Little Known Disease Killing More People than Cancer

What You Need to Know About Autoimmune Disease

If your doctor suspects you have one of 130 different autoimmune diseases, you are likely to hear the words, “I’m referring you to a specialist.” This ominous statement often signals the start of a seemingly endless loop of specialist visits, each aimed at treating the symptoms of various areas under siege by the Defense System.

Although autoimmunity may not have a known cure, it is possible to reverse the symptoms and significantly improve one’s quality of life by delving deep into the underlying reasons the Defense System has become an adversary.

If you find yourself caught in this cycle, feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by the prospect of another medication or doctor’s appointment, I offer you a beacon of hope. True healing and management of autoimmune conditions require a fundamentally different approach: addressing the root cause of the Defense System’s misdirection.

Let me introduce you to a solution you won’t find in the typical doctor’s office. Many people have used the 7 Systems Plan to turn the tables on autoimmunity and reclaim their health!

John’s rheumatoid arthritis in his hands was so bad his wife had to button his shirt for him. One year later, he had no hand pain, excellent grip strength, and was down 70 pounds by following the 7 Systems Plan. Let’s look at autoimmune diseases that kill more people than cancer.

The Underlying Cause of Autoimmune Diseases

At the heart of the 7 Systems Plan is the recognition of each individual’s biochemical uniqueness, necessitating personalized treatment plans rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This principle is particularly pertinent to autoimmune diseases, where conventional medicine often falls short, focusing on symptom management with immunosuppressive medications without addressing the underlying cause.

Autoimmune diseases stem from Defense System mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, failing to distinguish between self and foreign invaders. While genetics play a role, factors such as gut health, dietary sensitivities, toxin exposure, infections, and stress can trigger all autoimmunity.

The Defense System: The Key Player in Autoimmunity

Whether an autoimmune disease targets the thyroid, joints, skin, or other organs, the central issue is an immune response leading to self-attack. The Defense System is divided into two main components: the innate and adaptive immune systems.

• The innate immune system is our first line of defense, with physical barriers like skin, mucous membranes, immune cells, and proteins. It responds to all foreign threats in a general manner.

• On the other hand, the adaptive immune system comprises specialized cells and antibodies that respond to specific pathogens. It can “remember” previous invaders, offering a more efficient response upon reencounter. Unfortunately, this part of your immune response can “learn” to attack things it should not.

Conventional Medicine Shortcomings in Treating Autoimmune Diseases

Traditionally, autoimmune diseases are treated as isolated conditions, leading to a fragmented approach to treatment. Patients bounce between specialists, each focusing on symptom management of affected organ systems without considering the Defense System’s role.

In contrast, the 7 Systems Plan views the body’s interconnected systems, where the health of each part influences the whole. Instead of suppressing the Defense System with drugs and dealing with the accompanying side effects, the 7 Systems Plan aims to support and strengthen the Defense System, addressing the real culprit behind autoimmunity.

Unraveling Autoimmune Diseases: 7 Key Causes

While the puzzle of autoimmune diseases is complex, understanding the underlying factors is crucial for managing and potentially reversing these conditions. Here are seven fundamental causes at the heart of autoimmune diseases:

1. Leaky Gut Syndrome

The gut is more than just a digestive organ; it is the cornerstone of your Defense System, housing about 80% of it. When the gut’s integrity is compromised—a condition known as leaky gut—it can trigger an aggressive immune response. This overreaction can lead the Defense System to mistakenly target its own tissues, making gut health a primary focus in addressing autoimmune diseases.

2. Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, is a primary provocateur of leaky gut and inflammation. Its ability to mimic the body’s tissues can confuse the Defense System, leading to tissue attacks. Eliminating gluten, especially for those with a sensitivity, can be a transformative step in healing from autoimmune conditions.

3. Toxic Exposure

Exposure to toxins like heavy metals and mycotoxins disrupts the Defense System’s balance. These toxins directly damage tissues or provoke chronic inflammation, prompting the Defense System to launch an assault on the body. Reducing exposure and enhancing detoxification, as taught in the 7 Systems Plan Course, are vital steps in mitigating this cause.

