Using Food as
Medicine:
Healing foods for
autoimmune
conditions
Presented by:
Anne Baker. CN, LE
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
& Lifestyle Change Expert
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2014
Thank you!
Thank you to the Michigan Holistic Nurses
Association for the opportunity to be with
you this evening.
Nurses are some of my favorite people!
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Credentials Author, Season it Well! the Outrageously Delicious Gluten Free Recipe
Collection for the Discerning Palate
Certified Nutrition Therapist from Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver Colorado
Master of Nutrition Therapy (coursework) from Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver Colorado
Certified Lifestyle Educator through Metagenics FLT Program
Wheaton College 10th International Herbal Symposium on Western Herbalism, TCM and Ayuvedic Herbal Medicine
A Functional Medicine Approach to Managing Chronic Pain, Dr. Jay Sandweiss, D.O.
Miki Jones School of Herbalism: Master Herbalist Workshop 1 & 2
BA Communications/Advertising from Oakland University
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Memberships/ Affiliations Michigan Nutrition Association - founding board
member American Nutrition Association
National Association of Nutrition Professionals 2013 conference planning committee
Alliance for Natural Health
Healthy Traditions Network Detroit Chapter Leadership Team
Medical Advisory Board (Nutrition) & Contributor for W Cubed.org
Holistic Chamber of Commerce/ Oakland/Macomb Co.
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Overview
I. Examining Autoimmune triggers
Epigenetics
Environmental toxins
Heavy metals
Genetically modified foods
Liver health
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Overview
II. The role of GUT health, immunity and
autoimmune disorders
Food intolerances
Protein digestion
Secondary immune response; antigens:
IgG, cytokins & leaky Gut
Pathogenic bacteria
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Overview
III. Using food as medicine to support those with autoimmune disorders:
Leafy greens/raw foods
Bone broths
Fermented foods & probiotic rich foods
The right proteins & fats
Supportive nutrients
Supportive herbs
Testing options
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Who get’s autoimmune
disease?
More women than men have
autoimmune diseases
One of the top ten leading causes of
death among women in all age groups
up to age 65
May run in families, such as lupus and
multiple sclerosis
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Autoimmune numbers The number of people who suffer from these
diseases is estimated at 20 % of the American population. Latest figures report 50 million Americans diagnosed.
Keep in mind diagnosis typically takes many years.
There are more than eighty illnesses caused by autoimmunity
Source: http://www.aarda.org/
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Female / Male Ratios
in Autoimmune Diseases
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 10:1
Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1
Sjogren’s syndrome 9:1
Antiphospholipid syndrome-secondary 9:1
Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1
Autoimmune hepatitis 8:1
Graves’ disease 7:1
Scleroderma 3:1
Rheumatoid arthritis 2.5:1
Antiphospholipid syndrome-primary 2:1
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) 2:1
Multiple sclerosis 2:1
Myasthenia gravis 2:1
Source: http://www.aarda.org/autoimmune-information/autoimmune-disease-in-women/
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Some of the more familiar
autoimmune conditions: Cancer
Celiac Disease
Chronic fatigue
Crohn’s
Diabetes Type I
Graves Disease
Guillain-Barre
Hashimoto's
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Myasthenia gravis
Psoriasis
RA
Scleroderma
Sjögren's
Ulcerative Colitis
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For autoimmune disease to manifest, there must be three factors present:
o An environmental trigger (i.e., antigen)
o Genetic susceptibility (as in Crohn’s disease)
o Intestinal permeability (i.e., "leaky gut syndrome")
By far the easiest of these three factors to alter clinically is intestinal permeability
*Source: The Townsend Letter June 2012, Autoimmune Disease: A Modern Epidemic?Molecular Mimicry, the Hygiene Hypothesis, Stealth Infections, and Other Examples of Disconnect Between Medical Research and the Practice of Clinical Medicine by David M. Brady, ND, DC, CCN, DACBN
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Segment I
Autoimmune Triggers
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Epigenetics
There is a differential expression of microRNAs in males and females.
