In my last article, I discussed the prevalence, definition, and causes (genetics, intestinal health, and triggers) of autoimmune disorders. I noted that the autoimmune process is characterized by tissue damage, inflammation, and a loss of function. I also touched on the basic difference between standard medicine versus holistic/nutritional treatment options. And I have given you an overview of the various ways that your own immune system, which is designed to protect you, begins instead to attack you.
It’s now time to consider the importance of urgently correcting the underlying “causes” as much as possible.
At the risk of sounding harsh, in far too many autoimmune cases, the immune system is simply responding in a responsible way to the mess that the host has created through his or her inappropriate lifestyle. That lifestyle may include a diet consisting of toxic amounts of sugar, trans-fats, and artificial sweeteners. These foods include soft drinks and grain-based carbohydrates. Further, the person might not move about during the day, which itself will up-regulate (turn on) “bad genes” or down-regulate (turn off) “good genes.” He or she may not sleep enough (7 to 9 hours per night), and as a result, causes sleep deprivation. Finally, he or she may experience excessive stress, both of which can increase weight gain, heighten sensitivity to pain, and alter overall brain function.
When these things switch on or off specific genes, an assault against specific glands, organs, or tissues in the body begins. This is no fault of the tissues themselves, but because they do come under this attack, these defenseless structures are gradually and progressively broken down.
The type of tissues which are attacked varies greatly. The immune system might begin its assault on one specific tissue such as the joints in the condition called rheumatoid arthritis. Or, the initial tissue of choice might be the bowel, as is the case in Crohn’s disease. The common link in each one of these cases is that the initial attack spreads to other sites eventually. This may occur early in the autoimmune attack or later, but it will invariably occur. This is the case in the instance of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is the most common diagnosis for anyone who has been labeled with “hypothyroidism” or an underactive or sluggish thyroid. The common partner of attack by the immune system in this case is the bowel. This bowel assault by the immune system may occur prior to when the autoimmune thyroid condition begins, or afterward, but it will typically occur in concert with it.
All or any of this can result in one of the main contributors of the multiple events that promote and often initiate the processes that occur in the autoimmune cascade: inflammation.
How and Why Inflammation Develops
We all have a burden of inflammation in our systems at all times. Let’s start with an injury site, or perhaps your gut, which may be damaged and, as a result, becomes inflamed. This acute-phase inflammatory process sends out marker molecules to circulate throughout the body. These markers stimulate a process in the liver which, in turn, produces C-reactive protein (CRP). This is where the majority of CRP is produced.
How to Measure Your Inflammatory Load
Regardless of the cause, it is extremely helpful to know what level of inflammation exists in your body, known as your inflammatory load.
CRP production is due to inflammation; that is why it is such a good marker for the “inflammatory load.” I run a test in the Center on most, if not all, of my patients to measure CRP. I recommend that everyone test this level whenever standard blood work gets done.
In addition, there is a newer, more reliable form of this test which we run. It is much more specific and definitive relative to the level of inflammation that you are carrying. It is also much more dependable when running follow-up studies for comparison. It is the hsCRP, or high sensitivity C-reactive protein. This is the most accurate marker of systemic inflammation.
Why CRP Matters
In addition to autoimmunity conditions, the CRP marker is also a powerful predictor of coronary heart disease as well as other diseases of the cardiovascular system. hsCRP is a predictor of heart attack, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and sudden cardiac death, and even Alzheimer’s. It is predictive of these life-threatening conditions even in individuals who otherwise appear healthy. We all have seen or at least heard of friends, family members, or acquaintances who have seemed to be totally healthy outwardly but then suddenly were found dead on the floor.
This simple test is a strong predictor of not only your potential for life threatening cardiovascular disease, but it is also the best indicator of your “inflammatory load” at any given point. And it is indicative of these conditions totally independent of other factors such as cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure.
The normal levels for a male is 0-3 mg/L with an optimal range of less than 0.55 mg/L. The level for a female is also 0-3 mg/L as well, however the optimal range is a little more liberal for a female at less than 1.5 mg/L.
CRP is manufactured throughout the body by immune cells called T-cells in the liver and in fat cells, which are also known as “adipocytes.”
The Fat Cell Puzzle
Fat cells present a seemingly convoluted puzzle. As you all know, obesity is directly correlated with an increased incidence of heart disease. And, as I just said, fat cells produce CRP. But there is more to the unbelievable relationship between inflammation, obesity, and heart disease (don’t worry I will come back to autoimmunity). Another hormone comes into play here. It is called Leptin. Leptin is also produced in the fat cells. It signals the brain to reduce the sensation of hunger.
Here is the problem in a nut shell: CRP binds to leptin, which in turn prevents leptin from crossing what is called the “blood brain barrier.” This means that the leptin never gets to the brain and therefore cannot stimulate “satiety.” Thus, you do not feel “full” or “satisfied.”
Do you get what this all means? Without the signal to the brain that tells it you are full, you continue to eat. This causes us to get fatter and produce more CRP. This also causes us to become more and more inflamed. This process increases the secondary effects of inflammation, which include stroke, sudden cardiac failure, and heart attack, and yes, autoimmune disorders.
It’s Time to Get Serious
With 100 or more autoimmune conditions in existence, after COVID-19 has spotlighted the frailty of autoimmunity sufferers, and given the stress we as a nation are under right now, it is imperative that we improve our lifestyles. As those of you who have studied my teachings over the past 30 years will recognize, you must address the “Four Pillars of Health: Eat Right, Think Right, Move Right, and Sleep Right.”
But there is one more thing that it is required to begin the healing process for anyone suffering from (or in the process of creating) an autoimmune condition. That is to “PUT OUT THE FIRE!” That’s right; you need to reduce the overall inflammatory load with which the body has become burdened.
“And just how do I do this?” you may ask. Let’s start with the simplest thing first: STOP EATING THOSE INFLAMMATION-FEEDING, GRAIN-BASED FOODS THAT ARE SO PREVALENT IN OUR STANDARD AMERICAN DIET (S.A.D.)!
That is all that I want you to work on right now. Get them out of your diet and substitute healthy, raw (as much as possible) green leafy vegetables in your daily dietary regimen.
I hear the subtle whining. “But what about breakfast? What will I eat for breakfast if I can’t eat cereal?” I truly wish that the Kellogg brothers had never started their breakfast cereal revolution in Battle Creek, Michigan, which brainwashed every American into believing that cereal was the only food that could be consumed before noon every day.
Instead you can eat meat, eggs, yogurt, nuts, nut butters, berries, various fruits, and yes, vegetables for breakfast. These foods will all reduce inflammation, unlike the inflammation-creating and inflammation-sustaining grain-based foods such as breakfast cereals. Plus, they do not contain all the refined sugars that are added to cereal products. Oh, and remember to drink antioxidant rich, inflammation-reducing green tea, preferably organic, for breakfast also.
I want you all to make that one change today, whether you are suffering from a “diagnosed” autoimmune condition or not. Believe it or not, if you have not yet been diagnosed, it is coming if your lifestyle doesn’t change.
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