Understanding Autoimmunity

Understanding AutoImmunity

Dr Kyle Christensen DC May 2018

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to complete a course in autoimmune diseases.  It was a unique course in that it didn’t simply describe the variety autoimmune conditions but the emphasis was on teaching us how to correct, resolve and overcome them. An autoimmune condition is one in which the body begins to attack itself as though it were an infectious disease, necrotic (dead) tissue, or something foreign, rather than repairing itself as is the regular course of healing. When I was studying chiropractic in college over 30 years ago, there were only a handful of conditions that were considered autoimmune. We are now rapidly approaching over 200 conditions that are classified as autoimmune. 

Of course, we must ask the question – What is going on here?! We live in the most modern technologically advanced civilization in the history of the world and we keep getting sicker. Yes, we live longer, but not in better health. It is a sad commentary that the United States comprises of only 4.4% of the worlds population, yet we consume over 75% of the prescribed drugs.  Youch!

Here are a few major concepts that I have learn:

ALL DISEASE EVENTUALLY BECOME AUTOIMMUNE

·      Low-level chronic infections lead to autoimmunity

·      Weak immune system leads to autoimmunity

·      Necrosis (damaged, destroyed, dead tissue) leads to autoimmunity

·      Drugs do not address autoimmune issues

·      Chronic infections need to be dealt with in all autoimmunity

As follows is a common cascade of events that can eventually result in an autoimmune condition:

Can you find yourself somewhere on this continuum?

It can begin with some sort of assault:

o   Infectious Exposure (from human, animal, mosquito or tic carrying a pathogen),

o   Toxicity – from repeated exposure to toxic foods, water, pesticides, drugs, etc. or as a result of exposure during fetal development

o   from childhood Vaccinations (because of adjuvants such as aluminum and toxins such as mercury)

The stress and strain of this can depress the immune system and lead to Acute infectious illness (earaches, bladder infection, bronchial infection, etc.) which are far too often treated with Antibiotics which,

Wipes out the Gut Flora (both the probiotics =good and bad-biotics =bad), which

Damage the lining the Intestinal Tract, which can

Leads to a Leaky Gut (with symptoms of indigestion, reflux, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea) causing increased permeability (absorption) of incompletely digested foods, which

Causes Antibody Responses and Allergies, which further weaken, compromise and depress the Immune System, which

Can allow Pathogens (harmful virus, bacteria, fungus, etc.) to proliferate (usually in the weakest organ, gland or tissue – weakened through injury, toxicity or a genetic predisposition)

These pathogens can be very highly intelligent or sneaky and shroud themselves disguised as normal tissue (called Stealth Pathogens) allowing them to slip under the surveillance radar of the immune systems scrutinizing watch, which

Results in Low-Level Chronic Infections (a lingering illness that just doesn’t get better as ALL infectious illnesses should), which can lead to

An antibody response (or the immune system identifying healthy organs, glands or tissue as a foreign invaders that must be attacked and defeated) resulting in dysfunction, pain and inflammation, which

by definition is Autoimmunity. An autoimmune disease or illness is identified or labeled by what part of the body is being attacked. The thyroid gland = hypothyroidism, nerves = multiple sclerosis, many varied problems with Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue/muscles = fibromyalgia.

Whew! Did you follow that? You can enter this scenario at any level but

With multiple infections/illnesses, many undergo repeated antibiotic use, which accelerates the spiral toward autoimmunity. This is often compounded with a poor diet, poor sleep and chronic stress.

The medical approach is often to figure out what is the offending pathogen – Borrelia in Lyme disease, H. Pylori in the stomach, Epstein Barr in the nervous system, etc.  and then drugs, often antibiotics are prescribed to kill the offending microbe or manage the symptoms.  Sounds reasonable, but it doesn’t really work. It doesn’t work because the framework of the immune system is broken. The digestive tract is compromised which controls or mediates 70% of your immune function. If the innate or primary immune system is damaged, there is little hope of a lasting recovery. If the fish bowl is dirty and in need of being cleaned, it doesn’t make much sense to inoculate (vaccinate) the fish against disease and drop him back in the dirty bowl. We, like the gold fish, must enjoy a clean and health promoting environment if we expect to maintain our health.