Males and females differ in disease outcome and pathogenesis. In a number of autoimmune diseases, females have higher incidence of disease than males.
Source: Biology of Sex Differences Journal; http://www.bsd-journal.com/content/5/1/3
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Epigenetics MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of
virtually all cellular processes including metabolism, development, morphogenesis, programmed cell death and angiogenesis.
Their dysregulated expression is also associated with human pathologies...
….microRNAs can have broad effect on downstream signaling pathways.
Source: Biology of Sex Differences Journal http://www.bsd-journal.com/content/5/1/3
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Epigenetics …Multiple factors, hormonal or genetic, either
protect males or increase vulnerability of females.
The X chromosome is enriched in microRNAs and there is a possibility that microRNAs may escape X-linked inactivation.
This could result in the suppression of many microRNA-regulated target genes involved in immunosuppressive pathways, leading to a heightened autoimmune response in females and their predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
Source: Biology of Sex Differences http://www.bsd-journal.com/content/5/1/3
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Epigenetics
According to the NIH Progress in Autoimmune Research 2005 report..
Genetics reasons for developing autoimmune diseases account for just one third of all cases…
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/autoimmune/documents/adccfinal.pdf
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Epigenetics?
"With the rapid increase in autoimmune diseases, it clearly suggests that environmental factors are at play due to the significant increase in these diseases.
Genes do not change in such a short period of time.“
Source: Virginia T. Ladd, President and Executive Director of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA).
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According to
Dr. Mark Hyman, MD:
Hidden allergens, infections,
environmental toxins, an inflammatory
diet, and stress are the real causes of
these inflammatory conditions…
Source: Dr. Mark Hyman MD
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Environmental toxins Since 1900 over 80,000 chemicals have been
introduced
Only 550 have been tested for safety.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports about 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are released annually by large industrial facilities.
Six million pounds of mercury are released into our air every year.
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Environmental toxins Plastics like BPA and now BPS disrupt membrane-
initiated E2-induced cell signaling, leading to altered cell proliferation, cell death, and PRL (prolactin) release.
…data suggest that BPA causes long-term adverse reproductive and carcinogenic effects if exposure occurs during critical periods of differentiation.
Source: Bisphenol s disrupts estradiol-induced nongenomic signaling in a rat pituitary cell line: effects on cell functions. PMID: 23458715
Source; Prenatal exposure to bisphenol a at environmentally relevant doses adversely affects the murine female reproductive tract later in life. PMID: 19590677
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Environmental toxinsDecember 2012 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry report
o Researchers at the Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, found the synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals biphenyl A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and the natural steroidal estrogen 17-β-estradiol, in vegetables and fruits randomly sampled from local markets, using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
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Source: Analysis of Bisphenol A, Nonylphenol and Natural Estrogens in Vegetables and Fruits Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.PMID: 23215552
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Environmental toxins According to the CDC commonly used
household and personal care products contain many neurotoxins such as; Sodium lauryl sulfate and Croton oil.
Emerging research point to these substances have immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting activity.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6141.pdf
Source: Decreased number and function of antigen-presenting cells in the skin following application of irritant agents: relevance for skin cancer? PMID: 2786039
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Environmental toxins Report on Toxic Chemicals in Fragranced Laundry Products
and health effects lists twelve substances the National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency has recognized as hazardous or carcinogenic.
None of these chemicals were listed on any product label or material safety data sheet.
Currently there is no law requiring fragrances to be listed because the industry is self regulated and has indicated these are “trade secrets”.
Source: www.drsteinemann.comhttp://www.drsteinemann.com/Resources/Toxic%20Chemicals%20in%20Fragranced%20Laundry%20Products.pdf
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Environmental toxins 99.1% of the US population's urine samples (ages 6 or older) contain
methyl paraben
Modern-day toxicological risk assessments do not account for the adverse effects of chronic, low-dose exposures, nor the reality of synergistic toxicities, i.e. the reality that a chemical's adverse effects may be amplified when present alongside other chemicals.
