Auto-immune diseases and anti-inflammatory eating plan

Canordlund

Hi there,
Wondering if anyone out there with autoimmune disease(s) has tried an anti-inflammatory diet such as one where you cut out dairy, gluten grains, added sugar, etc? Has following this eating plan helped your symptoms? How long have you been on this diet? Thanks!

Annamarie3404

I haven't tried that diet. I have lupus, and it's controlled with medications. I do know that my lupus improved when I stopped eating red meats. I also limit carbs and sugar because I just had a kidney transplant and don't want to wind up with diabetes.

PrincessSquad

Hi. I have auto immune issues although I'm never really sure what this means. I quit 'sugar' in January and my condition improved immeasurably. I made a number of changes to my diet but sugar was the biggest one. My wiped out days still happen but the severity has decreased and they are less frequent and more manageable. I will never go back.

Chieflrg

I tried it, over years I found it made no difference other than I stopped drinking milk for the most part.

I've have had countless talks with people dealing with autoimmune disease and nearly everyone of them has accounted "stress" as the biggest culprit of pain from the disease.

Learn to other stress and things will feel better.

dcdickerson2

I have recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease and don't want to finish out my life on pharmaceuticals, so I'm currently working on my diet by adding daily use of turmeric (reportedly one of the best spices with anti-inflammatory properties, using Frankincense essential oil (one drop under tongue most days and also mixed some with coconut oil that I rub directly onto the swollen areas), severely limiting all processed foods, which means clean eating most of the time and making my own meals, and generally following healthy guidelines like drinking plenty of water. Too early to tell if it is the med or the diet, but my pain and my swelling are much better.

InCHarmsWay

I've tried it a few times to help manage my autoimmune disease as well as my GERD, and to cut my reliance on medications (cutting out medications was specific to GERD, because I had been on Nexium for a dangerously long time...I wouldn't necessarily avoid medications for autoimmune diseases based on what you have without consulting your doctor).

I definitely have flare ups of my autoimmune disease that I can correlate to certain foods (drinking alcohol and eating fried foods seem to be my biggest culprits), but I didn't notice enough of a difference overall to stick with the anti-inflammatory diet for longer than a few months at a time. And if you're really strict about it there end up being too many foods that give me joy that I would have to cut out (cheese, tomatoes, coffee, etc.). Limiting stress, sleeping well, and drinking plenty of water seem to help the most.

My suggestion is to try it, see how you do with your symptoms, and at the very least maybe you'll find how your body reacts to particular foods.

AliceDark

I'm curious about this as well...I have uveitis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the eye). I've found some studies that suggest that an increased omega-3 intake can help, but I haven't found any overwhelming evidence that specific diets can influence autoimmune issues. I want to echo what everyone else has said...stress, by far, is the worst thing for me.

InCHarmsWay

AliceDark wrote: »

I'm curious about this as well...I have uveitis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the eye). I've found some studies that suggest that an increased omega-3 intake can help, but I haven't found any overwhelming evidence that specific diets can influence autoimmune issues. I want to echo what everyone else has said...stress, by far, is the worst thing for me.

Can't hurt to throw some extra flaxseeds on things!

AliceDark

InCHarmsWay wrote: »

AliceDark wrote: »

I'm curious about this as well...I have uveitis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the eye). I've found some studies that suggest that an increased omega-3 intake can help, but I haven't found any overwhelming evidence that specific diets can influence autoimmune issues. I want to echo what everyone else has said...stress, by far, is the worst thing for me.

Can't hurt to throw some extra flaxseeds on things!

Exactly. I've started taking algae oil (I don't eat meat, so no fish oil for me) just in case.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

My autoimmune disease is Celiac. The ONLY way to treat it is to cut out gluten grains. And, yes, strict adherence has worked. All of my lab markers come back normal as of this year (5 years GF) and I cannot tell you how much better my quality of life is.

mellykdc

I have Hashimotos and have been slowly culling gluten from my diet. I like to make smoothies with a lot of blueberries and blackberries, which have anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants. My BF has gouty issues, and he likes to get celery juice when he can. It seems to help.

singingflutelady

I have Crohn's and the anti inflammatory diet didn't make a difference. I do have tons of food restrictions (triggers) that I avoid though.

Bogcart

Canordlund wrote: »

Hi there,
Wondering if anyone out there with autoimmune disease(s) has tried an anti-inflammatory diet such as one where you cut out dairy, gluten grains, added sugar, etc? Has following this eating plan helped your symptoms? How long have you been on this diet? Thanks!

