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Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) Suppress the Immune System

immune system pufas

Another reason to not overdo polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in your diet? They suppress our immune system.
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“Unsaturated oils, especially polyunsaturates, weaken the immune system's function in ways that are similar to the damage caused by radiation, hormone imbalance, cancer, aging, or viral infections.” — Dr. Ray Peat
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How? “Immunodeficiency, produced largely by damage to thymic cells, increases when larger amounts of PUFA are eaten for a prolonged time.” — Dr. Ray Peat
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The thymus is an essential part of the immune system that creates T cells. Dr. Hans Selye found the more damaged the thymus, the more likely it was to produce autoimmune cells.
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Here’s another way: “The enzymes which break down proteins are inhibited by unsaturated fats, and these enzymes are needed not only for digestion, but also for production of thyroid hormones, clot removal, immunity, and the general adaptability of cells. The risks of abnormal blood clotting, inflammation, immune deficiency, shock, aging, obesity, and cancer are increased.”— Dr. Ray Peat
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Here’s another way: “Unsaturated fats directly kill white blood cells.” — C. J. Meade and J. Martin
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PUFAs are so immunosuppressive that they’re used to prevent organ-rejection in transplant patients: “Vegetable oil is recognized as a drug for knocking out the immune system…[they] are now marketed specifically for the purpose of suppressing immunity in patients who have had organ transplants. Using the oils in foods has the same harmful effect on the immune system.” — E. A. Mascioli
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What’s the point? Perhaps why these PUFAs work so well is because they suppress the immune system. After all, that’s why stress hormones work so well...right?
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Instead of suppressing my immune system, I prefer to build it up with:
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Nutrient-dense food, including protective saturated fats
🕰️A proper food frequency
🌞Sunlight
😴Sleep
🏋️‍♀️Supportive exercise
🧶Family time
🎨Creative activities

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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Calder, P.C. Bond, J.A. Bevan, S.J. Simon, H.V. Newsholme, E.A. (1991). Effect of fatty acids on the proliferation of concanavalin a-stimulated rat lymph node lymphocytes. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0020711X87900528.

Haidiut. (2019). PUFAs are immunosuppressive, fasting and protein restriction (possibly) even moreso. Retrieved from: http://haidut.me/?p=688.

Peat, R. (2006). Immunodeficiency, dioxins, stress, and the hormones. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/immunodeficiency.shtml.

Peat, R. (2006). Unsaturated Vegetable Oils: Toxic. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/unsaturated-oils.shtml.

Peat, R. (2007). Unsaturated fatty acids: Nutritionally essential, or toxic? Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/unsaturatedfats.shtml.

Roddy, D. (2016). Ketosis is Not Great. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN3wx5IW9RI.

Rubin, J. Rubin, J. (2014). Saturated Fact. Retrieved from: https://eastwesthealing.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2016/04/Saturated-Fact-Final-PDF.pdf.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.