Commonly used preservatives may be contributing greatly to the burden of disease in exposed populations -- especially infants and children, whose body burden is higher (lower body weight vs. chemical dose), susceptibility to chemically-induced genotoxicity higher (because their cells replicate more rapidly), and detoxification systems are less developed than adults.
Sources: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/human-hormones-are-being-eclipsed-synthetic-chemicals
~ Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue PMID: 22237600
~ Parabens detection in different zones of the human breast: consideration of source and implications of findings. PMID: 22408000
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Environmental toxins
Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., a professor
at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine;
author of The Autoimmune Epidemic says
that "there is no doubt that autoimmune
diseases are on the rise and our
increasing environmental exposure to
toxins and chemicals is fueling the risk. The
research is sound. The conclusions,
unassailable."
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Reducing Toxins: Most commercially manufactured household
cleaning products contain numerous toxic substances: switch to non toxic/eco friendly/green
Perfumes; dyes; make-up & hair products, nail polish; & most personal care products are also loaded with endocrine disrupting substances.
Remember everything you put on your body goes into it! Check into safer, less toxic alternatives @ http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
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Reducing Toxins:
Off gassings from new furniture; carpet are especially volatile for people with chemical sensitivities. Allow new furniture to sit in your garage to ventilate before bringing into your house and avoid doing any remodeling during flair ups.
Check for and eliminate mold in home and work environment. Diffusion of essential oils (Thieves) quite effective.
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Reducing Toxins:
Pay attention to indoor air quality: Get furnace and vents cleaned every 5 years
Consider a room air filter and change furnace filters every 3 months
Open windows in warmer weather; salt rocks and houseplants also help
Solvents- find natural alternatives
Paints – go low VOC or no VOC
Pesticides/herbicides – use plant derived & non-toxic products
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Heavy metals
Dental amalgams (mercury exposure) increase the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Source: PMID: 17436982
There is a positive association between positive thyroid autoantibodies and total blood mercury in women.
Source: PMID: 22438029
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Reducing heavy metals
Use some kind of water filter & avoid tap water as metals are present in tap water
Do not use aluminum cookware or foil for cooking or storing food.
Avoid eating/drinking products in cans(esp. tomato and other acidic products); opt. for glass or lined cans
Amalgams: consider removal by a dentist trained in holistic dentistry.
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GMO: Genetically
Modified Organisms
Here’s how they create GMO’s:1. Isolate a gene with a desired trait*2. Change the gene so it will work in plants* 3. Prepare plant cells or tissue4. Transform plant cells using a gene gun or
bacteria infection method*5. Re-grow cells to plants via tissue culture
(cloning)* Steps that contain scientific uncertainties and risk potential
Source: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/resources/powerpoint-presentation-on-gmos
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GMO’s: problems Inserting a transgene causes mutations, or changes in
the sequence of the genetic code, near the insertion site and elsewhere.
Inserting the transgene can delete natural native genes.
Native genes can be switched off permanently, or even turned on permanently. The biotech industry claims the substance they insert only turns on the transgene. That is not true. This many cause it to overproduce its protein in high volume, which might be an allergen, toxin, carcinogen, or anti-nutrient.
Source: [Allison Wilson, PhD, Jonathan Latham, PhD, and Ricarda Steinbrecher, PhD, “Genome Scrambling—Myth or Reality? Transformation-Induced Mutations in Transgenic Crop Plants Technical Report—October 2004, http://www.econexus.info; see also J. R. Latham, et al., “The Mutational Consequences of Plant Transformation,” The Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2006, Article ID 25376: 1–7.]
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GMO’s: problems
The process of cloning a cell into a plant can create hundreds or thousands of additional mutations up and down the DNA. According to two studies, the GMO DNA is 2-4% different than the DNA of its parent.
~ ~ Most of the changes are unpredicted mutations.
Inserting a single gene can change how much protein is being produced in hundreds or thousands of genes. Scientists tested the process of inserting a single gene into a human cell and found that up to 5 percent of the genes changed their levels of expression.
Taken together, genetic engineering causes massive collateral damage in the DNA.
