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Comment by Jaclyn on September 24, 2012 at 8:34am

It's hard, but if you really want to eliminate inflammation from your diet, you need to cut out sugar, grains, soy, alcohol, legumes and likely dairy (you might be able to tolerate full-fat, less-processed dairy, but that's an individual thing). The full "autoimmune protocol diet" is actually even much stricter, further eliminating nuts, eggs and nightshades. I do realize that sounds insane, but there are tons of resources online.

I second btflbaldgrrl's recommendation about baking with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, dates, apple sauce, mashed bananas, etc. Again, loads of great recipes online. If you google "Paleo banana muffins", for example, you'll get a ton of links.

Obviously, dietary changes may not be the "cure" for everyone. It would be silly, I think, to suggest it's a sure thing. But considering the vast number of people who are now treating their autoimmune conditions very effectively with diet, it's at least worth looking into.

Comment by Jana on September 24, 2012 at 1:46am

I found quitting sugar much harder than gluten. What has worked is attempting some baking w non-processed sugar, or with fruit such as dates as the sweetener. After six months I have also found my taste for sugar has changed; things I used to love now taste ridiculously sweet.

Comment by Kathryn on September 23, 2012 at 11:08pm

Louis, Yes I have. Last year I cut out gluten, caffeine, alcohol, and dramatically reduced my dairy. Sugar is my biggest weakness and, I must confess, did not do well in eliminating that. I also take a variety of supplements. I think I am generally much healthier, so it's certainly worth it. It just hasn't done much for my AU. Like you, I occasionally "break the rules" but try to stick to it as much as possible. If you have any recommendations for quitting sugar, I'm all ears!!

Comment by Louis on September 23, 2012 at 5:44pm

Thanks Kathryn,
Have you tried eliminating inflammatory foods from your diet as well? Its a little stricter but worh a try. I have to admit that I sometimes break the rules but am pretty good for the most part about sticking to it. I also take supplements...

Comment by Kathryn on September 23, 2012 at 2:47pm

Louis and Jaclyn,

Congratulations with your success being gluten free. It certainly is encouraging. I have been AU for a little over a year, and have tried to be gluten free, although the last couple of months I have not been so strict! Changing my diet did not bring about any change in my case, but your posts are certainly inspiring! Time to get strict again! :)

Comment by Jaclyn on September 22, 2012 at 11:58am

Wow, Louis, that's amazing! Congrats! It's true - my original bald spot was the last to grow in, but it DID - I had 75% loss, then shaved my head, and now 4 months post-shave I have 100% regrowth. Wouldn't it be great if all our Alopecian friends could have the same kind of success with dietary changes? I don't know if it would work for everyone, but I figure everyone should at least give it a shot!

Comment by Louis on September 22, 2012 at 8:46am

Hey all! I just wanted to share that it has been roughly 3 1/2 months since I went gluten/ inflammatory free and I have seen drastic improvement! I continue to see new growth of white hairs and it has been changing over to my natural color as well as becoming thicker. My hairline has returned and almost all my bald patches have disappeared! It seems like the last places I lost hair were the first to grow back...my original patch is still there and seems to be minimizing itself but is still very noticeable and smooth. I suspect it will be the last and hardest place to gain regrowth. I'm more motivated than ever and can't thank all the great people on AW enough for all the support and info!!!

Comment by Louis on August 19, 2012 at 1:29am

Thanks jaclyn, i will definately check out the links! I have been in anti inflammatory diet/gluten free for about 3 months now and I continue to be motivated by the results i see...can NOT be a coincedence!

Comment by Jaclyn on June 19, 2012 at 10:36pm

Hey Louis - if you're interested in experimenting with a truly anti-inflammatory diet, I highly recommend looking into this: http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/ I also have lots of gluten-free recipes on Pinterest on these two boards: http://pinterest.com/jacster/the-great-gf-experiment/ http://pinterest.com/jacster/whole30-recipes/ I hope you find something helpful there!

Comment by Louis on June 19, 2012 at 9:04pm

Hello, I am new to the group as well as the world of alopecia in general. Through my research and this website i have found that a lot of people have seen success from eliminating gluten and other foods from their diet. i decided to eliminate gluten, caffiene and other inflammatory foods from my diet. Yesterday was my first day fully commiting to the anti inflamatory diet! Any ideas or suggestions on sticking with, food alternatives, recipes, brands, etc are greatly appreciated!

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