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Probiotics and Autoimmune Health Insights

Mar 12, 2025

Best Probiotic for Autoimmune Conditions

Understanding Autoimmune Conditions

  • Definition: Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system attacks its own tissues.
  • Immune System Balance:
    • Two parts of the immune system can be out of balance.
    • Low regulatory T-cells (T-reg cells) and high other immune cells.
    • T-reg cells help prevent autoimmune diseases by calming inflammation post-immune response.

The Inflammatory "Thermostat"

  • Autoimmune diseases cause excessive inflammation (running too hot).
  • Goal: Adjust the immune system to an optimal level.

Root Problem of Autoimmune Diseases

  • Gut Inflammation: May go unnoticed but blocks Vitamin D3 function.
  • Vitamin D Importance:
    • Influences over 2500 genes, crucial for the immune system.
    • T-reg cells need Vitamin D to grow and function correctly.
    • Vitamin D resistance can occur at the cellular level despite normal blood levels.

Vitamin D and Autoimmune Disease

  • Dosage:
    • Effective immune system Vitamin D levels: 8,000–10,000 IU daily.
    • To address Vitamin D resistance, higher doses (20-50,000 IU) may be necessary.
    • Toxicity is extremely rare even at high levels.

Missing Gut Microbes

  • Essential microbes for autoimmune disease prevention:
    • B. infantis:
      • Supports nervous system development and T-reg cells.
      • 70% of the population lacks it.
    • A. rudai:
      • Increases oxytocin (anti-stress hormone).
      • 97% of the population lacks it.

Stress and the Immune System

  • Cortisol Impact:
    • High cortisol levels (stress) suppress the immune system.
    • Steroid treatments (e.g., prednisone) mimic cortisol, shutting down the immune system.
  • Microbes' Role:
    • Help reduce stress and maintain immune balance.

Cultivating Gut Health

  • Recommended to cultivate missing microbes with dairy products.
  • Aim to heal the small intestine and re-establish T-reg cells.

Selenium's Role in Autoimmune Conditions

  • Function:
    • Selenium is a trace mineral needed in small amounts (~200 micrograms).
    • Lowers inflammatory cells and autoantibodies involved in self-attack.
    • Can be taken as a supplement.

Prolonged Fasting Benefits

  • Immune System Improvement:
    • Increases T-reg cells.
    • Reduces inflammation.
    • Periodic fasting (e.g., 3-day water fasts) can generate new stem cells.

Summary

  • Key Strategies:
    1. Ensure adequate Vitamin D levels.
    2. Re-establish essential gut microbes.
    3. Incorporate selenium.
    4. Practice prolonged fasting.
  • Objective: Reduce excessive immune response and put autoimmune disease in remission.

  • Further Learning: Recommended to watch additional videos on Vitamin D specifics.