Cutting out Gluten and most milks has helped my fatigue. I also use peppermint oil and also capsules for my gut and that helps, however I would have to check if peppermint is OK for an actual diagnosed AI disease.
What I'd like to really get sorted is my Diverticular Disease; that's really horrible when it flares up.
Good luck, oh and beware of high sugars in lots of GF foods.
Rams.

rainbowbow

I have Sjögren's syndrome. but previously i was experiencing some GERD, eczema, and bloating. I did an elimination diet and found out i'm lactose intolerant. I am so glad i did it because i was able to rule out other potential issues.

I am vegetarian (i eat eggs), but now that i've cut out dairy all those issues i was having have gone away.

As far as the issues with my Sjögren's syndrome adding a flax oil, a krill oil, using body oils after every shower, drinking plenty of water, consistently using eye drops, using eye gel at night, getting plugs put in my tearducts, using a biotene mouth rinse, etc. has helped. But these are all specific to my disease.

Sarc_Warrior

I was recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis in my lungs. I haven't slept a full night since....it's been six months. Once I start sleeping again I want to try the paleo thing.

rlgfoldesi

I have ulcerative colitis which is an autoimmune disease I am on a keto diet has helped my symptoms tremendously. No cut out all grain, rice, potatoes. Have had amazing results look into the keto diet it really helps

nvmomketo

I have celiac, hashi's and ITP. I also eat a ketoenic diet to reduce inflammation and find it helps. The Wahl's Protocol (for MS) led me to LCHF for AI issues.

choplikekarate

I have Crohn's disease and I've not cut out dairy completely or sugars, but consume them in moderation (I use almond milk for cooking, and indulge only in 1/4 c. low fat cheese for my daily lunch salad). Gluten is a huge trigger for me, so I don't eat any gluten at all. Other food families, like nightshades and capsicum, also cause a significant amount of acid reflux / inflammation, so I tend not to eat ANY bell peppers and very little tomatoes. Eating clean, logging my food intake, and keeping a good 40 carbs / 30 protein / 30 fat ratio has helped me significantly, but it's been something I've worked on pinpointing / perfecting over the course of 15 years.

anglyn1

I have celiac disease and RA. I stick to a gluten free keto diet and it seems to help a lot. I experimented with giving up dairy and didn't see a difference. I also find that artificial sweeteners cause my RA to flare so I avoid those as well. I mostly eat meat, cheese, butter, cream, berries, nuts, and non-starchy vegetables.

mbaker566

i have behcets/fibro/possible ibs-GERD
elimination has done nothing except help the gerd. spicy/greasy foods will trigger something when i'm already inflamed.

stress is a huge trigger so i've added exercise and meditation. helps with the medication

TaraTall

I have Celiac Disease and must adhere to a strict gluten free diet. Additionally, I am lactose intolerant so I eat a low dairy diet (occasionally some Greek Yogurt or a bit of cheese or frozen yogurt). That all being said, I did the Whole30 in May and LOVED it.

Wait, LOVED is an unfair word... hindsight - really enjoyed it. During it, it was difficult.

If you don't know what Whole30 is - you must cut out all dairy, gluten and grains, added sugars (including agave/stevia/maple syrup) and alcohol for 30 days. Then a reintroduction to assess if anything triggers you. I didn't reindroduce dairy or gluten so I found my elimination results minimal. However, I lost 10 lbs and now have a much better relationship with food and cooking and meal prep.

T1DCarnivoreRunner

I have type 1 diabetes and hashimoto's. No matter how I eat, my pancreas will not re-grow beta cells. Cutting carbs does help to make insulin quantities and timing more predictable and avoid BG spikes. As for Hashi's, nothing has made a noticeable difference.

KetoneKaren

You should form a group.

kimby303

I have RA, and when I cut out sugar (anything that was sweet or whose main/first three ingredients were sugar), I improved so much I would forget I even had RA. No joke! Unfortunately, I'm on the "crack" now, having slipped back into my addiction over the past few months, and I hurt every day. Today is Day 1 of "sobriety."

amandaeve

My mother has multiple sclerosis (though there is debate whether that is an auto-immune or immune-mediated disease). While she always had a "clean", "whole", low-glycemic lifestyle (just the luck of the food culture she grew up with), her disease progressed requiring her to move into a adult facility a year ago where all food is prepared for her. She is fed a high-salt, high-fat, processed diet and it has been terrible. Her disease is progressing more quickly than before, she is more depressed, lower energy, and has far more digestive issues than before. It's not all because of the food she is fed, but that has to be contributing to it. The digestive issues alone have been quite bad. I wish to no end that we could afford something better for her.

lilligraz22

I have hashimoto and have turned to paleo for the most part. Main difference was when I cut out legumes among many other things.

