The Paleo Diet Helps Autoimmune Disease

Virtually all autoimmune diseases may have an origin in the gut. Grains (particularly wheat) increase intestinal permeability, and thereby allow gut antigens access to the immune system. Grains and legumes contain antinutrients (gliadin and saponins) which bind other antigens to produce so called chimeric (monster molecules) that mimick one or more of the bodies tissues. Saponins found in legumes, potatoes, and other foods also can increase gut permeability.

Normally a phenomenon called oral tolerance prevents immune reactions from occurring across the gut, but a leaky gut also allows a substance called lipopolysachharide (LPS) from the cell walls of gram negative gut borne bacteria to cross the gut either alone or bound to diet-elicited chimeric molecules. LPS binds toll-like receptor 4 in T cells causing co-stimulation and thereby abrogates oral tolerance.

Many people are finding tremendous relief from autoimmune diseases from following the Paleo Diet. In addition to following the program as outlined in The Paleo Diet book, we recommend people with autoimmune disease avoid eggs, tomatoes, peppers, alfalfa sprouts, alcohol, and NSAIDs, as these can all affect gut permeability.

Shown below are some of the many unsolicited reports that have come in ...

"This way of eating makes scleraderma manageable..."

"I have been following the Paleo diet for over two years and have achieved great success. I live in the greater Los Angeles area and was diagnosed with scleraderma over eight years ago. The disease is fast moving to harden the skin and internal organs. Two rheumatologists and one cardiologist have been following my progress or lack thereof. Two years ago my sister-in-law, a nutritionist familiar with the diet recommended it based on hers and my brother's success. I started cold turkey on June 20, 2004 after advising my doctors of my decision. After two weeks there was marked improvement in my skin and nails. I continued to gain energy and lose weight. My goal was to feel better and that has certainly been achieved. I weighed over 225 when I began and have continued to lose weight down to 147. One doctor told me at the start that I would probably reach a plateau somewhere near my weight in my 20's.

This is a way of life for me and my husband and I will never knowingly eat any other way. When scleraderma was diagnosed my pulmonary function was tested at less than 50%. Last week I was tested and reported normal (for age 69). I would like to improve more and will continue my 2 mile walks and other exercise to do so. My rheumatologists were very pleased with my progress and they spent a long time last week examining me and brought in three other doctors working with them to ask me questions and check me out.

I will be happy to answer any questions regarding my progress and share my story. I am not cured of the autoimmune disorder but this way of eating really makes it manageable. We are starting a 2 month road trip in our RV next week so e-mail will be my method of correspondence for a while. Thanks for your time..."

Joyce

"Graves’ disease greatly improved..."

"I never thought I'd email you so soon, but results seem to be there. I had told you my wife suffered from Graves disease and that we were starting a paleo-inspired diet. Within two months, her TSH is on its way up (though still rather reduced) BUT free T4 and free T3 are now within normal and thyroid anti-microsome antibodies came back from 535 (elevated) to less than 5.

I do know that mild forms of Graves may present with spontaneous improvements and exacerbations but this seems to me a clear improvement (especially the normal auto-antibodies). I'll keep on following her results, but we are pretty excited. Thanks for your support..."

Francois

You can read addditional testimonials from people with autoimmune diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis.

More information can be found in back issues of our newsletter: Vol. 4 Issue 16 (10/31/2008) Gluten, Dairy and Auto-immune Diseases and Vol. 5 Issue 1 (1/2/2009) Dietary Lectins and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In addition, a program titled "Treat Multiple Sclerosis with Diet" is available on our Paleo Diet Store page, which, even though it is focused on M.S., can give you a much deeper understanding on the relationship between diet and any autoimmune disease.

Back to The Paleo Diet Home Page

Back to The Paleo Diet Store Page

Back to The Paleo Diet Book Page