Bacteria located within the human gut have been studied for years. In 2012, Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has classified them as bacteria that may control or alter the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Regulating the human immune system and autoimmune diseases have been found to start in the gut. Bacteria that flourish within the mammalian stomach and intestines have been found to alter the host's immune system. Researchers believe that maintaining the balance of the gut may delay or even stop these diseases from forming. Already the mucus of the stomach prevents ingested bacteria, good and bad, from entering the body directly to stay healthy. But when this does occur, the bacteria trigger an autoimmune response such as attacking the body itself .
One example is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of ones immune system attacking tissues and joints resulting in stiff movements and pain. Although hormones and inevitable aging do contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, bacteria are now being considered for a bigger role in the onset as well. These bacteria have been used as biomarkers for susceptibility for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes. Identifying the particular bacteria that commonly make up the digestive system is a good place to start.
Scientists are looking for a new way to study rheumatoid arthritis through the bacteria of the gut, hopefully being able to eliminate the problems rheumatoid arthritis causes Americans today.