Lecture Notes: Putting Autoimmune Disease into Remission

Introduction

• Goal: Discuss methods to put autoimmune diseases into remission, particularly focusing on recent findings.
• Key Insight: Link between Epstein-Barr virus and many autoimmune diseases.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

• Prevalence: 90% of the population has had EBV.
• Characteristics:
  • Can go dormant and re-emerge under certain conditions.
  • Infects immune cells, alters their function, and potentially triggers autoimmune diseases.
  • Creates proteins that may alter genes, influencing autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune Disease Mechanism

• T Helper Cell 17:
  • Plays a role in either protecting against or causing autoimmune diseases.
  • Its function is influenced by the cell's environment or epigenetics.
• Environmental Influence: Explains why some exposed to EBV develop autoimmune diseases and some don’t.

Triggers for Autoimmune Disease Flare-Ups

• Stress: High cortisol levels can paralyze the immune system.
  • Bereavement is a significant stressor linked to triggering autoimmune diseases.
• Radiation and Antibiotics:
  • Both can alter gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis, a risk factor.
• Nutritional Deficiencies:
  • Low vitamin D or zinc levels can increase susceptibility.
• Pregnancy:
  • Some autoimmune diseases go into remission during pregnancy, while others may be triggered.

Strategy to Achieve Remission

1. Focus on Epstein-Barr Virus:

   • Lower stress to help put EBV in remission.
   • Use HRV test for stress assessment.

2. Nutritional Support:

   • Key vitamins and minerals: Vitamin B1, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin D (high doses), and Zinc.
   • Aerobic exercise to reduce cortisol levels and boost immune control.

3. Gut Health:

   • Manage dysbiosis with probiotics and fermented foods.
   • Start small to avoid immune reactions.

4. Fasting and Diet:

   • 48-hour fast every two weeks to reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity.
   • Decrease inflammation with fasting, Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and a ketogenic diet.

5. Protomorphogens (PMGs):

   • Use glandular extracts as decoys for antibodies in autoimmune diseases.
   • Example: Overtrophin PMG for thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s.

Additional Resources

• Recommendation: Watch related video on zinc for further insights on handling viruses.