Canordlund

Hi everyone, thank you for your sharing your stories! It's definitely not a one-size-fits-all food solution for immune system conditions. I always feel better when I don't take in excess sugar. Stress was the initial trigger for me 13 years ago when I went from being 'healthy' to having colitis and arthritis.
My symptoms are mainly treated with Humira right now. I was on Remicade, but had issues with that drug. I have a few extra pounds that I would like to shed off in kindness to my body. Thinking about how to lose a few pounds while reducing triggers of inflammation, and in a way that is sustainable!

singingflutelady

@Canordlund I'm on Remicade but I am starting to react/fail so probably will move to humira soon.

GaleHawkins

Canordlund wrote: »

Hi there,
Wondering if anyone out there with autoimmune disease(s) has tried an anti-inflammatory diet such as one where you cut out dairy, gluten grains, added sugar, etc? Has following this eating plan helped your symptoms? How long have you been on this diet? Thanks!

@Canordlund as of Oct 2014 I cut out all added sugar and all forms of all grains because my arthritis/general health was in a tail spin. The doctors wanted me to start on Enbrel injections the first of Nov 2014. My wife as a pharmacist was against it in my weakened state as was I so acted on my hunch and left both sugar and grains cold turkey.

30 days after this my joint and muscle pain had dropped from a 7-8 level to 2-3 level. I went on to reduce all crabs to just <50 grams daily with good pain management through May 2016 when I started to eat some D-Ribose (a 5 carbon sugar) as well as whole carbs as in vegetables and fruit. I was still low carb but was not longer living in a state of nutritional ketosis.

By the third week the pain was ticking up, had some bleeding of the gums and some tooth/gum pain, ear wax starting to reappear and lost range of motion. I have been back to eating like I had since Oct 2014 for about one week and started to recover the ground I had lost when I was flirting with sugar and >50 grams of carbs daily. I did start taking Ashwagandha Friday evening so that make it hard to tell what is cutting my pain and giving me more energy.

For sure there is not one size fits all solution for autoimmune health issues. Dr. Susan Blum MD states it seems most all autoimmune diseases are proceeded by developing a Leaking Gut Syndrome. I have read else where LGS proceeds most cases of Obesity. I recommend her book to anyone with any health issues. Her's is hypothyroidism and the research in the book stems from working to resolve her own autoimmune health issues. You can read more on her website. Amazon is loaded with reviews of her book. The book walks one through a series of questions and how to start your own recovery. It is not a diet book but a how to heal one's self with food choices.

blumcenterforhealth.com/the-immune-system-recovery-plan/

Noelani1503

I've done a whole 30, and didn't notice a difference in thyroid symptoms at all. I feel healthier when I avoid added sugars and don't eat a ton of wheat (of course I feel better when I don't binge on kids' cereals and cake), but most grains and dairy make no difference to me. I do think trying a whole 30 or AIP can help a lot of people figure out the kinds of foods they don't tolerate well.

The biggest trigger for me is stress. Regular, vigorous exercise and as needed meditation have been hugely beneficial to me.

FunkyTobias

GaleHawkins wrote: »

Canordlund wrote: »

Hi there,
Wondering if anyone out there with autoimmune disease(s) has tried an anti-inflammatory diet such as one where you cut out dairy, gluten grains, added sugar, etc? Has following this eating plan helped your symptoms? How long have you been on this diet? Thanks!

@Canordlund as of Oct 2014 I cut out all added sugar and all forms of all grains because my arthritis/general health was in a tail spin. The doctors wanted me to start on Enbrel injections the first of Nov 2014. My wife as a pharmacist was against it in my weakened state as was I so acted on my hunch and left both sugar and grains cold turkey.

30 days after this my joint and muscle pain had dropped from a 7-8 level to 2-3 level. I went on to reduce all crabs to just <50 grams daily with good pain management through May 2016 when I started to eat some D-Ribose (a 5 carbon sugar) as well as whole carbs as in vegetables and fruit. I was still low carb but was not longer living in a state of nutritional ketosis.

By the third week the pain was ticking up, had some bleeding of the gums and some tooth/gum pain, ear wax starting to reappear and lost range of motion. I have been back to eating like I had since Oct 2014 for about one week and started to recover the ground I had lost when I was flirting with sugar and >50 grams of carbs daily. I did start taking Ashwagandha Friday evening so that make it hard to tell what is cutting my pain and giving me more energy.

For sure there is not one size fits all solution for autoimmune health issues. Dr. Susan Blum MD states it seems most all autoimmune diseases are proceeded by developing a Leaking Gut Syndrome. I have read else where LGS proceeds most cases of Obesity. I recommend her book to anyone with any health issues. Her's is hypothyroidism and the research in the book stems from working to resolve her own autoimmune health issues. You can read more on her website. Amazon is loaded with reviews of her book. The book walks one through a series of questions and how to start your own recovery. It is not a diet book but a how to heal one's self with food choices.

blumcenterforhealth.com/the-immune-system-recovery-plan/

Real doctors disagree


http://www.badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/leaky-gut-syndrome/


http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/leaky-bowel/