This innate or primary immune system is the body’s inherent ability to keep us healthy.  It has been expressed that we do not have an immune system, but rather WE ARE AN IMMUNE SYSTEM. The medical approach of developing acquired immunity for specific diseases through vaccination has sadly proven to be a false notion. Current scientific research has discovered that our bodies are far more intelligent that previous assumed. Immune response cells actually have the ability to adapt in order to combat a multiplicity of pathogens rather than the “one antigen to one pathogen” response as previous taught in medicine.  We have also observed that pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi, etc.) mutate and change, which is why flu vaccines are rarely effective because those wily infectious pathogens keep on changing.  It makes much more sense to heal and strengthen the immune system, which has the ability to adapt to the ever-changing microbial environment. 

Our body’s immune system is designed to clean up problems that occur as a natural course of living. All cells have a predetermined life cycle. When a cell gets old and it is time for it to retire, the immune system goes to work and neatly packages up the cellular parts to either be recycled or carried away as waste. It truly is very clean and efficient.  However, if a cell dies as a result of being overwhelmed by infection or direct tissue damage (a severe injury – imagine direct blunt trauma), cells can be killed (called necrosis) and instead of the cells being neatly packaged and carried away, the cell spews it guts, cell wall, DNA and everything else everywhere. BLAM!  The internal clean up process involves “antibodies”. The following analogy can you us understand the role of antibodies in our immune system.

Imagine for a moment we are driving down the highway and as we drive by the prison we notice a man in a bright orange jumpsuit running as fast as he can through the field behind the prison. Humm, that doesn’t look right.  If we were an antibody, we would not jump out of our car and attempt to apprehend him, but rather as an antibody, we would pick up the phone, call 911 and alert them.  “Hey, I just thought you’d like to know, there’s some guy in an orange jumpsuit running through the field behind the prison”. This is what an antibody does – Alerts the immune system. It does not fight the battle, simply alerts the system. So that the immune system can rally its forces to fight the battle. 

Antibodies are a good thing.  Because if for example a liver cell somehow gets dislodged and floats through the blood stream and ends up in the bone marrow, the antibody will alert the immune system saying in essence “Hey! You don’t belong here. I’m telling the immune system to come and take care of you.”  This mechanism keeps things in good order.

However, when our bodies are damaged or compromised through infection or necrosis (damaged tissue that dies), the immune system can become overwhelmed resulting in antibodies being created to clean things up.  With cellular DNA being strewn all over the place (cells killed by infection or direct damage), antibodies may now tell the immune system to attack all muscle cells because it is working so valiantly to clean up that specific tissue that is not where it belongs.  As a result, the immune system is not only cleaning up the tissue in the wrong place, but also that same tissue right where it belongs. This in essence is an autoimmune response.  The body attacking cells because of misinformation by the antibodies, which have become hyper-alert due to infection or necrosis.

Here’s a brief analogy to help you understand the relationship of your immune system and pathogens.

The mosquito does not create the stagnant water. The mosquito is opportunistic and finds stagnant water to proliferate. Likewise, pathogens do not create damaged or necrotic tissue, they are opportunistic and take advantage of diseased or damaged tissue. In other words a healthy immune system is resistant to pathogen overgrowth, while a damaged, stressed or compromised immune system can allow the cascading effects that may lead down dangerous places.  This explains why some get sick if exposed to illness and others do not. It is integrity of the immune system rather than being exposed or just dumb luck.

An advantage of living in our time and day is that we can each learn from the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before us.  I am so blessed to have been taught by brilliant and compassionate men and women whose lives have been and are dedicated to ferreting out and applying the truth regardless of where is originates. We do not eschew (deliberately avoid) medicine or its discoveries, but we learn from them, understanding that knowledge is obtained often by making incorrect assumptions but have the humility and courage to learn and grow, if the goal is to truly help mankind, rather than financially profit from illness and misery.  Sadly, we live in a time where greed, control and power can overrule  compassion and common sense.

