January 7, 2019
Part III Newborn Tolerance - the do:
If all of the suppositions discussed so far come to fruition as the science evolves, then we have actionable advice to give now. We do know a few things are for certain already from the research on immunity and tolerance.
The know:
1) Vaginal deliveries are better for the child's immune system than c sections.
2) Breast feeding is the best choice for new moms that are capable of nursing.
3) Living with animals like dogs and cats or on a farm is clearly beneficial.
4) Adequate levels of vitamin D are very important for immune function. The sun is the best source.
5) Overuse of antibiotics and antacid medicines is destroying our inner garden of beneficial microbes and altering the pH of the stomach which changes protein degradation thereby increasing immune activation.
6) The standard American diet is woefully deficient in fiber and micronutrients that are necessary to support a healthy gut and thus a healthy tolerant immune system.
7) Our environments are too clean and sterile. Chemicals used to sterilize our homes and workplaces are doing more harm than good. Not to mention that many of these chemicals are toxic.
8) Pesticides and agrochemicals are scary for our gut microbiome. AVOID THEM.
9) Introducing food proteins between 6 and 12 months of age has been shown to reduce the risk of allergy. Do not introduce food before this critical period. Exclusively breastfeed until 6 months.
10) Fake sugars like aspartame and saccharine have been shown to damage the microbiome. Do not consume them.
The action based on the know and hypothesis for tolerance:
1) Diet is a key piece of immune tolerance development. Adequate fiber is necessary to feed our friendly bacteria from 6 months of age on and we are not getting enough.
2) Make sure that you have adequate amounts of micronutrients in your child's system from birth on. Pay special attention to vitamins A and D, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients are necessary to maintain a healthy immune system preventing tolerance breaks and infections from taking hold in your body. We need sufficient micronutrients specifically for a strong gut lining and to keep our good Treg cells functional.
3) Expose your children to farm dust and animals from the beginnings of life. Visit a farm and keep a dog nearby. Learn about animal exposure safety from the CDC. Resist the desire to sterilize your house. Learn how and when to use cleaning agents, i.e. to clean countertops after cooking with raw meat. The biome depletion theory makes it very clear that the lack of bacterial exposure from animals is a problem.
4) Consider taking a daily probiotic with the advice of your child's provider. Consume fermented and prebiotic based foods.
5) Avoid contact with all chemicals either in liquid or aerosol form. For example perfumes, aerosol plug ins, smoke, strong detergents and cleaning agents will irritate the nares, skin, and lungs. Consider having your child's detoxification genes analyzed for weakness. Add sulphur based foods and the amino acid cysteine from adequate protein intake to bolster glutathione levels. Glutathione is the major detoxification chemical of every cell. Less toxicity means less cellular damage and in turn less disease.
6) Reduce exposure to excess heavy metals that are present in food. Mercury is an issue in large fish like tuna. Arsenic is becoming a problem in rice and apples. This means that a lot of gluten free foods are potential sources of arsenic. Cadmium in e-cigarettes.
7) Avoid drugs known to disrupt the gut microbiome.
Dr. M
Chinthrajah JACI Article
Corthay T Regulator Cells Article
Banchereau Nature Article
Raker Frontiers in Immunology Article
Proal Current Opinions in Rheumatology Article
Parker EvMed Review Article
Parker Evolution Medicine and Public Health Article
Stein NEJM Article
Tan Cell Reports Article
Thum Journal of Nutrition Article
NEJM Gut Lining Picture
Citi Science Article
