Page 79 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

keep in mind as you decide what medicinal avenue to pursue for the various illnesses you
face.

There is no clear answer for what you can take if you wish to avoid antibiotics, since they
are quite necessary in some circumstances. There are some plants that have antibiotic
properties, such as goldenseal, olive leaf, oregano, and garlic. However, many people are
unaware that the same properties that give the plants the ability to kill bacteria also affect
the microbiome in a similar way that prescription antibiotics do.

Colloidal silver is another option people go to for an alternative treatment similar to
antibiotics. Colloidal silver is an old remedy that uses microscopic flakes of pure silver to
kill bacteria in the body.

The flakes are usually suspended in a liquid of some sort, such as demineralized water.
Just like the antibiotic plant remedies, colloidal silver can affect the microbiome in a
negative way, killing the good bacteria.

The best thing you can do is research the antibiotics you decide to use, as well as work
with an experienced naturopath, to determine what will be best for your body. In addition,
consuming plenty of prebiotics and probiotics while you are taking antibiotics (and when
you are not) can help bring balance back to the gut.

Other Drugs
Antibiotics are widely known to affect the microbiome, but there are many other drugs
that can have a negative effect on gut bacteria. Drugs like anti-diabetics, proton pump
inhibitors, and antipsychotics have recently been shown to alter gut bacteria. Now that
more research is being conducted on how these drugs are affecting the microbiome, the
future may look a little brighter for those who need to take them to manage their
conditions.

Some drugs are said to cause autoimmune diseases like lupus. Drug-induced lupus
erythematosus (DILE) is an unfortunate side-effect from taking drugs such as
Sulfadiazine Hydralazine, Procainamide, Isoniazid, Methyldopa, Quinidine, Minocycline,
and Chlorpromazine. Procainamide demonstrates the highest chances of developing
DILE.

Researchers estimate that there may be over one hundred different types of drugs that are
linked to autoimmune disease.

Triggers Around Us

There are many environmental factors that may trigger autoimmune disease or affect our
health in a negative way. Knowing what these are can help us become more vigilant in our
fight to stay healthy. Whether you have an autoimmune disease or not, it is important to

79