Source: [Allison Wilson, PhD, Jonathan Latham, PhD, and Ricarda Steinbrecher, PhD, “Genome Scrambling—Myth or Reality? Transformation-Induced Mutations in Transgenic Crop Plants Technical Report—October 2004, http://www.econexus.info; see also J. R. Latham, et al., “The Mutational Consequences of Plant Transformation,” The Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2006, Article ID 25376: 1–7.]
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GMO: problems
1. Increased levels of known naturally occurring toxins
2. Appearance of new, not previously identified toxins
2. Increased tendency to gather toxic substances from the environment such as pesticides or heavy metals
3. Undesirable alterations in the levels of nutrients.
Source: The Division of Food Chemistry and Technology
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Impact on immune system
GMO’s change the etiology of the GUT
Because these are foreign genes the
body does not recognize them and treats
them as invaders.
This initiates the secondary immune
response and cytokines are released to
protect the body from these invaders.
Source: Seeds of Deception, Jeffry Smith & www.instituteforresponsibletechnology.com
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Cytokines: immune signaling
molecules~ Cytokines (IL-6, IL-13, IL12p70, MIP-1b) are involved in
allergic and inflammatory responsesIncreased Risk Associations:
IL-6
Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, various types of cancer (multiple myeloma and prostate cancer)
IL-13
Allergy, allergic rhinitis, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
MIP-1b
Autoimmune disease and colitis.
Elevated in lung fluid of patients with mustard gas pulmonary fibrosis
IL-12p70
Inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis
Source: www.instituteforresponsibletechnology.com
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Bt (Roundup): how it works Bt (Round Up Ready) produced inside every cell; it
cannot be washed off or degraded. Because of this process it’s concentrations can be three to five thousand times more than in spray form.
Bt pesticide molecule has a safety catch on it, keeping it inactive until it gets inside an alkaline stomach of an insect.
~Then the safety catch is removed the Bt destroys the stomach lining of the pest and kills it.
Source: Gendel, “The use of amino acid sequence alignments to assess potential allergenicity of proteins used in genetically modified foods,” Advances in Food and Nutrition Research 42 (1998), 45–62.]
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Bt (Roundup): how it works
When scientists prepare the Bt gene for plants, however, they change it so the molecule no longer has the safety catch. It is immediately active. This form is likely to be more toxic to humans.
The amino structure of Bt toxin has a section that is identical to a known allergen. (It fails the allergy tests recommended by the World Health Organization.)
Source: Gendel, “The use of amino acid sequence alignments to assess potential allergenicity of proteins used in genetically modified foods,” Advances in Food and Nutrition Research 42 (1998), 45–62.]
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Glyphosate (Roundup) exposure has been linked to sterility,
hormone disruption, abnormal and lower sperm counts,
miscarriages, damaged human embryonic and placental cells,
placental cell death, birth defects, and cancer. It is also toxic and
lethal to amphibians.
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GMO: impact on nutrition
(Round up) binds with nutrients, depriving plants of the minerals needed to help them defend against disease.
Bt Reduces nutritional value in food
Accumulates in the food portion of Roundup Ready plant residue increasing these thresholds by up to 200%.
Source: http://responsibletechnology.org/docs/damaging-effects-of-roundup.pdf
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Consequences:
Eating these nutrient depleted toxic laden
foods:
Increases toxic burden on the liver
Decreases available nutrients for
detoxification
Less energy for digestion
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How does all of this impact
Detoxification?
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Impact of toxins on the liverThe liver is both a filtering organ and a digestive organ
Whenever the liver is over burdened trying to remove toxins it’s energy is diverted from assisting in proper digestion
Remember our liver is always working to detoxify the chemicals it encounters; toxins, prescription and OTC drugs; foreign substances, and excess hormones. All hormones go through the liver; (thyroid hormone), cortisol, estrogen, and aldosterone
Anything we can do to reduce our toxic load dramatically impacts our livers ability to do its job
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The role of the liverGenetic variations impact the ability of the liver to detoxify
Genetic variations (i.e.: polymorphisms such as MTHFR) make some people more prone to metal toxicity, and they have difficulty clearing other environmental toxins.
In fact problems with methylation conversions are very common among those with autoimmune conditions.
