In the midst of flu season, many
people’s attention turns to the flu vaccine. But there is a way to improve your
immunity against not only the flu, but also other viruses, bacterial
infections, yeasts, environmental toxins, food sensitivities, and even
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism flares. The secret lies in what immunologist Aristo Vojdani, PhD calls nature’s vaccine — secretory IgA (SIgA).
SIgA are immune cells that are the
first line of defense between you and the world. They primarily reside in mucus
membranes, including the digestive tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract,
prostate, and vagina. SIgA cells are found in mucus, tears, saliva, sweat,
breast milk, and other secretions.
SIgA cells are the first to encounter
invaders and sequester them so they are not dangerous to the body. This helps
prevent the immune system from over reacting so it is not prone to food
sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, and autoimmune diseases such as
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Many people have low SIgA
Unfortunately, having low SIgA levels
is pretty common these days. It’s most often seen in individuals with adrenal
fatigue who show symptoms of chronic tiredness, low blood sugar, difficulty
getting up in the morning, depression, anxiety, salt cravings, and chronic
illness. Many people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism also have adrenal
dysfunction.
Taking corticosteroid medications can
also lower SIgA levels.
Low SIgA levels increases cold and flu risk
Chronically low SIgA levels has a
number of consequences. The most obvious is that you are more likely to get
sick frequently. For instance, if your respiratory tract is low in SIgA cells,
the viruses and bacteria it encounters are going to have an easier time
invading your system.
Low SIgA leads to food and chemical sensitivities
What’s perhaps more frustrating is
that low SIgA levels can lead to the development of food and chemical sensitivities. Why? Your SIgA play a pivotal role
in your ability to tolerate the world around you while responding appropriately
to pathogens.
When there are not enough SIgA to
neutralize incoming bacteria, viruses, yeast, undigested food, chemicals, and
so on, the immune system must deploy its more aggressive immune cells. It’s
like calling in the Navy Seals because the police force has gone missing.
The result is a hyper reactive immune
system that creates a permanent loss of tolerance in the bloodstream to certain
foods or chemicals. Many people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism are also
sensitive to or intolerant of a number of foods and environmental chemicals
because their immune system is reacting to them.
Low SIgA raises risk for Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and other autoimmune
disorders
One of the more unfortunate risks of
SIgA is that it raises your risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
With a diminished defense from low
SIgA, your immune system is on constant red alert and your body is more
vulnerable to pathogens. Between the increased exposure to pathogens and a
hyper reactive immune system, it’s just a matter of time before it starts
attacking your thyroid tissue in the case of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. Other
tissues in the body are also vulnerable depending on your genetic
predisposition.
Ask my office for ideas on how to
test for and increase your SIgA levels and better manage your Hashimoto’s
hypothyroidism.
Dr Eric Balcavage
Chronic Condition Recovery Center
www.chronicconditionrecoverycenter.com
610-558-8920
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