Joint pain is related to bacteria in the intestine

Is it possible that intestinal bacteria can influence pain joint? According to several studies, these microbes could affect the immune system and cause problems in other parts of the body

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that occurs when there is degradation of the cartilage, which leads to swelling and stiffness in one or more joints.
Although investigations have determined some risk factors that can trigger this type of health problems, experts are not entirely sure of what could be the direct cause that causes it.
In the search for a more conclusive cause of problems of the joints, a group of researchers has focused on a potential culprit that until now had not been taken into account: bacteria that live in our intestines.
In recent studies has been able to determine that the bacteria in the intestines can cause different ailments of the joints, including the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, may also be related to diseases that alter the functioning of the immune system, causing chronic problems.

Bacteria in the intestine, a cause of joint pain

In na research carried out in the year 2013, Dr. José Scher, rheumatologist from the University of New York (United States) found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are more predisposed to have an intestinal bacterium called Prevotella copri, than those who do not suffer from this disease.
In another study published in October of the same year, Scher found that patients with psoriatic arthritis had lower levels of some major intestinal bacteria.

These studies are part of the efforts that have been doing several scientists from around the world to understand and explain how the Microbiome (the mass of microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract) plays a very important role in the health in general.
It is estimated that the intestines there are up to 1,000 species of different bacteria, which can weigh between one and three kilos. In recent years researchers have endeavored to demonstrate that these agencies have much to do in human health, since some are the catalysts of diseases, while others protect the body.

We recommend to read: 12 natural remedies to relieve pain in the joints

Bacteria in the intestines affects the immune system

The Veena Taneja, Clinical Immunology Mayo in Rochester (Minnesota), ensures that "is becoming increasingly clearer that these microbes can affect the immune system, even in diseases that aren't in the intestine, and that joint pain is related to bacteria in the intestine".

Researchers have been surprised with the findings of the studies, because intestinal bacteria on the immune system have greater influence than many thought.
In recent decades the incidence of autoimmune diseases have increased and many Microbiome researchers sustain that, at least part of this problem is due to changes that the microbial ecosystem has suffered from the modern way of life.

See also: would like to improve your health? Starts with your intestines

The bacterium Prevotella copri could be responsible for pain in the joints

Microbes affect the health of the intestine, place where two-thirds of the body's immune cells. In the process of digestion, the gastrointestinal tract must fight with a steady stream of foreign microbes that can come from foods that must be monitored to detect if they are harmful and should be destroyed.

To fulfil this function, the intestines have developed an extensive immune system, whose effects extend to other organs outside the intestine. Immune cells that live in the intestine are able to activate inflammatory in all body cells, including those joints.
For the expert José Scher, bacterium Prevotella copri may cause an immune reaction that then goes to the tissues causing joint pain. Another theory is that this can move the beneficial microbes of the intestine, which in turn causes weakening of the immune system.
The last theory is one of the most supported, since in the study people with high levels of Prevotella copri had reduced their levels of Bacteroides fragilis, is one of these beneficial bacteria that influence the immune system.
The results of these studies have given rise to new research to create new strategies, in order to use bacteria as a medicine for immunological diseases.
In fact, experts in health and recommend the consumption of probiotics (good bacteria) to restore the intestinal flora and treat health problems such as acne, insomnia and other problems that may be associated with the health of the intestine.

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