These mutations are believed to be in as much as 50% of the population.
For a more detailed explanation of MTHFR go to: www.MTHFR.Net
Source: http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/mercury-get-this-poison-out-of-your-body/& http://www.dearpharmacist.com/2013/08/08/2394/?utm.
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Section II
GUT Health
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The GUT & Immunity
Connection
80% of natural immunity resides in the GUT
People with autoimmune conditions are highly likely to have intestinal permeability aka: Leaky GUT
Fix the GUT and you not only increase your body’s natural ability to fight off pathogens but you also improve digestion
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Food intolerances:
trigger for leaky GUT
IgG/IgA responses from hidden food intolerance are commonly found in those with autoimmune disorders
Gluten is commonly found to be reactive
Corn and soy and dairy are also commonly found to exacerbate those with autoimmune disorders….
Interestingly these crops are highly Genetically Modified Organisms.
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Most Common GMO FoodsRemember commercially raised animals are also fed these GMO/inflammatory grains;emerging research shows evidence of changes to the etiology of the GUT
Corn – 88% grown in US is GMO
Soy – 94% is the most heavily GMO grown food on the planet
Wheat – 75-80% of all US Wheat is GMO
Alfalfa – was GMO approved in 2011
Canola oil -90% is GMO
Sugar beets – 96% of crops grown are GMO
Yellow crookneck and zucchini squash
Milk and dairy – is from cows given rGBH (GMO) unless labelled organic
Source: www.ers.usda.gov/.. & http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/gmos/
& Seeds of Deception by Jeffry Smith & Non-GMO Project http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/what-is-gmo/
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Gluten and
Gluten Free Grains These grains are safe:
Rice
Corn
Millet
Teff
Sorghum
Wild rice
Buckwheat
Quinoa
Amaranth
Oats – are now considered safe for most people
These grains contain Gluten: Wheat – including wheat
germ and wheat bran
Rye
Barley including barley malt
Bulgur
Couscous
Spelt
Kamut
Semolina
Triticale
Einkorn
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Other Inflammatory foods:
trigger for leaky GUT Dairy products – unless from pasture raised animals;
raw or naturally fermented and only if not casein intolerant
Unhealthy oils; *soy; *canola; *corn; safflower contain higher Omega 6 fatty acids
Suger – feeds many diseases; leads to insulin resistance & diabetes. Strictly limit even natural sugars from raw honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup etc… use stevia instead (beet sugar is GMO)
Nightshades – these bother some people however research is in conclusive; tomatoes; potatoes; eggplant; & peppers: removing these helps some people
* also GMO
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Role of the GUT:
Protein digestion
As we age the parietal cells in the stomach lining produce less hydrochloric acid. Fifty percent of people over age 60 have low stomach acid.
Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is actually much more common than hyperchloridiria.
Both PPI’s and NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of community-acquired C difficile.
Source: PMID: 16414946 & Digestive Wellness,, Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CCN
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Role of the GUT:
Protein digestion
The use of acid-suppressive therapy, particularly proton pump inhibitors, alters pH which blocks pepsin production which is essential for breakdown of protein.
Stomach acid is also necessary for proper mineral absorption and provides protection against food poisoning.
Source: Digestive Wellness,, Dr. Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CCN
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Role of the GUT:
Protein digestion
Proper HCl is necessary for absorption of B
vitamins from food.
Low B-12 is common among autoimmune
patients.
Pancreatic enzyme deficiencies are also
common in autoimmune conditions. This is
directly related to low stomach acid and
poor protein breakdown. Source: Autoimmune the Cause and the Cure, Annesse Brockley & Kristin Urdiales & Digestive Wellness,, Dr.
Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CCN
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Role of the GUT:
Secondary Immune Responds When protein cannot be broken down in the stomach this results in undigested protein particles moving through the digestive tract.