4. Chronic Infections

Persistent infections from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens can be a driving force behind autoimmune diseases. The Defense System’s continuous effort to fight off these infections can lead to chronic inflammation, setting the stage for autoimmunity. Addressing these infections is crucial for restoring immune balance.

5. Stress Overload

Chronic stress keeps the Defense System in a perpetual state of alert, increasing the likelihood of turning against the body’s own tissues. Managing stress through natural methods, such as deep breathing, meditation, gentle exercise, and coaching, calms the immune response and prevents autoimmune flare-ups.

6. Dietary Imbalances

Beyond gluten, other dietary factors like processed foods, sugar, and omega-6 fats can contribute to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Adopting a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet supports gut health and immune function, addressing two critical aspects of autoimmune diseases.

7. Gut Bacteria Imbalances

An intricate link exists between gut health and proper immune system functioning. Microbial imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, in the gut microbiome is a significant factor in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. This imbalance, characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased harmful pathogens, can lead to chronic inflammation and a compromised intestinal barrier.

Such conditions create an environment conducive to autoimmune reactions, as the Defense System mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues in response to perceived threats. Addressing microbial imbalances through diet, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies is crucial in managing autoimmune conditions.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Diseases

Supporting your Defense System, rather than suppressing it, opens up a new frontier in managing autoimmune conditions. This approach considers the immune response and the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the disease. Identifying and addressing these root causes can alleviate symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and, in some cases, reverse the autoimmune process, as it did with John.

A Path Forward: Addressing the Root Causes

Focusing on these seven fundamental causes makes it possible to treat autoimmune diseases holistically, beyond symptom management. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their health by addressing the root causes of their autoimmunity, paving the way for improved well-being and, in many cases, reversing autoimmune conditions.

The 5R Program

The 5R Program represents a comprehensive, holistic approach to gut health. It emphasizes the importance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in overall wellness and managing chronic health issues. This functional medicine strategy restores gut health for its pivotal role in immune function, nutrient absorption, and mental health.

The 5R Program consists of five key steps: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Retain. Each step addresses a specific aspect of digestive health.

Remove

The first step involves removing the negatives affecting gut health. It includes eliminating harmful foods, pathogens (parasites, yeast, or bacteria), and toxins from the diet and environment. By identifying and cutting out these triggers, such as gluten, dairy, processed foods, and sugar, the body can begin to heal from the inflammation and damage they cause.

Replace

This step focuses on replacing essential gut-friendly elements in the diet that may be missing or insufficient. It emphasizes the importance of digestive enzymes like Digestive Complete from NutriDyn and fiber, which are crucial for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Adding these elements through diet or supplementation improves gastrointestinal function and supports overall health.

Reinoculate

Reinoculating the gut with beneficial bacteria is crucial for restoring a healthy microbiome balance. Introducing probiotics and prebiotics through food sources or supplements from NutriDyn, like UltraBiotic Daily Multi-Strain, encourages the growth of beneficial gut flora. Foods rich in fiber, like vegetables and whole grains, serve as excellent prebiotics, while fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are great probiotic sources.

Repair

Repairing the gut lining is a critical component of the 5R Program. This step involves nurturing the intestinal lining with nutrients that support gut health, such as zinc, NutriDyn’s Omega Pure EPA-DHA 1000, antioxidants, and functional foods like GI Restore from NutriDyn. A healthy gut lining is essential for preventing leaky gut syndrome, where toxins and food particles escape into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.

Retain

The final step of the 5R Program, rebalance, emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in maintaining gut health and overall wellness. Stress management techniques, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and healthy eating habits are all key components of this phase. Focusing on a balanced lifestyle promotes long-term gut health and wellness.

For a complete guide to the 5R Program, click here.

Following the 5R Program provides a structured and effective approach to healing the gut, which is often at the core of diverse health issues. This program offers a path to improving digestive health and enhancing immune function, mood, and energy levels, demonstrating the critical connection between gut health and the rest of the body.

In summary, the journey to managing and potentially reversing autoimmune diseases starts with a shift in perspective—from fighting symptoms to nurturing and supporting the Defense System and Digestive System. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of Defense System dysfunction, we can embark on a path to improved health and wellness, moving beyond the limitations of conventional treatments. Welcome to a new chapter in your health journey, where empowerment and holistic healing lead the way.

For your health,

Dr. Pat

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