The prevalence of autoimmune disease is estimated to outweigh the prevalence of cancer and heart disease combined and is increasing at an alarming rate. Common autoimmune diseases include, but are not limited to, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. There are numerous autoimmune disease risk factors that are generally unmodifiable, such as genetics, sex, age, and previous infections. However, some risk factors, including dysbiosis or microbial imbalance, increased intestinal permeability, systemic and intestinal inflammation, and dietary/microbial antigens, are modifiable. The health of the digestive system is underpinned by the diet and dietary components and this has a direct impact on autoimmune disease development and progression. In this study, a review of dysbiosis, inflammation, and increased intestinal permeability is undertaken in relation to their effects on autoimmune disease, laying the core foundations for Part 2 of this article, which explores the dietary strategies for the prevention and management of autoimmune disease.
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