Page 55 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese are essential to our health. Many people are
deficient in these essential minerals, and this can lead to a host of issues. For free-radical
deactivation, our bodies rely on enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Copper, zinc, and
manganese all needed in order to support this enzyme and help it do its job. Oysters
contain all of these essential minerals, in addition to other beneficial compounds.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Just like there is a connection between our microbiome and our immune system, there is
also a connection between the gut and the brain. Many people experience diarrhea or an
upset stomach when they are very nervous or stressed out. This is because the stress
created a disruption in signals between their brain and gut.

The gut contains around 500 million neurons that are connected directly with the brain
through the nervous system. The most prominent nerve in this system is the vagus nerve.
It has been discovered that during times of stress, the signals sent through the vagus nerve
are inhibited. This can result in gastrointestinal discomfort.

It has been proven that stress can affect the body negatively by weakening the immune
system. Some of this may be due to the fact that stress inhibits important signals between
the gut and brain, which in turn, send the body into chaos. This is why it is so important
that those living with an autoimmune disease (especially an inflammatory bowel disease)
do their best to reduce stress in their lives. If those with normally functioning immune
systems can be compromised by stress, imagine the damage that could be done to those
with autoimmune issues during times of stress. Not only can stress trigger a major flare-
up and inflammation in the body, it may result in mental issues like depression.

Other chemicals that play a role in the gut-brain connection include neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters help to regulate our emotions. One neurotransmitter, called serotonin,
is responsible for feelings of happiness. Most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the
gut by the bacteria living there. It’s no wonder an unhealthy diet can lead to depression!
This is because unhealthy diets comprised of fried and processed foods can kill off the
bacteria in your gut that help to produce serotonin. Stress may also result in a nervous
system blockage that inhibits serotonin from doing its job in the body.

Just like serotonin can produce or control feelings of happiness, other neurotransmitters
control different emotions. A neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid is
thought to control feelings of anxiety and fear. Not only do the bacteria in the gut help
control emotions, they can help control how the brain functions. It is important to
maintain a healthy gut-brain connection for so many reasons, but most people don’t
realize that their emotions can be affected severely by their diet and stress levels.

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