Page 49 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

that indicate the presence of gluten include wheat protein/hydrolyzed wheat protein,
wheat starch/hydrolyzed wheat starch, wheat flour/bread flour/bleached flour, bulgur,
malt, couscous, farina, pasta, seitan, wheat or barley grass, and wheat germ oil or extract.
Beer and other forms of alcohol usually contain gluten as well.

There are alternatives when looking to avoid gluten. Almond, rice, millet, sorghum,
amaranth, quinoa, and coconut flour can be used for baking and do not contain gluten.
Not only that, but many of these flour choices are very nutritious. Arrowroot flour is also
a good choice, and makes an excellent thickener in recipes.

Dairy is a major culprit when it comes to food allergies. Research has shown a strong
connection between a diet high in dairy and a negative impact on the microbiome. When
dairy is consumed by those who are sensitive or allergic, their body recognizes the broken-
down dairy proteins casein and whey as harmful and sends the immune system to attack.
This can result in hives or even a life-threatening allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. For
those who are lactose intolerant, their body is unable to digest a sugar component in dairy
products called lactose. This reaction is somewhat different than an immune system
reaction, and can result in diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramping.

Milk allergies are among the most common, especially in children. With so many people
allergic to dairy, one cannot help but wonder why there has been such a large increase
over the decades. One theory is that milk has changed over the years. Today’s milk may
have higher than normal amounts of antibiotics. Some dairy cows are given antibiotics to
treat infections. These can make their way into the milk we drink. Although the amounts
may be considered low, we come into contact with antibiotics on a daily basis through
other avenues as well. This constant barrage of antibiotic exposure can cause significant
damage to the microbiome. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the gut, and are unable to
differentiate between good and bad bacteria. While antibiotics definitely have their place
for helping heal infections in the body, too much exposure to these can greatly affect the
microbiome, opening us up to autoimmune issues.

Fried foods can harm the microbiome by feeding the bad bacteria. Researchers have also
discovered that if you go a few days eating fried foods, the diversity of bacteria in your gut
can die off by one third. Diversity in the microbiome is very important to a healthy
immune system. In the same way fried foods harm beneficial bacteria in the microbiome,
processed foods do as well.

Red meat can pose the same risks as dairy when it comes to the microbiome. Depending
on the red meat you buy, it could contain antibiotics. Red meat has also been shown to
feed the bad bacteria and decrease the good bacteria in the gut. However, eating this in
moderation is probably fine. It is a diet high in red meat on a regular basis that may be
harmful to your health.

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