Page 13 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

in the body. When the gut flora in the body are diminished (which can happen when you
take antibiotics or eat processed foods), the door is wide open for bad bacteria to flourish,
bodily inflammation to flare up, and the immune system to fail.

Sugar is not good for the body, and it is certainly not good for the promotion of healthy
gut flora balance. This is because sugar feeds the bad bacteria in the gut, thus offsetting
the balance and creating more bad bacteria than good. As already mentioned, artificial
sweeteners are not a good way to avoid sugar, nor are they good for gut flora. This is
because they may affect the way our bodies process sugar. Because artificial sweeteners
contain no calories, they get to travel right through the gut and right into the path of gut
flora. While there, they may negatively impact the balance. While it may not be realistic
to completely cut all kinds of sugars from the diet, you can start promoting a healthy
balance of gut flora by simply watching what you eat and trying to limit sweets.

Antibiotics and a diet rich in over-processed foods are two major ways the gut flora in the
body can be killed off. Other ways include exposure to pesticides, MSG, meat and dairy
treated with antibiotics, and drugs for acid reflux. It is critical when taking antibiotics to
also help replenish your compromised gut flora with probiotics. Some ways to do this are
through leading a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.

Probiotics are often touted as a great way to replenish good bacteria in the gut. While
some probiotics are indeed beneficial, there are other ways to promote gut health as well.
One way is by eating more fermented foods. Sauerkraut is one of the most popular
fermented foods. It is made by fermenting cabbage. It contains beneficial probiotics. You
can easily ferment your own, or purchase it from the refrigerated section in the grocery
store. The canned versions of this will contain significantly less probiotics. Another
effective way to positively impact gut health is to drink kombucha. This is a type of
fermented tea that can have a tangy taste. It may contain a very small amount of alcohol
due to the fermentation process, but usually not enough to cause any issues. Another
popular food for replenishing gut flora is yogurt. This is made from fermented milk. Look
for yogurt brands that advertise “live and active cultures” on the label.

In summary, the immune system is composed of a network of organs, vessels, mucus
membranes, skin layers, lymphocytes, and gut flora specifically designed to help your
body keep out foreign substances that could cause harm. Like a well-oiled machine, these
components work together to provide multiple lines of defense against pathogens.
Unfortunately, not everyone’s immune system works this way. More and more people are
being affected by autoimmune diseases that make the immune system mistakenly react
and attack the body. Instead of the body being able to recognize a foreign substance, the
body may attack its own healthy cells, organs, or tissues, thinking they are foreign.
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, and have been steadily rising for several decades.

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