I have observed that a patient with an autoimmune condition that always has major digestive issues. Additionally, I have learned that we cannot have chronic or long-term issues without significant emotional issues that come as a result of it and perhaps even preceded your illness. Diet, sleep, positive relationship and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle must also be addressed. For many of you, you have done this already, but are still sick and suffering.  My point is: Regaining your health in your case may not be a simple straightforward process. It can be very tricky. Autoimmunity must be addressed from multiple perspectives and approaches in order for a successful outcome.

The key to recovery from autoimmunity is to heal the digestive system, immune systems, kill the stealthy pathogens and heal the damaged tissues, which have fallen prey to your illness (as best we can). Then of course, prevention of future problems is insured by a healthy lifestyle.

People can and do get well from these seemingly hopeless conditions. Through my course of study and practice, we have developed several protocols that can help those suffering from one or more of the myriad of autoimmune conditions. 

If this seems like something you or a loved one may be dealing with, give us a call. We just may be able to provide answers and help.

Blessings,

Dr Kyle Christensen

May 2018

AutoImmune Recovery Protocols

Dr Kyle Christensen May 2018

The key to recovery from autoimmunity is to rebuild the immune systems, kill the stealthy pathogens, heal the digestive system, and restore the damaged tissues (as best we can). Then of course, prevention of future problems is insured by a healthy lifestyle. 

We recommend several options for recovery. The first is using products from Standard Process. We hardily endorse these great products and thousands have found success with these products and protocols. Secondly, for those who would like, we also offer herbal remedies that can be made on your own that will replace some of the MediHerb products (the herbal line from Standard Process). When making your own remedies from formulas we have developed, you can save money as well as create quantities sufficient for yourself and those you seek to care for.

Of course, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and relaxation, moderate exercise, keeping well hydrated, and allergy elimination treatments (if needed) are important. Your emotional and spiritual health cannot be overlooked. We have tools and guidelines that can help. Understand we are not interested in a quick and shallow fix that will only temporarily ease symptoms. The goal is true health. True recovery will take effort and some changes.  Much of what you have done is right on target. Here we give you a systematic program that can make the decisive difference.

 We are here for you to answer you questions and concerns. To guide you and help motivate you.

Blessings,

Dr Kyle Christensen

Rebuilding the Immune System

This is the first key in your recovery. If you don’t feel well and haven’t for a while, you need to start here. Many suffer from chronic low-level infections. Having a healthy and robust immune system is vital to your recovery.

Plan for 2-3 months for rebuilding the immune system (usually feeling better in 3-4 weeks)

Standard Process Protocol

1.     Echinacea Premium 2-3/day

2.     Rehmannia Complex 3-4/day

3.     Immuplex 3-6/day

4.     Three Kings (Gold/Frankincense & Myrrh) 6 capsules/day 

5.     PMG (protomorphogen – the protein of the DNA found within the nucleus of the cell – each cell type having a different protomorphogen) – use the one where they have symptoms

Work up to taking 6 per day

Take on empty (30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after eating)

Additional you can add for a quicker, better result

6.     Vitanox 1-2/day

7.     Calcium Lactate 1 tsp-1 Tbs/day

8.     Standard Process – Daily Fundementals Packets (1 packet morning and 1 packet evening containing: 3 Catalyn, 1Trace Mineral-B12, 2 Tuna Omega-3 oil)

Why take a Protomorphogen

Protomorphogens (pro-toe-more-fo-gen) or PMG supplements manufactured by Standard Process that will help your organ/gland or tissue that may be having a problem as result of autoimmunity. Protomorphogens are the protein from the DNA of the cells. Protomorphogens tie up the negative antibodies and calls off the immune attack of the organ, gland or tissue. PMG buys time for the body to heal by diverting the antibodies away from the tissue so it can heal. PMG calms down the autoimmune response to that tissue. PMG are made from and are for specific organs, glands or tissues.

