Page 50 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Soy has already been mentioned for its harmful phytoestrogen content. Many people are
under the false assumption that soy is good for them. However, this could not be further
from the truth. Soy is a rich source of phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens
that mimic human estrogen. Estrogen plays an important role in the immune system, so
when substances that alter estrogen production are introduced to the body, the immune
system could suffer. Not only this, but soy is one of the most heavily sprayed crops.

Eggs are not altogether bad, but it really depends on how the chickens are raised. Chickens
that are allowed to free-range and maintain a diet that is comprised of plants and insects
are much healthier. Therefore, the eggs they produce are much better for you. Free-
ranged eggs actually have twice the omega-3 fatty acids, three times more vitamin E, up
to one quarter less saturated fat, one third less cholesterol, and up to seven times more
vitamin A compared to caged eggs. Caged chickens are fed a very unhealthy diet of
chemicals and corn waste. They are kept in extremely tight conditions, with little room
for movement. They often have no exposure to sunlight or other natural conditions. The
chickens are treated poorly, and sometimes their beaks are cut off to help prevent them
doing damage to other chickens nearby. Caged eggs contain higher amounts of unhealthy
cholesterol and saturated fat, as well as the increased possibility of salmonella.

The potential inflammatory effects of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have
already been discussed. Genetically modified plants have been engineered to be more pest
and disease resistant. However, in doing so, nobody is completely sure what the long-
term implications may be. For instance, pests and plant diseases are evolving to be
stronger as well, and this could be the result of genetically modified plants. Not only are
long-term implications to the environment unknown, but long-term implications to
health are a big question. With more and more people developing gluten sensitivities and
inflammatory bowel diseases, more research needs to be directed into the long-term
consequences of man’s meddling.

Foods that Support the Microbiome
Just as there are foods that can damage the microbiome, there are foods that support a
healthy gut, as well as help
reduce inflammation that can
cause issues with autoimmune
diseases. Eating a diet rich in
foods that support our gut
health will in turn support our
immune system health.

Prebiotic foods are foods that
help support a healthy
microbiome by feeding the good

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