HOW DOES THE COIMBRA PROTOCOL WORK?

How does the Coimbra protocol work? Vitamin D suppresses peoples autoimmunity by suppressing the Th17 reaction within the body. An excess production of an “immune messenger” (cytokine) known as “interleukin 17” causes this. Correspondingly production of interleukin 17 is a natural phenomenon which is beneficial in the correct, regulated amounts.

However, on the other hand, the overproduction of interleukin 17 is abnormal and has a detrimental effect on the body. A dysregulated immune system, producing an unusual immunological Th17 reaction, is what causes autoimmune disease. On the Coimbra protocol, vitamin D stops this reaction.

COIMBRA VITAMIN D PROTOCOL; “T”

LYMPHOCYTES AND AUTOIMMUNITY

At the same time, Vitamin D also encourages the proliferation of regulatory immune cells, known as “T lymphocytes.” Vitamin D protects and strengthens the immune system against bacteria, viruses, and other types of microorganisms.

Dr. Coimbra’s research has shown that individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases suffer from a genetic predisposition that prevents them from making or metabolizing Vitamin D effectively. The Coimbra protocol addresses this imbalance.

DETERMINING CORRECT DOSES OF VITAMIN D?

To address the lack of Vitamin D in the body and to compensate for the inability to metabolize it efficiently, Dr. Coimbra prescribes very high doses of Vitamin D.

The initial dose of vitamin D depends on body weight (1000IU’s per KG). After two to three months of taking the initial treatment, blood tests check levels. The treating Protocol Doctor will decide the timeline for these, which varies according to each individual. See a list of labs needed for the Dr. Coimbra protocol.

THE VITAMIN D DOSE ADJUSTS AFTER ONE YEAR ON COIMBRA PROTOCOL

The daily dose changes after a year, to compensate for adaptive changes of vitamin D in the metabolism. Common in patients receiving high doses. It carries on until the level of laboratory parameters for that individual patient has stabilized;

when the vitamin D has reached its maximum immunological effect. On the whole, this happens after the third or fourth protocol appointment, two years after embarking on vitamin D therapy.

THE PARATHYROID HORMONE

The objective of the Coimbra protocol is to reduce the level of Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood, using vitamin D3. Importantly as the levels of Vitamin D in the blood increase, the protocol begins to work and lowers the PTH.

Vitamin D inhibits PTH production. Dr. Coimbra’s research has shown that the immune system benefits from vitamin D, reaches a maximum when circulating PTH is at the lower limit of its normal range.

Blood tests evaluate ‘the sweet spot’ or the ideal unique dose necessary for each patient to halt their autoimmune disease. It may take several months of tests to identify the perfect amount. Learn more about Parathyroid hormone.

PTH values act as a safety gauge. Vitamin D intoxication will not occur as long as the PTH is still active. Additionally, the doctor carefully monitors blood and urinary calcium to avoid kidney stones on the Coimbra Protocol.

AS EXPLAINED BY DR. COIMBRA:

REMISSION

Once his patients have maintained the desired PTH level for 2-3 months, most if not all of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis have gone. Fundamentally, Axonal pathway damage from previous attacks, may not always diminish. Further future damage, however, will not occur.

Patients are in remission when they no longer have relapses, nor new lesions in their MRI images.

Such an enormous gift to those with MS. It is the gift of their lives back in their hands!!

Neurologists, on the whole, do not advocate any diets to mitigate the damage caused by MS. However, they are now advising MS patients to increase their vitamin D intake to 5,000 IU’s per day on the NHS (National Health Care in the UK).

The admission (10 years after the fact) that MS patients have a history of low levels of vitamin D still does not take into consideration the cause of the underlying problem. Few know of The Coimbra protocol and the research behind the higher doses of vitamin D.

There remains a stubbornness and dare I say in many respects, a laziness among Neurologists to actively explore and understand the published benefits of The Coimbra protocol.

Always be your own best advocate when it comes to your health and research your options. We are so lucky to have the internet as a resource. Everything you want to know is out there. Ask questions, be tenacious, be vigilant! The Coimbra protocol has had fantastic success and helped thousands of people suffering from autoimmune diseases.