Four Functions of Protomorphogens (PMG)

1. Acts as a Decoy: The immune system Antibodies attacks the PMG in the digestive tract instead of the organ or gland

2. Oral Tolerance/desensitization/tolerization: Consuming an antigen (the PMG) orally makes the immune system less aggressive against itself.

3. A Rich source of mircoRNA, which help regulate gene expression in all cells while helping to rebuild healthy DNA.

4. Nutrition: protein & trace minerals in the PMG provide nutritional building block to restore and rebuild damaged or compromised organs, glands and tissues.

Protocol for taking a Protomorphogen

PMG’s are best taken on an empty stomach - 30 min before eating or 2 hours after eating/before bed

Build up your dosage of PMG over a week

Take 1 tablet morning, then 1 evening for 2 days

Take 2 tablets morning, 2 evening for 3-4 days

then 3 in the morning, 3 evening

If you have any reaction (histamine response – runny nose, feeling achy) this is actually a positive response letting you know we have found the correct area to work on because the immune system is reacting to the protomorphogen. You may need to back off the amount of PMG or take it with food to minimize the reaction. Occasionally some need and can only take small doses at first. Again, if you experience a reaction – you are definitely on the right track – you just need to proceed more slowly.

Dr Kyle Christensen 2018

Dr Christensen’s Herbal Remedy Alternatives for Rebuilding the Immune System

Many of you, like myself, are always looking for ways you can do something yourself and by doing so save some money. By making your own powerful, potent, fast and effective remedies, you will gain greater insight and understanding of these remedies as well as make plenty of formula for yourself and your recovery.

1.     Replace MediHerb Echinacea Premium with Dr Christensen’s Immune Syrup (Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Cat’s Claw, Pau d’Arco, Eleuthero, Cinnamon)

2.     Replace MediHerb’s Rheumannia 3-4/day or Dr Christensen’s Rehmannia Plus (Rehmannia, Bupleurum, Feverfew, Sarsaparilla)

3.     Standard Process Immuplex 3-6/day

4.     Three Kings (Gold/Frankincense & Myrrh) 6 capsules/day 

5.     Standard Process PMG (protomorphogen – the protein of the DNA found within the nucleus of the cell – each cell type having a different protomorphogen) – use the one where they have symptoms (Adrenals, Thyroid, Pancreas, Muscles, Bones, etc.)

For an even better response, we recommend adding

6.     Replace MediHerb’s Vitanox 1-2/day or Dr Christensen’s Rosemary Formula (Rosemary, Green Tea, Turmeric, Cacao)

7.     Standard Process – Daily Fundementals Packets (1 packet morning and 1 packet evening containing: 3 Catalyn, 1Trace Mineral-B12, 2 Tuna Omega-3 oil)

Clearing Chronic Infections -Stealth Pathogen Protocol

Once your immune system has been aroused and you are feeling somewhat better (typically 3 to 4 weeks into the Immune building phase, you may begin clearing chronic infections. These are often referred to as stealth pathogens, which are harmful virus, bacteria, yeast, mold, etc. that go undetected or only minimally detected by the immune system.

These formulae are designed to kill, eliminate and remove stealth pathogens. Repeat this 2 week protocol for 6-10 Cycles (3-5 months).

Standard Process Protocol

Part ONE: 1-4 days

1.     MediHerb Artemisisinin Complex, 3 bid

2.     MediHerb Myrrh Forte, 4 bid

Part TWO: 5-14 days

1.     MediHerb Viranon, 1 tid

2.     MediHerb Echinacea Premium, 1 tid

Dr Christensen Remedies for Clearing Chronic Infections

Part ONE: 1-4 days

Replace Artemisisinin Complex, 3 bid with Dr Christensen’s Sweet Annie/Myrrh Complex (Artemisia annua, Myrrh, Sarsaparilla) – take ¼ to ½ tsp 3 times daily

