Page 12 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

The Gut: A Critical Component
The bowels are often overlooked as a crucial part of the immune system, but make no
mistake – they are of extreme importance when it comes to immune system health! It is
estimated that over half of the cells responsible for producing antibodies are located in
the bowel wall. The cells in bowel walls actually target and destroy various pathogens that
enter the body. And just like B and T cells, they remember past invaders and can work to
destroy them faster when they encounter them again.

Gut flora is another significant aspect of the immune system. This beneficial bacteria
located in the large intestine inhibit harmful bacteria from further entering the body. Due
to the fascinating balance in the gut, the beneficial gut flora is allowed to thrive in the
bowel without the body destroying it. This is referred to as a microbiome.

Gut flora impacts the pH of the environment inside the bowels and make the area more
inhospitable for pathogens. Some gut flora actually fight specific types of bacteria like E.
coli and salmonella, which are known as gram-negative bacteria. When gut flora is able
to thrive in the gut, there is nothing to feed the bad bacteria, thus it cannot survive.
Another amazing job performed by gut flora is the regulation and balance of inflammation

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