by Marcey Klein BS, CNC
We’re hearing a lot about autoimmune disorders, and that’s because this ailment is on the rise. It is the third most common category of disease in the U.S. after cancer and heart disease. (Bauman, ‘13) and the majority of those suffering from AD, 75% are women.
Among the best known and most studied AD are rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks proteins within the joints; multiple sclerosis (MS), when the body attacks the nerves’ myelin sheaths; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), when our bodies attacks DNA, RNA, nuclei, and more; and Type 1 (insulin- dependent) diabetes, where our bodies attack the pancreas, impairing its ability to produce insulin.
There are several reasons why the body upregulates its immune system to attack its own tissues, organs, and cells. One reason is a high toxic load: too many stressors combine to overwhelm the system, along with leaky gut, where the toxins can circulate in the system more easily, overloading the liver and upregulating the immune system. There is a strong correlation between losing the integrity of our intestinal lining and autoimmune disorders.
Immune system over stimulators also include toxic metals (especially mercury) environmental toxins (like from agricultural, household chemicals, cigarette smoke, and smog) infections, certain medications, hormones (higher than normal estrogen is correlated with AD) certain nutrient deficiencies (nutrients help regulate inflammation and immune system) and dietary factors like gluten and dairy sensitivity.
It’s interesting to note that studies have shown a link between type 1 diabetes and early cow’s milk consumption on those who are genetically predisposed. Casein in milk is a protein that is very hard to digest, it has a gluey consistency, one which makes Elmer’s glue what it is (Elmer the cow is on the label after all!). When something is not being broken down all the way, it has the capability to circulate in the body, which can cause our immune system to go on hyper-alert, potentially attacking different parts of the body that may look like that substance. For an example, multiple sclerosis, where the myelin sheaths of the nerve cells are being attacked, has a gluten intolerance as one of its factors.
What can we do to optimize our body to prevent these autoimmune attacks, or what can we do if we have autoimmunity? Well there’s certain key nutrients that can lower oxidative stress, support the proper function of the immune system, and bring down inflammation. First of all, vitamin D is very important. Vitamin D, which is actually more of a hormone, can help to inhibit autoimmune reactions by regulating the balance of certain hormones. I take 5,000 iu per day which has been shown to be a safe intake, and have seen my immune system strengthened greatly. Vitamin A, C, E, selenium, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin B6, folic acid, essential fatty acids, and zinc will do wonders to support the immune and detoxification systems. I take extra of almost all of these nutrients and have really seen my body respond favorably.
When one is in pain from an autoimmune disease, a bromelain/ curcumin complex taken on an empty stomach would be beneficial along with a magnesium-malic acid supplement to bring down the inflammation. Also increasing intake of fatty fish and taking 2 grams of EPA can help. Cooking with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and greens also helps. Cleaning up the diet, increasing fluids, increasing fiber (I recommend ground flax) and eating a mostly organic gluten free diet will help reduce the total toxic load. These suggestions can be helpful for anyone who wants to optimize their health and reduce inflammation and toxic load as a preventative measure for all diseases. Please come talk to me at Wild Roots in Boulder Creek if you have any questions.
