Page 40 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for everyone, but much more so for those with
autoimmune conditions like UC. Oftentimes, those with UC are already fatigued and tired,
but may find it hard to fall asleep due to frequent trips to the bathroom and abdominal
pain. There are things you can do to help create a more relaxed environment, conducive
to sleep. For starters, begin a bedtime routine that helps you wind down.

This may include a warm herbal bath before bed or quiet time while sipping herbal tea or
golden milk. Turmeric is the main ingredient in golden milk. It is great for reducing
inflammation, as well as relaxation and stress relief.

Environmental Causes of UC Flares

Although UC is thought to be the result of a combination of environmental and genetic
factors, it has been discovered that this autoimmune disease doesn’t seem to be passed
down from one generation to the next in families very often. However, there have been
many genes identified that possibly play a role in susceptibility to the disease. It is thought
that perhaps those who are more genetically predisposed to the disease may trigger it
when exposed to a number of environmental factors.

Environmental factors that seem to be connected to UC flare ups include the use of
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), extended antibiotic use, smoking,
hormonal contraception, and bacteria/viruses that may trigger an immune reaction.

NSAIDs include many popular over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.
Overuse of these drugs can result in digestive issues for people who don’t even have an
inflammatory bowel disease, so it makes sense that taking too many NSAIDs would
greatly affect someone with UC.

Antibiotics have their place in Western medicine, but some have argued that doctors are
overprescribing them, which is leading to an increase in autoimmune diseases like UC.
Antibiotics can harm beneficial bacteria in the gut that help with immune function, as
well as bowel health. It is no surprise that regular or extended antibiotic use might trigger
a flare up in someone with UC, or perhaps trigger the onset of the disease in those
genetically susceptible.

Everyone knows that smoking is not good for health in general. It puts people at a much
higher risk of developing a large number of diseases. However, with UC, one of the
strangest anomalies has been discovered: For some unknown reason, UC seems to affect
nonsmokers more than those who smoke. This doesn’t mean that smoking is good for you
in any way, but rather that researchers may need to look into the correlation between
nicotine and UC in terms of treatment. The risks of smoking cigarettes far outweigh any
possible (and unlikely) benefits one might receive from smoking.

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