Page 71 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

From the 1940s to the late 1950s and 1960s, a "safe and effective" pesticide called DDT

was commonly used to help fight against malaria, typhus, and other insect-borne
diseases. It was sprayed on children and adults alike, as well as on livestock and in
gardens. However, as over the course of several years, people began to question whether
or not this "miracle pesticide" was indeed safe.

Turns out, DDT was not safe at all. It caused a large number or environmental and
toxicological issues. Studies showed it to cause reproductive harm in humans, as well as
liver tumor development in animals. Today, DDT is not used anymore and is classified as
a potential carcinogen.

The lesson gathered from this should be that just because the "experts" say something is
safe, doesn't mean it actually is. Time and time again, things once thought safe have been
proven dangerous. From discontinued pharmaceutical drugs to recalled products, we are
constantly reminded that the science is never "settled" on anything. Until long-term
studies can prove something is safe, we should approach everything with caution and
plenty of evidence-based research under our belts.

This final chapter covers a wide array of potential triggers for those with - and even
without- an autoimmune disease. Every day, we are bombarded with a barrage of
potential triggers that may affect our health. These triggers can be found in the foods we
eat, products we use, medications we take, and even in our neighborhoods. Avoiding some
of these things can be quite a challenge, but making any kind of change in lifestyle and
habits can be beneficial in the long run.

Dietary Triggers
Many dietary triggers have already been covered in this book. Processed foods, dairy,
gluten, sugars, and foods that contain genetically modified organisms are among the most
popular triggers. Other foods like red meat contain arachidonic acid. This substance can
trigger flare ups in those who suffer from psoriasis. Arachidonic acid is also found in dairy
and eggs. However, free-range eggs tend to be much healthier and likely do not contain
the high amounts of arachidonic acid that caged eggs have. A wide variety of foods like
shellfish, peanuts, and soy can trigger deadly allergic attacks in those who suffer from
food allergies. Dairy and eggs are also major allergy triggers. However, one substance
many people include in their diets is highly linked to autoimmune issues. This substance
is alcohol:

Alcohol

Another dietary concern for those with autoimmune disease is alcohol. Alcohol of any
kind can be damaging to the immune system because it may disrupt immune system
pathways. Alcohol is especially harmful for those with psoriasis, as it may trigger flare-

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