05/29/2026
Lupus Awareness Month: Understanding the Bigger Picture 🍃
Like many autoimmune conditions, Lupus (SLE) is complex, and emerging research is showing that the immune system may only be part of the story. ✨
For Lupus Awareness Month, Dr. Colin Race explores some of the underlying factors that research is increasingly connecting to lupus development, flares, and ongoing inflammation. These include:
▫️ Gut microbiome imbalances: Lupus patients often show reduced microbial diversity and changes in certain bacteria that may influence immune activity and inflammation.
▫️ “Leaky gut” and intestinal permeability: When the gut barrier becomes compromised, inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream and further stimulate an already overactive immune system.
▫️ Viral triggers like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Certain viruses may act as environmental triggers in genetically susceptible individuals, potentially contributing to autoimmune activity.
▫️ Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation: Stress impacts far more than mental health. Research continues to show strong connections between chronic stress, immune dysfunction, inflammation, gut health, fatigue, and disease activity. These factors are deeply interconnected, and understanding them can help create a more complete picture of what may be driving autoimmune conditions like Lupus.
At Vive Health, we believe education and individualized care matter, especially when navigating complex chronic illness.
Read Dr. Colin’s full blog on our website to learn more about the emerging science behind Lupus: https://vivehealth.ca/understanding-what-may-be-driving-your-lupus-sle/
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