Leads to: dysbiosis (putrefaction of undigested food in the
GUT)
damages the GUT wall (leaky GUT)
promotes pathogenic bacteria like yeast overgrowth that feed off undigested food particles
triggers IgG/IgA anti-body and inflammatory cytokines
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o Food Intolerances are more likely when the GUT lining has been
damaged (Leaky GUT)
o Large undigested food molecules not usually allowed to pass
from the intestine into the blood stream make their way through
“holes” in the intestinal lining.
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Role of the GUT:
Secondary Immune Responds All of this triggers the secondary immune system to respond to
foreign invaders by creating anti-bodies.
New evidence points to these reactions acting as triggers in
autoimmune disease…
“ IgG autoantibodies are the principal mediators of
autoimmune diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA), and systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE), and may contribute to other autoimmune
diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type I diabetes, and
multiple sclerosis”
Source: The anti-inflammatory activity of IgG: the intravenous IgG paradox http://jem.rupress.org/content/204/1/11.full
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Pathogenic bacteria This sets up a cascade of problems that are
commonly found in people with autoimmune conditions.
Low stomach acid, dysbiosis, inadequate digestive enzymes, poor diets along with immunosuppressing drugs and anti-biotics destroy friendly bacteria allowing these pathogens to proliferate and damp down protective friendly bacteria.
All of these problems create a vicious cycle because they rob the body of nutrients and degrade natural immunity further.
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Steps to recovery Uncover hidden food intolerances
Check for yeast overgrowth; highly probable in autoimmune disorders
SBO (small bacteria overgrowth), h.pylori, parasites or other pathogens in your GUT; also highly probable in AI
Tests can be done through specialized labs that most medical doctors don’t know about and these aspects frequently over looked.
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Steps to recovery80% of your body’s immunity resides in your GUT!
Address leaky GUT; repair the damage; eliminate pathogens and rebalance micro flora
By healing the GUT you begin to improve digestion …
A healthy body requires strong natural immunity and this begins in the GUT.
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Steps to recovery Improved digestion means you breakdown your food
properly
This translates into increased absorption of nutrients and…
Repairing Leaky GUT reduces the immune responds & decreasing inflammation
Increased absorption of nutrients means the body has a better chance functioning optimally; energy increases; pain decreases and this improves quality of life dramatically!
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Section III
Food as Medicine
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Specific diets
Specific special diets have been found to improve the quality of life for autoimmune sufferers (i.e.: GF, Grain Free; Ketogenic; GAPS/Elemental etc…)
What combination of foods to avoid and include depends upon the individual ‘s autoimmune conditions(s) and current state of health/disease progression
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Specific diets
The following are general areas of focus
to be considered in any program…but
specifics will vary from person to person
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Strengthen natural immunity
with healing foods
Leafy greens like mustard greens, swiss chard, kale and spinach are laded with potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, calcium and magnesium
Greens are rich in phytochemicals, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene
Greens contain carotenoids, flavonoids and other powerful antioxidants that have cancer protective properties
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Strengthen natural immunity
with healing foods Cruciferous vegetables contain indoles, phenols, chlorophyll and
vitamins A & C …Avoid or eat only cooked occasionally if you have Thyroid A I
Radish
Broccoli
Kale
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kohlrabi
Mustard
Rutabaga
Turnip
Brussel sprouts
Horse radish
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Strengthen natural immunity
with healing foodsAnti-oxidant rich berries, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, carrots, cranberries, and orange colored vegetables all contain:
Lutein
Resveratrol
Lycopene
Bioflavonoids
Querticin
Tocatrianols
Chlorophyll
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Strengthen natural immunity
with healing foods
Selected ORAC Value:
(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)
3000 Blueberries
2000 oregano, pomegranate, figs & cinnamon
1000 prunes, turmeric, raspberries, blackberries, brussel sprouts, green tea, strawberries, spinach, kale
500 oat bran, oranges, plums, red cabbage, broccoli, cranberry, parsley, beets, basil
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Strengthen natural immunity
with healing foods
Raw juicing is a great way to increase vitamins!
