2
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Conditions in which the body attacks its own cells and tissues
strike women three times more than men, and they’re among the
top 10 leading causes of death in American women. Women are also
10 times more likely to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune
condition marked by weight gain, cold hands and feet, depression,
constipation, fatigue, and thinning hair. Sex hormones may play
a role in autoimmune diseases, and some research suggests that
variations in X chromosomes (women have two, men have
one) increase the risk of autoimmune disease.
Another theory: when women give birth, fetal
cells may stick around in the body after pregnancy—
sometimes for as long as 30 years—and can prompt
an autoimmune response in mothers, says Brittany
Henderson, MD, a board-certifi ed endocrinologist
and author (along with health writer Allison
Futterman) of What You Must Know About
Hashimoto’s Disease. Other triggers include infections,
food allergies, environmental toxins, and stress.
If you have Hashimoto’s or any other autoimmune
disorder, it’s critical to identify immune system triggers and
decrease them, says Henderson. Keep your immune system
strong to protect against infection, identify food allergies, and
avoid environmental toxins, including chemical household
cleaners such as bleach, nonstick cookware, and pesticide
residues in food, says Henderson. Switch to natural, nontoxic
household cleaners, buy organic foods whenever possible,
wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and use stainless steel
cookware. And fi nd ways to minimize your stress—in some stud-
ies, up to 80 percent of patients with autoimmune disorders
reported uncommonly high stress before onset of symptoms.
When choosing supplements, says Henderson, “Less is more, since
some ingredients can impair thyroid hormone actions. Be as pure and
clean as possible and be sure your supplements don’t have a ton of
ingredients you can’t pronounce.”Supplemental support:
k ANTIOXIDANTS that protect against infections, including vitamin C,
vitamin E, and liposomal glutathione, are especially important for
thyroid disorders.
k ANTI-INFLAMMATORY COMPOUNDS, specifi cally vitamin A, vitamin D,
and fi sh or krill oil.
k MINERALS, particularly iodine, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium
to support the production of thyroid hormones.
k PROBIOTICS to protect against harmful bacteria that
contribute to the development of food allergies, leaky
gut, and chronic infl ammation. Studies have linked a
disruption in the microbiome with increased risk of
autoimmune disorders. “Variety and concentration are
the most important aspects,” says Henderson. Choose a
product that contains 10 or more diff erent strains.TRY: Natural Factors WomenSense ThyroSense Thyroid Formula3
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Almost two-thirds of Americans
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are
women, and women in their 60s are
twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s
as breast cancer. It’s thought that
genetics and hormones play a
signifi cant role—studies suggest
that estrogens protect against beta-
amyloid, a compound that accumulates
in the brain, disrupting communication and
killing brain cells. When estrogen levels decline
during and after menopause, women are at a
higher risk.
To protect your brain, start with a healthy
diet: studies show that a higher consumption
of fruits and vegetables protects against
Alzheimer’s and enhances cognitive function.
Regular exercise has also been shown to
protect against Alzheimer’s.Supplemental support:
k MCTS (medium-chain triglycerides) have been shown
to reduce mental decline, as well as treat cognitive
dysfunction. Use MCT or coconut oil.
k ACETYL-L-CARNITINE (ALC) may reduce mental
deterioration in Alzheimer's patients.
k COENZYME Q10 is a neuroprotective antioxidant, and
some studies suggest that it may also reduce the risk
of Alzheimer’s.
k PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE (PS) can improve memory and
enhance cognitive function. Some studies suggest
that PS causes structural changes in
neurons, so benefi ts may continue
even after treatment stops.
k HUPERZINE A, traditionally used in
Chinese medicine as a treatment
for Alzheimer’s, has been shown
to signifi cantly improve memory,
and cognitive skills and abilities in
Alzheimer’s patients.TRY: LifeSeasons Clari-T Cognitive SupportFind ways to minimize
stress. In some studies,
up to 80 percent of patients
with autoimmune disorders
reported high stress.Giveaway!
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies
of What You Must Know
About Hashimoto's Disease by
Brittany Henderson, MD,
and Allison Futterman.
Email your name and address to
betternutritionfreebie@gmail.
com to participate. Please put
“Hashimoto's” in the
subject line.(^34) • MAY 2019