Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. There are over 80 types, including Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis. Currently, the medical community believes there is no cure—only symptom management through medications like anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants.

How autoimmune diseases develop

The immune system typically produces antibodies to attack foreign proteins. However, if a foreign protein resembles a natural body protein, the immune system may mistakenly target healthy cells, leading to autoimmune disease. Since the body contains over two million proteins, the area affected determines the specific condition. Women are three times more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, though the reasons remain unclear.

Foreign proteins enter the body through the skin, respiratory system, or primarily the gastrointestinal (G-I) tract. The G-I tract, from mouth to anus, is lined with a single layer of epithelial cells that regulate nutrient absorption. When this lining is compromised, undigested proteins bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream—known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. This raises two crucial questions:

1. Which proteins cause autoimmune diseases?
2. What causes leaky gut syndrome?

Animal proteins and Autoimmune Diseases

The primary culprits behind autoimmune diseases are animal proteins, particularly those from dairy milk and its derivatives. Only animal proteins have structural similarities to human proteins, which increases the likelihood of immune system confusion. Plant proteins, on the other hand, have minimal resemblance, making them less likely to trigger such responses.

What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is primarily caused by processed foods loaded with additives. These additives, considered “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS), are not inherently safe but have been in use long enough to avoid scrutiny. A prime example is vegetable shortening, such as Dalda in India and Crisco in the US, which has now been banned in the US and Europe due to its harmful effects.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: The root of Autoimmune Disorders

Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, affects over half the population. The gut lining, made of tightly woven epithelial cells, is protected by two mucosal layers produced by goblet cells. These layers prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Refined, fiber-deficient foods are quickly absorbed in the small intestine, leaving little for gut bacteria in the colon. As a result, bacteria consume the protective mucosal layer, thinning it over time. Inflammatory foods further weaken the epithelial lining, allowing undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream and triggering immune responses.

Understanding gut function and Leaky Gut

The digestive process moves food from the stomach to the small intestine (about 20 feet long), where most nutrients are absorbed. The remaining food passes to the colon, where trillions of bacteria reside within the mucosal lining. The colon lining has two layers:

• The inner layer, primarily composed of mucin, protects the epithelial cells.
• The outer layer, where most gut bacteria live, processes fiber and produces essential short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish epithelial cells.

Our intestinal lining is embedded with Goblet cells which are a type of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. Their primary function is to synthesise and secrete mucin which helps neutralise the acids produced by the stomach. Additionally, mucin lubricates the epithelium, facilitating the smoother passage of food.

How processed foods harm the gut

Refined and ultra-processed foods disrupt this system in two ways:

1. Slower movement through the small intestine: Processed food sticks to the intestinal lining, increasing transit time.
2. Quick absorption: Since processed foods lack fiber, nutrients are quickly absorbed, leaving little for the bacteria in the colon.

When bacteria in the colon are deprived of fiber, they begin consuming the mucin in the outer mucosal layer. Once this layer is depleted, they move to the inner layer, compromising the epithelial lining and causing breaches—leading to a leaky gut.

If harmful chemicals like artificial sweeteners or additives are present, the damage worsens. Undigested proteins that pass through the breached gut lining trigger immune responses. Since the bloodstream circulates throughout the body, antibodies formed against these foreign proteins may mistakenly attack human cells with similar structures, causing autoimmune diseases.

Example:

Consider someone consuming dairy. Cow’s milk may contain proteins from thyroid glands and cartilage. When these proteins enter the bloodstream, the immune system produces antibodies that not only attack the foreign proteins but also target human thyroid cells and cartilage, leading to hypothyroidism and weak joints.

Causes of Leaky Gut: Several factors contribute to leaky gut, including:

• Diet rich in additives: Processed foods contain preservatives and chemicals that damage the gut lining.
• Overgrowth of yeast or bacteria: An imbalance in gut microbiota can lead to inflammation.
• Overuse of antibiotics: Frequent antibiotic use disrupts the gut’s bacterial balance, making it vulnerable.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut:

Leaky gut can contribute to various symptoms, including:

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Fatigue and headaches
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema
• Joint pain

Test for Leaky Gut:

An Intestinal Permeability Test can detect leaky gut. This test involves drinking a sugar solution and providing a urine sample to assess how well the gut absorbs nutrients.

Reversing Autoimmune Diseases:

To reverse autoimmune diseases, one must address the two root causes: Leaky Gut and animal proteins.

Healing Leaky Gut: The power of plant-based, whole foods

Leaky gut often heals naturally when switching to a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet. The healing process may take anywhere from 2 months to 2 years, depending on the severity. Fasting regimens can accelerate this process by giving goblet cells time to replenish the mucosal lining. Additionally, consuming fiber and resistant starches nourishes gut bacteria, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. These SCFAs strengthen the epithelial lining and support the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory foods for healing

To accelerate healing, incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Berries
• Spices like turmeric and ginger

Foods to avoid

Other foods to avoid include machine-harvested wheat that has Roundup sprayed on it before harvesting. Processed meats: cold cuts, deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs are very harmful. Also over the counter pain relievers are quite harmful.

The gluten myth

Some suggest avoiding grains and gluten, but studies debunk these claims. Humans have consumed gluten-rich grains for over 10,000 years without issue. The real culprits are genetically modified foods, additives, and refined ingredients, not gluten.

Conclusion: A self-healing body

The human body is a self-healing organism. By eliminating harmful foods, adopting a WFPB diet, and restoring gut health, one can reverse autoimmune diseases and restore overall well-being. To learn more watch the linked videos below.

How Autoimmune Diseases form
https://youtu.be/BCaCbxinKgc

Leaky Gut causes, symptoms, prevention
https://youtu.be/d4N85-4CqVk

Leaky Gut theory of why animal products cause inflammation
https://youtu.be/p_uy4kfQDkA

How to develop a healthy gut ecosystem
https://youtu.be/6JIy3q-8MQE