A fave quote: "It seems to me that we have been conducting a huge experiment on humans for the past sixty years...Since World War II, we have created and been exposed to thousands of chemicals and toxins with unknown health impacts and side effects. Some chemicals were removed from the market after it was discovered that they caused cancer...the cumulative effects of all these toxins has created a big toxic load on your body without your knowing it."
1. Using Food As Medicine
The gist? Food can be used to combat inflammation and curb autoimmune disease processes.
On gluten: "...keep in mind that every food has the potential to cause an immune reaction, not just gluten, although gluten is the most important for autoimmune disease...People often ask me why there is a bigger problem with gluten today than ever before...The answer is twofold. First, you are exposed to more gluten today than ever before, and second,...your digestive system is a mess..."
On sugar: "One really dangerous type of carbohydrate is sugar. A diet containing processed sugar is associated with increased inflammation and impaired function of the immune cells called T cells and B cells...there is plenty of research on sugar and immune function...this kind of diet is unhealthful and has been linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. In fact, it's linked to all chronic disease."
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| Lump Sugar by Suat Eman |
- Good Fats--avocado, coconut oil, fish, nuts, or seeds.
- Colorful Fruits and Veggies
- Vitamin D
- Selenium and Zinc
- Green Tea
Yup, they're linked. Stress can lead to adrenal fatigue which, as I can understand it, is just when you push your body to the brink-wake up early (drink coffee), stay up late, eat stuff that's bad for you, repeat--you get the idea.
3. Healing Your Gut
"...70 percent of your immune system lives in your gut." Such a shame that decades of antibiotics kill bad bacteria and good bacteria.
"Beneficial bacteria also seem to help the immune system learn the difference between your own tissue and a foreign substance..."
Good bacteria basically help balance out the immune system and regulate it--your immune system might get inflamed and 'stuck' making T cells (the cells that attack an 'intruder') but good bacteria will help prevent that from happening. Recommendations to help your gut:
- No Sugar *sob*
- Whole Grains
- Coconut Oil
- Probiotics
- Fiber
See the opening quote above--toxins put strain on your liver. Stuff to help:
- Glutathione-antioxidant, made from the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, found in poultry, yogurt, egg yolks, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and oats.
- ALA (a fatty acid)-antioxidant, found in dark leafy greens and beef.
- Chlorella, Cilantro, and Fiber-compounds that help remove heavy metals from your body.
