Page 56 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

The Gut Brain and Inflammation
We already know that the gut and immune system are strongly connected. However, the
brain is another important piece of this puzzle. The gut-brain axis is connected through
the immune system. Inflammation in the body occurs when the immune system “switch”
is turned on for too long. When inflammation is allowed to persist for too long in the body,
disorders that affect the brain can arise. One example is Alzheimer’s disease.

There are bacteria in your gut that release a substance called Lipopolysaccharide. This
substance is dangerous to the body, because it can lead to inflammation if too much of it
gets into the bloodstream from the gut. How does too much lipopolysaccharide get into
the blood stream? One way is through a leaky gut. When someone has a leaky gut, their
gut is allowing too many harmful substances into the bloodstream. This in turn leads to
inflammatory brain issues.

Many western doctors are quick to prescribe antidepressants and other drugs for people
with depression, schizophrenia, and dementia before attempting to find the root cause of
the problem. In some cases, the root cause of the problem may very well be an issue with
gut bacteria or a leaky gut.

Changing your Gut Bacteria: Hope for a Variety of Disorders
It can be very disconcerting when you discover that your diet affects so many aspect of
your body. An unhealthy diet can trigger a number of autoimmune disease flare-ups,
inflammation in the body, brain disorders, and a weakened immune system. However,
there is hope for those looking for the root cause of their condition.

Just like an unhealthy diet can affect our body negatively, a healthy diet that incorporates
the foods, nutrients, and antioxidants listed in this chapter can help to reverse a number
of issues. Not long after you start to change your eating habits, replacing unhealthy
choices with healthy choices, your gut bacteria will begin to change.

Additionally, we know that probiotics can help with healthy immune function, but certain
probiotics can also help with healthy brain function. One probiotic called Bifidobacterium
longum NCC3001 has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Similarly, certain prebiotics may help to reduce symptoms of stress and the amount of
cortisol produced by the body. One prebiotic that has been shown to help with this is
called galactooligosaccharides. A study found that after only three weeks of taking this
prebiotic, patients experienced lowered amounts of cortisol.

As the bacteria begin to change in your microbiome from a healthy lifestyle and good
nutrition, good bacteria begin to flourish. Soon, a wonderful diversity of bacteria can be
found thriving in the gut. Over time, you may begin to notice anxiety, stress, depression,
and inflammation disappear.

56