a major part of my health struggles. If they start offering fecal transplant for my issues I'll be first in line!   

[Sleepy In Seattle]

I totally buy this, and it is in line with my own experience and that of my family members. We are all big fans of a "modified Paleo" type eating pattern (basically - gluten-free with very few processed foods/sugars/carbs/starches/dairy; lots of veggies and fruits and lean, organic meats and fish), eating lots of naturally fermented foods, and using probiotic supplements.

I'm sure it's not the whole story - genetics contribute, as well as other immune system factors and random stuff like virus exposures triggering disease, etc...

BUT - having a healthy, balanced gut seems to have a HUGE influence on my own disease activity. Moving from a more "traditional" American eating pattern to the one I described above has made a huge difference in my husband's health, too - he used to have tons of allergies and constant, low-grade digestive difficulty - that's almost all gone now.

We really ARE what we eat! (and what lives in our bellies).