iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll citlhscThus the strategy to overcome autoimmune conditions is to rebalance
the bacterial flora, which can lead to a normalization of intestinal perme-
ability. When our bacterial flora is not balanced, this contributes to the
autoimmune condition through continuous antigen stimulation.
Rebalancing the bacterial flora can be done through medications, diets,
and probiotic and digestive enzyme supplementation.
Diets
- A two-week elemental diet in which an easily digestible liquid
formula is consumed in place of food has been shown to reduce
small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The liquid diet may be a
drawback, however, for those with high blood glucose or those who
are underweight. - The specific carbohydrate diet and GAPS diet limit the
consumption of fermentable carbohydrates, which will slowly
rebalance the flora. - Daily consumption of lacto-fermented foods such as sauerkraut
and kimchi—which contain beneficial bacteria—will, over time,
displace the pathogenic bacteria.
Refer to the Diet chapter for more information.
Probiotics
Probiotics are used to rebalance the normal flora. Just as with ferment-
ed foods, the beneficial bacteria in probiotics should help displace the
pathogenic bacteria.
When beginning probiotics and fermented foods, it is recommended to start
small and gradually increase the dosage until a die-off reaction is felt.
A die-off reaction—also known as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or some-
times just Herxheimer or “Herx”—occurs when the dying pathogenic bac-
teria release endotoxins at a quicker rate than the body can clear them (read
more about bacterial toxins in the Alkaline Phosphatase chapter).
If die-off is too severe, the dose may be reduced a bit, but it should resolve
within three to five days while the probiotic dose is continued.
Symptoms of die-off include lethargy, difficulty concentrating, craving
sweets, diarrhea, rash, irritability, gas, bloating, headache, nausea, vomit-
ing, congestion, and increased autoimmune symptoms.