iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll mmthsl mbThkThhpsWhat Can We Learn from Bacteria and Parasites?
Research found some types of bacteria actively manipulate regulatory T
cells to foster their own survival in the host. Certain probiotic strains
have been used in mouse models of autoimmune disease and have been
found to increase T cell differentiation to produce more Tregs, which
impacted disease outcomes (arthritis and asthma).
These beneficial bacterial strains included (L. casei, L. salivarius, Lacotobacillus
rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and L. reuteri). Another study was done
with Lactobacillus plantarum, which was responsible for reducing the risk
for anaphylactic-type of allergies by increasing Th1 response.
In addition to probiotics, which will be discussed in subsequent chapters,
other ways of increasing T regulatory cells have been identified, including
such activities as weightlifting and sunbathing in ultraviolet light as well
as foods and supplements.
Substances Found to Increase the Amount of Tregs• EGCG, a compound found in green tea
• Weightlifting
• Bone marrow manipulation
• Ultraviolet light
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Papaya
• Butyrate
• L-glutathione
• Superoxide dismutaseCertain substances have been reported to weaken the immune system
and should be removed from our diets. These include processed foods,
pro-inflammatory vegetable oils, white sugar, and alcohol.
Other conditions that weaken the immune system and require address-
ing include leaky gut, low hydrochloric acid, and poor digestion, which
result in circulating immune complexes (CICs); low body temperature;