Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SandyA on May 16, 2015 at 9:03pm

Hi Mel.

The first time I had heard the AI protocol mentioned was here on this board. But, I really only started to read more in depth about the protocol last week after realizing that my more pressing symptoms are a direct result of specific foods I consume. Even the rash on my face and neck is food related. Because of this, I was planning on starting the AI protocol as soon as I had finished my elimination/challenge period so I knew what other foods I may need to eliminate.

Unfortunately, I am finding that nearly all complete protein---meats, fish, dairy, even soybean and quinoa---is wreaking all sorts of systemic havoc on my body so obviously can not even think of attempting the stricter paleo diet since it centers primarily around animal protein.  I am hoping I just need to fix the protein intolerance to solve everything but, as you stated, I would have absolutely no hesitation to try it because it certainly couldn't hurt to try. The antecdotes of success, from those with a wide range of autoimmune conditions, are quite convincing.

One word of advice I can share---be absolutely certain that the foods you are consuming during the elimination period are definitely not causing any of your symptoms. I was starting only on rice and chicken b/c I had read that these were among the safest foods but I only felt progressively worse. I'm so glad I switched to rice and black beans instead of giving up on the diet completely or I never would have found that the chicken (and subsequently other meats) was the culprit.

Please keep us updated if you plan to try the AI/paleo diet.

Permalink Reply by Mel on May 17, 2015 at 1:09am

Hi! It gives me hope if it related to diet since others believe using diet they have gotten autoimmune conditions to go into remission. I asked my doc and she said they do NOT know enough to to be able to say, yes, all diseases with an autoimmune component are tied to the gut, but she said she's aware the idea is out there.
For me I have never noticed (I don't think??)that any foods bother me so ? But I have gone immediately toward trying the autoimmune protocol, though it's not easy to make the switch.
Several of the foods you are mentioning are not allowed under the protocol. NO grains, so no quinoa and no rice, no brown rice -- no grains at all. NO legumes so that means no soybeans or soy sauce, and no black beans. There's a coconut aminos product that tastes like soy sauce. Also no seeds so, for example if you by oysters in the can for a snack you hsve to get the one with no cottonseed oil. Also no nightshades so no potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, paprika or pepper.
Also I read that too much protein is difficult to digest and is not helpful if you are trying to heal your gut. We should eat like a deck-of-card size amount daily right now. So the diet is mainly vegetables and fruit, plus meat. Oils are mainly olive and coconut. Also, no sugar, dairy, gluten or alcohol ... But you can cook with wine.
I did order "The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook" and everything I've made has been delicious. I have a farm box coming twice a month now and found a spring water that naturally contains 110 mg oh magnesium. Hydration is important. Kombucha is helping fill me up when I'm hungry.... And last night I discovered on Pinterest her are tons of recipes even for crackers and pizza dough that don't use any grains... Just do a search for autoimmune paleo diet... Also check out the Paleo Mom site.
Tonight I had to much meat and cheated and had dairy so I'm going to start my 8-week protocol clock over with NO cheating. ...I also think corn is a grain and I had corn. :(

i will find you the link that talks about foods that are in or out if you are interested.

Permalink Reply by Mel on May 17, 2015 at 1:20am

A few links on the subject:
http://aiplifestyle.com/what-is-autoi

http://www.thepaleomom.com/autoimmunity/the-autoimmune-protocol

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2015/...

The cookbook I got is by Mickey Trescott. Look her up.

Please excuse my typos above. I don't have a desktop computer at the moment at home!

Permalink Reply by SandyA on May 17, 2015 at 12:56pm

Thanks for taking the time to share all the info.

I am aware the foods I am consuming are not at all Paleo...sorry if I may have given the impression that I had already started the Paleo b/c I never did. I actually started on a very, very strict elimination diet b/c I originally was exploring whether my problems were stemming from a salicylate sensitivity (which also results in skin issues like ours) before I even looked into the AIP. I am so glad I didn't go with the AIP immediately or I may have thought the diet wasn't working at all since the diet uses the very foods for its protein requirements that my body doesn't tolerate at all (ie, complete proteins). That is the one disadvantage to the AIP elimination phase---it may not be strict enough if your body is actually reacting to something in the foods that are deemed "OK".

I borrowed "The Paleo Approach" by Sarah Ballantyne, aka Paleo Mom, from the library b/c I was interested in the science behind the Paleo/AIP. Unfortunately, all the info may be moot to me b/c the only way I can get protein into my body without having a severe reaction is by consuming incomplete proteins via beans and whole grains (even legumes and seeds are causing a reaction). I am, however, still avoiding caffeine, sugar, nightshades, dairy, and gluten just in case these may be contributing to the AI issues.

I am living proof of what damage food can cause. Now, I am exploring whether or not I have low stomach acid which may be causing this strange protein intolerance. Despite everything, I am so glad I am finding a correlation between the food and how I am feeling and my skin rashes (and maybe even the FFA???). It's not knowing or not having any treatment plan that is the most difficult.

Hope you find that the AIP diet works for you!  

Permalink Reply by Mel on May 18, 2015 at 1:14am

Thank you so much for the info and insight. I know what you mean about the frustration of having no meaningful treatment plan. ...I think it is interesting, though, that you are definitely having difficulties related to food consumption. It does make me think there may be a possible links to the FFA?
I wish I could tell if I am having a reaction to food or no which foods to eliminate. I don't think I have other symptoms, other than my hair, that I know of... I will look into the salicylate... Have never heard of that...
My mom is celiac and brother and sister both have sensitivity to gluten, but I've just never noticed...

I will keep trying! Thank you again. I hope you (or someone) can get to the bottom of all this. Would love to hear how it's going.