In addition to National Nutrition Month, did you know that March is also Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month? We’ve got quite a few folks in our Spring Paleo Challenge group who are eating Paleo to combat inflammation, so this week I thought we should chat about the connection between diet, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
If you happen to be one of the estimated 20% of Americans living with an autoimmune disease (disorder), then you may realize how serious things can become when your immune system goes haywire and starts attacking you. Up to 100 different autoimmune disorders have been identified and when considered collectively, they are the most prevalent diseases in the United States.
Examples of autoimmune disorders include (but are certainly not limited to): Celiac disease, Hyper- or Hypo-thyroidism, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus (SLE), Alopecia (hair loss), Psoriasis, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, etc.
Regardless of the particular disease/disorder, the underlying cause is an overactive immune system that’s destroying the body’s own healthy tissues. But why in the world would our immune system turn against us!? The answer, my dear friend, is a leaky gut.
Since antiquity, we’ve understood the connection between gut health and overall health, but not until recently did we have solid evidence of how a leaky gut plays a major role in most (if not all) autoimmune disorders.
- Considering that 70-80% of the immune system lies in/around the gut wall, it’s not hard to imagine how the immune system becomes over-stimulated when particles of gunk from your intestines are constantly leaking through the gut wall (AKA leaky gut).
- A leaky gut that keeps on ‘leaking’ can eventually result in chronic inflammation, since the production of inflammation is the primary job of the immune system.
The great news is that the Paleo does wonders for helping to heal a leaky gut, and the Paleo diet is a great place to start if you have any sort of inflammatory disorder. Depending on the severity of your situation, some people need to take things a step further and follow the Autoimmune Protocol of the Paleo diet (AIP) for awhile, or take additional measures to fully put their symptoms into remission. That was my personal experience.
If you have an autoimmune disease, I encourage you to join our Spring Paleo Challenge group where we’ll be addressing this topic in closer detail (also check out the links below). If you know someone with autoimmunity, please share this email with them…it might just save their life (literally)!
“All disease begins in the gut” ~ Hippocrates (460–375 BC)
In good health,
Kinsey Jackson, LMP, MS, CNS®
Paleo Plan Nutritionist
Paleo Mom’s ‘Best of’ the Autoimmune Protocol – 2015
If you or someone you know is suffering from an autoimmune disorder, then you definitely want to check out this incredible resource from one of the leading authorities on the AIP, Sarah Ballantyne (AKA Paleo Mom). This collection contains the basic why’s and how’s behind the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), meaning it’s a complete guide to getting started on the AIP. You’ll find a basic explanation of the scientific foundations of the protocol, as well as recipes and lists of Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat. She also details the importance of food quality, and gives you resources and recommendations for stocking your pantry with delicious AIP-friendly foods.CHECK IT OUT |
Top 7 Foods for Thyroid Health
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Reverse Autoimmune Disease with Diet
Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe Why Leaky Gut may be your root problem + 5 steps to cure it | 21-Day Paleo Cleanse by Paleo Plan Start eating away your autoimmunity with our 21 day guide and meal plan | The Autoimmune Paleo Breakthrough By Anne Angelone Rapidly decrease inflammation & balance your immune system | The Paleo Approach: Reverse & Heal Autoimmune Disease by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne Everything you need to know about the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) |
Snack on AIP (Autoimmune Protocol)
Wild sardines in water by Wild Planet | Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks by SeaSnax | AIP-Friendly Meals DELIVERED Heat & eat! by Paleo on the Go | AIP Pantry Box Quick &-easy AIP-friendly snack box. by One Stop Paleo Shop |
The Autoimmune Epidemic & Leaky Gut
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