I just read the Autoimmune Fix by Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN. Seeing as I have lived and dealt with an autoimmune disease for a long time, I have read a lot of books on the subject. This one is my favorite because of its thoroughness especially with regards to the autoimmune spectrum he covers and a comprehensive view on prevention and treatment of autoimmunity. He writes how the microbiome is the control center of your body. It is linked to influencing genetic expression and brain chemistry, regulating metabolism and blood sugar, and manufacturing vitamins (just to name a few jobs it is responsible for). The composition can shape a healthy immune response or predispose you to disease. There were over 5,000 pages published on the microbiome since 2015 so this is a hot topic in science right now.
He agrees with the view that there must be three factors present for an autoimmune disease to develop: genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and a loss of intestinal barrier function. It is a failure of the microbiome allowing bad bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses across the gut wall to activate genes that increase inflammation or dealing with the toxins that come from their inherent presence. Why does it fail? Because of repeated ingestion of foods that are difficult to digest (gluten, casein, corn, etc.), chronic dysbiosis due to insufficient numbers of good bacteria, ingestion of substances that disturb or destroy the microbiome (medications, antibiotics, processed food, sugar, alcohol, etc.) and failure to eat a diet that supports the microbiome best.
He talks about choosing supportive foods for a healthy microbiome such as foods high in polyphenols (brightly colored fruits and veggies, green tea, cocoa), the right carbohydrates (whole grains vs white flour, sugar, white rice, fried foods, etc.), eating grass fed meats and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil), raw nuts and seeds, wild fish, free range poultry, the importance of eating fermented foods (kefir, kimchi, kombucha, raw sauerkraut, etc.), prebiotics ingestion (inulin, asparagus, artichokes, cabbage) and probiotic ingestion (cultured yogurt) and supplements of the same if necessary.
Modifying other risk factors like reducing exposure to environmental toxins (choosing healthy sources of personal body care items, sunscreens, hair care, etc.), buying organic especially of the dirty dozen, limiting use of herbicides, pesticides, personal cleaning items, watching or dealing with exposure to heavy metals and other toxins (dental amalgams-mercury, paint-lead, PCB’s, BPA, etc.) are also covered in this book. This is just a brief snapshot of what he covers in his book. I highly recommend you pick up this book that is well written and has extensive resources to support you in your health care journey.
Reference: The Autoimmune Fix- Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN Rodale Inc.
PS I have been in stable remission for 8 + years with M.S. since I healed on a deep level. To book an appointment, call Parallel Wellness 4032321283