Raw juice contains important digestive enzymes
Easy to digest raw juice is used in 20 minutes by the body
Best taken on an empty stomach and chewed
Best to stick with green vegetables vs. 100% fruit juices due to GI content and to keep insulin levels healthy
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Naturally fermented foodsNaturally Fermented foods provide powerful digestive enzymes! These help detoxify the body of heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins. These also aid digestion and allow for proper absorption of vitamins and minerals in foods:
Sauerkraut and vegetable ferments
Kimchee
Relishes
Chutneys
Yogurt & Kefir (can be from coconut for DF)
Kombucha – fermented tea made from fungus
Sulfate free apple cider vinegar
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Bone broths made from
pasture raised/wild animalsExceptionally nourishing and comforting to a body in crisis! Mineral rich bone broths contain prolyne and
glycine
Very restorative and help repair GUT wall in cases of Leaky GUT
Proline is needed for the production of collagen and cartilage. It keeps muscles and joints flexible and helps reduce sagging and wrinkling that accompany UV exposure and normal aging of the skin. Along with lysine proline helps form collagen
Source: Weston A. Price Foundation
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Bone Broths
Glycine is required for detoxification after
exposure to chemicals
Helps improve phase II detoxification
Aids digestion by enhancing gastric acid
secretion
It plays a vital role in wound healing and
repair of intestinal wall damage
Source: Weston A. Price Foundation
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Bone Broths Bone marrow in bone broths helps the
immune system by carrying oxygen to cells in the body
Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are essential for maintaining healthy bones and generating energy
Using cartilage-rich bones such as knuckles and chicken feet is said to be effective in treating arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases
Source: Weston A. Price Foundation
http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/broth-is-beautiful?
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Grass Fed animals
Grass fed animals are superior to
commercial raised livestock because they
graze on omega 3 food sources not corn &
soy!
Grass fed animal products are higher in:
Vitamin E
Lutein and zeaxanthine
Beta carotene
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Wild caught seafood
Wild caught fish and seafood are superior
choices:
Wild salmon have a 20%-30% higher
protein content and a 20% lower fat
content than farm-raised salmon
Farm-raised fish contain much higher
amounts of pro-inflammatory omega 6
fats than wild fish Source: www.whfoods.com
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Use the right salt
Eliminate table salt from the diet! Instead
switch to -
Celtic sea salt
Himalayan Pink Salt
These are naturally derived and include
important minerals
Sea vegetables also contain important
minerals and naturally occurring iodine
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Remember to include
healthy fats (Omega 3EFA’s)
Wild caught fish
Avocado
Nuts & Seeds (soaking & sprouting makes more digestible)
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil & Olive oil
Flax seeds/oil
Evening Primrose Oil (helps balance hormones)
Chia Seeds & Hemp Seeds
Grass fed Animal fats
Butter from grass fed cows
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Essential fatty acids EFA’s cannot be made by the body so they must be
obtained in the diet
EFA’s are important as a source of energy, as structural components of cell membranes, as signaling molecules and as precursors for the synthesis of eicosanoids
Required for hormone production and neurotransmitter production
EFA’s are the gatekeepers of immune cell regulation
You must consume the correct healthy EFA’s or this important cell signaling cannot occur
Source: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/omega3fa/Udo Erasmus, Fats that Heal Fats that Kill http://www.udoerasmus.com/index.htm
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Essential Fatty AcidsEicosanoid SynthesisEicosanoids: are potent chemical messengers that play critical roles in immune and inflammatory responses
Meta Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Three meta analysis of randomized controlled trials in rheumatoid arthritis patients found that fish oil supplementation significantly decreased the number of painful and/or tender joints on physical examination. ….these meta-analyses also associated omega-3 PUFA supplementation with improvements in pain intensity and duration of morning stiffness
Be aware that to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of EPA/DHA most people need 4-6 grams per day
Studies support using a combination EPA (from Plant Sources) and DHA (from Fish) vs. only one or the other.
