Page 8 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

If any pathogen gets past the enzymes in the mucus membranes and makes it to the
stomach, they are in for another obstacle. Volatile and acidic stomach acid is waiting to
greet the invader. Stomach acid also contains enzymes and other substances that help to
destroy pathogens that enter. Pathogens that make it past the mucus membranes and into
the bronchial areas are also not in the clear. Cilia, located in the bronchi, are hair-like
structures that work to move the invaders out of the airways.

Sometimes, pathogens make their way past the mucus membranes and into the body.
They may cause issues like a cold or virus. All is not lost when you begin to feel the effects
of a virus in your body. At the first sign of a virus, begin to take action. There are steps
you can take to help your body fight the invader. High doses of vitamin C-rich plants like
violet leaves, persimmon leaves, rose hips, chili peppers, kale, and citrus fruits can help
naturally boost your immune system and help you get over a cold or virus faster.
Immunostimulant plants like elderberry, astragalus, and Echinacea may also give your
immune-system what it needs to better do its job in the event of a virus.

If foreign substances make their way past the skin’s protective bacterial barriers, there are
other ways the body can fight. The epithelial layer of our skin contains a substance called
keratin. This substance makes it hard for germs or other substances to penetrate further.
The epithelial layer of our skin also contains cells that can kill microbes and other
bacteria. The skin naturally produces two other substances that can act as a defense. One
is sebum.

Sebum is a naturally oil the skin creates. Sebum can actually keep the pH of the skin at a
range where germs cannot live. Sweat is another substance our skin produces naturally
that helps to create a problem for microorganisms. When sweat dries, it leaves behind
salts that destroy foreign pathogens. Most people know that their skin is constantly
shedding dead skin cells. One amazing biological reason for this is to rid the skin of
bacteria that may be clinging to these cells.

Imagine an object, like a large splinter, getting past the epidermal layer and down into
deeper layers of the skin. The splinter itself is a foreign substance, as are all the microbes
on the splinter. Now that the splinter has made it past several lines of defense, what is the
body to do? The body will soon be aware of the invaders because mast cells become
activated.

These cells release tiny molecules called histamines. Histamines are often regarded as a
negative thing (allergies), but when they are properly doing their job, they are a good
thing. Histamines work in several ways to help rid the body of the invaders. First, they
cause blood vessels in the affected area to swell. Second, they cause the area to turn red
as blood makes its way to the scene. In short, histamines create an inflammatory response
to the invader, encouraging the flow of blood to the area and swelling.

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