Food as medicine mhn version

Using Food as
Medicine:
Healing foods for
autoimmune
conditions
Presented by:
Anne Baker. CN, LE
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
& Lifestyle Change Expert
1
Copyright Nourish Holistic Nutrition
2014

Thank you!
2
 Thank you to the Michigan Holistic Nurses
Association for the opportunity to be with
you this evening.
 Nurses are some of my favorite people! 
Copyright Nourish Holistic Nutrition 2014

Credentials
3
 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

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.
4

Overview
I. Examining Autoimmune triggers
 Epigenetics
 Environmental toxins
 Heavy metals
 Genetically modified foods
 Liver health
5

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
6

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
7

8
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

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/
9

10
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/

11

12
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

13
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

Segment I
14
Autoimmune Triggers

Epigenetics
15
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

Epigenetics
16
 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

Epigenetics
17
 …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

Epigenetics
18
 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

Epigenetics?
19
 "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).

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
20

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.
21

22
 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

23
December 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.
23
Source: Analysis of Bisphenol A, Nonylphenol and Natural Estrogens in Vegetables and Fruits Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.PMID: 23215552

24
 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

25
 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.com
http://www.drsteinemann.com/Resources/Toxic%20Chemicals%20in%20Fragranced%20Laundry
%20Products.pdf

26
 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

27
 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."

28
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/

29
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.

30
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

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
31

32
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.

33
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 tissue
4. 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

34

35
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.]

36
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.]

37
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

38
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

Cytokines: immune signaling
molecules
~ Cytokines (IL-6, IL-13, IL12p70, MIP-1b) are involved in
allergic and inflammatory responses
Increased 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
39

40
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.]

41
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.]

42
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.

43
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

44
Consequences:
Eating these nutrient depleted toxic laden
foods:
 Increases toxic burden on the liver
 Decreases available nutrients for
detoxification
 Less energy for digestion

45
How does all of this impact
Detoxification?

46
Impact of toxins on the liver
The 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

47
The role of the liver
Genetic 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.

48

Section II
GUT Health
49

50
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

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.
51

Most Common GMO Foods
Remember 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/
52

53

54
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

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
55

56
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

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
57

58
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

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
59

60
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.

61
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

62
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.

63

64
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.

Steps to recovery
80% 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.
65

66
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!

Section III
67
Food as Medicine

Specific diets
68
 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

Specific diets
69
 The following are general areas of focus
to be considered in any program…but
specifics will vary from person to person

70
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

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
71

72
with healing foods
Anti-oxidant rich berries, apples, pears,
peaches, grapes, carrots, cranberries, and
orange colored vegetables all contain:
 Lutein
 Resveratrol
 Lycopene
 Bioflavonoids
 Querticin
 Tocatrianols
 Chlorophyll

73
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

74
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

75
Naturally fermented foods
Naturally 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

Bone broths made from
pasture raised/wild animals
Exceptionally 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
76

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
77

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?
78

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
79

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
80

81
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

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
82

83
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

84
Essential Fatty Acids
Eicosanoid Synthesis
Eicosanoids: 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

85
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

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
86

Herbs that ease pain &
inflammation*TBD by individual case by case assessment
 Turmeric
 Boswellia
 Borage
 Cat's Claw
 Devil's Claw
 Echinacea
 Feverfew
 Forsythia
 Grape seed
87
° Licorice
° Marshmallow,
° Meadowsweet
° MSM
° Querticin
° Rosemary
° Samento
° Scullcap
° Skunk Cabbage
° White willow bark

Other issues
88
 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

Testing options
Genetic Testing
89
 MTHFR Test – serum blood draw; tests for
methylation pathway problems
 DNA SNP’s testing panel using salvia

90
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”

Testing options
91
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

Testing options
Toxic elements (urine)
92
 Urine used a chelating agent (DMSO) and
measures metals excreted

Testing options
Organic Acids test (urine):
93
 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

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
94

Steps to Address the Cause
What can we influence/limit or change to reduce suffering?
1. Determine inflammatory trigger foods & remove them
2. 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 foods
6. 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
95

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!
96

Conclusion
 Q & A:
97
 Link to download today’s handout:
http://nourishholisticnutrition.info/mhnhand
out/
Anne Baker. CN, LE
Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Lifestyle
Change Expert

Food as medicine mhn version

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Food as medicine mhn version

Similar to Food as medicine mhn version (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Food as medicine mhn version

Editor's Notes