Imagine enjoying your favorite meal out at a restaurant or on vacation somewhere tropical, only to find yourself running to the toilet a few hours later.
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common—every year, more than 200,000 Americans develop long-term ailments from a bout of food poisoning. Shockingly, about 164,000 of those individuals end up with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) that becomes difficult to reverse.
The Unpleasant Reality of Food Poisoning
If you've ever experienced food poisoning, you know it’s far from pleasant. 🤢 On top of that, it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause. Many different bacteria strains can be responsible, including:
🦠 Salmonella
🦠 Listeria
🦠 E. coli
🦠 Shigella
🦠 Campylobacter
The Common Culprit: CdtB Toxin
These various bacteria share a common trait—they release a toxin called cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB). Here’s what happens:
CdtB is harmful: Your body’s immune system will develop antibodies to eliminate it. This is a crucial and beneficial healing process.
The process misfires for some: For 25% of people who develop IBS, this process misfires, and the antibodies start attacking more than just CdtB.
Autoimmune reaction: The antibodies also target vinculin, a protein that helps regulate gut motility. This is an autoimmune reaction where the body mistakenly attacks itself.
Why Does This Happen?
Vinculin resembles CdtB at the molecular level, causing the immune system to confuse the two. This constant attack on vinculin can set off a chain reaction of digestive problems, including:
❌ Abdominal pain
❌ Bloating
❌ Irregular bowel movements
❌ Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
❌ Excess gas
❌ Mucus in your stool
Are You Suffering from These Symptoms?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and aren’t sure where to turn next, let’s get to the root of the issue together. Book a free Gut Check Call with me today, and let’s start your journey to better digestive health.
Navigating gut health can be challenging, especially when dealing with the aftermath of food poisoning. Understanding the connection between toxins like CdtB and autoimmune reactions can be the first step toward finding relief. Don’t let these symptoms control your life—take action today and regain your health and well-being.
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