Source: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/omega3fa/
Clinical Research Trials using Nordic Naturals Fish Oils Abstracts
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Supportive nutrients EPA/DHA most req. 4-6 grams per day/ anti inflammatory
Vitamin C varies /up to bowel tolerance
CoQ 10 ubiquinone form
Melatonin anti-oxidant; immune support; anti inflammatory
*B12 very common deficiency <450pg/ml requires injections
Folic Acid most need L-5MTHF form
Vitamin D3 in high doses / immunity
Probiotics & Enzymes (**esp. pancreatic)
Iodine Complex 12.5 mg (comb. Of all three forms)
Selenium supports thyroid
MSM supports detoxification pathways
N-Acytlycystine precursor to glutathione synthesis
L-Glutamine repairs Leaky GUT
L-Carnosine protects against free radical damage
Source: Could it be B12?, By Pacholk & Stuart
• ** Autoimmune The Cause and the Cure, by Annesse Brockley & Kristin Urdiales
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Herbs that strengthen
immunity * TBD by individual case by case assessment
Andrographis Astragulus Ashwaganda Artemisia annua Curcumin Cordyceps Dan shen Ginseng Holy basil Licorice Miatake & Reshi Picorriza Schizandra Berry Eleuthero(Siberian Ginseng) Turmeric
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Turmeric
Boswellia
Borage
Cat's Claw
Devil's Claw
Echinacea
Feverfew
Forsythia
Grape seed
Herbs that ease pain &
inflammation* TBD by individual case by case assessment
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° Licorice
° Marshmallow,
° Meadowsweet
° MSM
° Querticin
° Rosemary
° Samento
° Scullcap
° Skunk Cabbage
° White willow bark
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Other issues
Lack of protein digesting enzymes is a
factor present in all auto immune related
disorders
Methylation issues (how the body
converts B vitamins in the body) was also
found to be present in autoimmune
diseases
Source; Autoimmune The Cause And the Cure by, Annesse Brockley & Kirstin Urdials
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Testing options
Genetic Testing
MTHFR Test – serum blood draw; tests for
methylation pathway problems
DNA SNP’s testing panel using salvia
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Testing options
Food intolerances & Candida Testing
(Serum or blood spot):
Measures IgG/IgA antibodies present that reflect degrees of reactivity to specific foods and Candida
Helpful in identifying problem foods and yeast
If confirmed; indicates gut permeability aka “leaky GUT”
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Testing options
Heavy metals (hair/urine)
A sample of hair from nape of neck is
analyzed for metals.
Urine used a chelating agent (DMSO) and
measures metals excreted
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Testing options
Toxic elements (urine)
Urine used a chelating agent (DMSO) and
measures metals excreted
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Testing options
Organic Acids test (urine):
Useful in identifying blocked metabolic pathways. Helps identify problems in energy production, detoxification, biotransformation, neurotransmitter breakdown or intestinal microbial activity
Helps determine what causes the deficiency; such as enzyme deficit; nutrient deficit, toxic interference, or drug induced
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Testing options MicroNutrient testing (blood draw):
Uses active peripheral lymphocytes (produced in the bone marrow) instead of serum
Assesses ability of cells to resist damage caused by free radicals and other forms of oxidative stress. Reflects nutrient status over a 4-8 month period
Provides a glimpse of intracellular function or micronutrients
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Steps to Address the CauseWhat can we influence/limit or change to reduce suffering?
1. Determine inflammatory trigger foods & remove them2. Determine environmental toxins & remove/reduce toxic
load on the liver 3. Support the liver with foods, herbs & nutrients 4. Strengthen natural immunity & improve absorption of
nutrients (heal the GUT; rebalance flora)5. Increase healing foods6. Use targeted healing nutrients to assist in recovery 7. Assess & Address nutrient deficiency's 8. Add specific herbs known to help support, nourish and
ease pain
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Conclusion Management of autoimmune condition is multi-
faceted and complex Increase quality of life through a holistic approach
that address the cause vs. suppression of “symptoms” alone
Testing and assessment is important because each person’s disease is unique and manifests in their body different ways
Using food as medicine is an essential part and the foundation of any integrated recovery program
Remember drugs suppress but nutrients give the body what is lacks!
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Conclusion Q & A:
Link to download today’s handout:
http://nourishholisticnutrition.info/mhnhand
out/
Anne Baker. CN, LE
Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Lifestyle
Change Expert
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