( HEALTH )

Cyndi O ’ Meara explains autoimmunity – what it is , and what we can do about it .

n 1994 , my sister was diagnosed

I with CREST , which is an acronym

for five autoimmune diseases . Back then , the only advice she was given was to stay warm , not to smoke , and to take medication . Unfortunately , she passed away at the age of 47 .

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy ( ASCIA ) quote that five per cent of the Australian population are affected by an autoimmune disease . I suspect that this figure is on the low side , as many people remain undiagnosed .

Autoimmunity is an umbrella term for over 100 diseases including Hashimoto ’ s , type 1 diabetes , multiple sclerosis , Parkinson ’ s disease , rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease , to name a few . There are many theories as to the aetiology of this disease , but in simple terms it is where the body ’ s immune system attacks body parts . In the case of Hashimoto ’ s , the body starts to attack the thyroid ; in type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks the beta cells ( which make insulin ) on the pancreas . In other words , instead of the immune system protecting the body from external attacks , it turns on itself .

There is more than one theory as to why the body turns on itself , but no matter what the cause , we know that three factors are in play with this group of diseases :

Not much has changed in the management of autoimmune diseases in the mainstream , but a growing number of integrative doctors , nutritionists and naturopaths are looking at changing diet and lifestyle to change the outcome of this disease – and it appears to be working .

When you search for AIP ( Autoimmune Protocol ) on the internet , you ’ ll find thousands of results detailing people who have successfully managed and reversed their autoimmune disease using diet and lifestyle . These results include people like Dr Terry Wahls , who used diet and lifestyle to help manage her multiple sclerosis ; Dr Natasha Campbell McBride who is using her GAPS ( Gut and Psychology Syndrome ) program for type 1 diabetes ; and Dr Sarah Ballantyne who is using an AIP to help her lichen planus . We also know a dietary change is required when diagnosed with coeliac disease .

How to find a new destiny for your genes

1 . Eat organic whole foods , so you are not exposed to the herbicide glyphosate . This herbicide is also an antimicrobial - it kills your gut bacteria which in turn compromises the epithelial lining in the gut , allowing food particles and toxins to move into the blood system unhindered . This causes an immune response and increases the chances of activating autoimmunity .

2 . Do not eat anything containing gluten . Gluten has been associated with many autoimmune diseases .

3 . Change your diet to a ‘ real food diet ’ ( historical diet ). Stay away from packaged foods filled with unidentifiable additives ( including gluten-free packaged foods ). The body has not evolved with these chemicals and the ramifications for the body are unknown .

4 . Consume organic broths and slowcooked meats to nourish your gut lining and increase the diversity of your gut bacteria .

5 . Naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut , kefir , kimchi and traditional yogurt all help the established bacteria in the gut to thrive ; this in turn increases the integrity of the gut lining .

6 . Eat food as close to its original source as possible . That means going to your local farmers market and buying individual ingredients to make amazing foods from scratch . It ’ s important we get back into the kitchen to feed and nourish ourselves and family to heal a nation .

7 . Get out into nature - walk barefoot on the grass , hike through the woods , get sunshine on your face , move your body and then have a great night ’ s sleep .

8 . Try the Changing Habits Colloidal Minerals – the fulvic and humic acids found in these minerals can improve the communication of the bacteria in your gut as well as heal a leaky gut .

Cyndi O ’ Meara is a nutritionist , bestselling author of Changing Habits , Changing Lives , real food advocate , international speaker , filmmaker ( What ’ s With Wheat ) and the founder of Changing Habits , an online holistic health destination offering wellness products , programs and guides to nourish yourself and your family . To learn more visit www . changinghabits . com . au

OH ! MAGAZINE ( AUGUST 2018 ) 27