Part TWO: 5-14 ays

Replace MediHerb Viranon with Dr Christensen’s  Stealth Pathogen Formula (Thuja, Lomatium, St John’s Wort, Licorice root) ½ tsp 3 times daily

Replace Echinacea Premium with Dr Christensen Immune Syrup ½ tsp 3 times daily

Gut Flora Restoration and Healing a Leaky Gut Program

Weed, Seed & Feed for 10-12 weeks

Standard Process Formulas

2 days Sat/Sunday Weeding:

·      MediHerb Gut Flora Complex 2 bid

·      MediHerb Garlic Forte 2 bid

5 days M-F Seeding & Feeding (Do both the Seed and Feed simultaneously)

·      Standard Process Lact-Enz 2-3 bid and/or ProSynbiotic 2 bid

·      Cyruta Plus 6-9 = 2 tablets 3 times daily – Cyruta heals and seals

·      Sauerkraut, KimChi, Kombucha, Kefir, etc. daily

·      Standard Process Lactic Acid Yeast 3 bid

·      Standard Process Prebiotic Inulin start with ½ bid, then increase by ½ tsp every 3 days. work up to 1 ½ tsp bid

·      Prebiotic Diet – Beans, flax seeds, bananas, berries, asparagus, greens, garlic, onions – non-digestible carbs that feed the probiotics.  When prebiotics and probitoics are combined, they work together to create a healthy environment inside the gut while promoting proper digestion.

·      Vitanox 1 tid

Take Daily

·      Dermatrophin 2 or 3 3 times daily on empty stomach

Dr Christensen Remedies for Restoring the Gut Flora and Healing a Leaky Gut

2 days Sat/Sunday Weeding:

1.     Replace MediHerb Gut Flora Complex with Dr Christensen’s Bitter/Sweet Formula ½ tsp twice daily

2.     Replace MediHerb Garlic Forte with  Dr Christensen’s Garden Tonic ½ tsp twice daily

5 days M-F Seeding & Feeding (Do both the Seed and Feed simultaneously)

·      Standard Process Lact-Enz 2-3 bid and/or ProSynbiotic 2 bid

·      Cyruta Plus 6-9 = 2 tablets 3 times daily – Cyruta heals and seals

·      Sauerkraut, KimChi, Kombucha, Kefir, etc. daily

·      Standard Process Lactic Acid Yeast 3 bid

·      Standard Process Prebiotic Inulin start with ½ bid, then increase by ½ tsp every 3 days. work up to 1 ½ tsp bid

·      Prebiotic Diet – Beans, flax seeds, bananas, berries, asparagus, greens, garlic, onions – non-digestible carbs that feed the probiotics.  When prebiotics and probitoics are combined, they work together to create a healthy environment inside the gut while promoting proper digestion.

·      Vitanox 1 tid

Take Daily

·      Dermatrophin 2 or 3 3 times daily on empty stomach

Low-Inflammation Diet

Focus on nourishing yourself with a variety of nutrient-rich foods. 

·      Gradually increase your intake of fruits and vegetables (emphasize vegetables)

·      Include 2 to 3 servings of protein each day. (serving-size is about 3 oz /size of your palm)

·      Add Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kvass, kefir and kombucha.

·      Bone Broth

·      Use a variety of herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, ginger and oregano.

·      Avoid processed foods, fast foods and junk foods. Pre-packaged, prepared food are high on your alert list.

·      Limit dairy consumption (any dairy eaten should be fermented like yogurt, kefir, etc.)

·      Minimize foods high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates

·      Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet

·      Bread should be whole grain organic, sourdough and made fresh

·      Eliminate all processed sugar consumption

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to emphasize

Blue berries

Raw Oats

Ginger

Green Tea

Dark Chocolate

Wild Salmon

Turmeric

Beets

Broccoli (cruciferous)

Black beans

EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tomatoes

Chia seeds

Pineapple

Spinach

Whole Grains (Quinoa, Brown Rice, Millet, Amaranth)

Eggs

Garlic