Page 25 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Because Crohn’s disease affects absorption, it can make hormonal birth control less
effective. As a “solution” to this, some doctors actually increase the dosage of the
hormones. As you may have already suspected, this can lead to a worsening of Crohn’s
symptoms.

Crohn’s and Fluoride

You may know fluoride as a substance important for the health of teeth. This is because
fluoride has been aggressively touted as a beneficial substance for years. Cities across the
nation fluoridate the water supply, but this practice is under increasing scrutiny. Although
fluoride is naturally occurring in some areas, the fluoride added to most water supplies is
in fact a substance known as fluorosilicic acid. Fluorosilicic acid is obtained through air
pollution control devices in the phosphate fertilizer industry.

Fluoride can result in fluorosis, which is a condition that affects tooth enamel. It is often
noticed by discoloration on the teeth. If fluoride is doing this to children (and adults)
teeth, think of what it is doing in the rest of the body: Some side-effects resulting from too
much fluoride include thyroid disease, cell death, dementia, infertility, muscle disorders,
harmful blood sugar levels, pineal gland damage, brain damage/lowered IQ, and
increased lead absorption.

This leads to the connection between fluoride and Crohn’s disease. Because fluoride
affects absorption of substances, as well a myriad of other bodily systems, it is no wonder
that long term exposure to fluoride has been blamed for Crohn’s flare ups. Some people
suffering from Crohn’s disease claim that when they accidentally consume fluoride, they
immediately notice symptoms flare up.

What’s more, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no notable
difference in tooth decay between countries that fluoridate their water and those that do
not.

Crohn’s Mystery

Crohn’s disease is a gastrointestinal disease under much debate when it comes to exactly
what immune aspects are responsible. What is known for sure is that more and more
people in the developed world are developing this disease, as well as a slew of other
autoimmune diseases. One cannot help but wonder what is triggering this crisis, as well
as whether or not we are silently being exposed to substances being publicized as “safe”
when in reality, their harmful effects go deeper than we realize.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks various
tissues and organs. The inflammation that results from this disease can affect the joints,
skin, blood cells, brain, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Lupus can be hard to diagnose because

25