Page 15 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

When the body thinks it detects a foreign substance, it will send the immune system to

attack, as discussed in the previous chapter. When someone has an autoimmune disease,
their body attacks itself thinking it has encountered a foreign substance that needs to be
eliminated. The result is a wide range of unpleasant side-effects ranging from anaphylaxis
to organ failure, depending on the specific autoimmune disease.

Although doctors are not quite sure what has been causing the rise in autoimmune
diseases over the past decades, they have been able to discover certain trends concerning
autoimmune disease. For instance, twice as many women are affected than men. In
addition, ethnicity may play a role in the incidence of certain autoimmune diseases. An
autoimmune disease called Lupus affects more Hispanic and African Americans than
other ethnic groups.

Heredity also plays a role in the incidence of autoimmune disease. We all have certain
genetic markers, and scientists have discovered that some people are more likely to be
susceptible to certain autoimmune diseases than others, because other family members
had the disease.

Exposure to bacteria and germs is crucial to the building of a healthy immune system.
Some theories suggest that modern children are not exposed to as many germs as past
generations have been. With all the antiseptics used in soaps, sanitizers, and related
products, children are being shielded from contact with substances that may help to build
their immune systems. The advent of vaccines also means no exposure to viruses that
could help build a strong immunity, as well as a medical intervention that affects a
complex and intricate immune system.

While many theories continue to circulate about why autoimmune diseases are on the rise
over the past several decades, there is no concrete evidence pointing researchers to one
specific cause or trigger. Other theories include poor diet and constant exposure to
chemicals in our everyday lives.

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