Hi Annie, Thank you for sharing this. Your experience really highlights how individualized autoimmune conditions can be, and how powerful a whole-system approach (sleep, stress, movement, and diet together) can be. It makes a lot of sense that gut healing and flare control became the biggest markers of success for you, since immune and gut health are so tightly linked. What works best often depends on the person, their condition, and where they are in their healing journey. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I have come across a lot of people on AIP over the years that started with vegan or plant based diets and got worse after initially improving. It is speculated they weren’t getting necessary micronutrients found in grass fed and pastured meats. E.g., my eye issues improved by taking cod liver oil or eating liver because the vit A is more bioavailable than from coloured vegetables, of which I eat mountain loads! Same with omega 3 I believe, less bioavailable from plant sources.

Also, AIP/paleo is not a heavy meat based diet as people tend to think – it is mostly vegetables and fruits with meat on the side and I am able to eat eggs too. Meat includes offal and seafoods like mussels etc. Highly nutritious and full of micronutrients as well as the usual nutrients. A typical main meal for me will have 5 to 10 different vegetables. I now eat rice fairly regularly (it has no nutritional value, but I love noodles and rice paper spring rolls), legumes sometimes and small amounts of nightshades like chili and some tomato paste, or help myself to a chip or 2 off a friends plate.

By the way, the research for the Mediterranean diet has been shown to be problematic and has been withdrawn. A person with an AI condition is very limited on such a diet bc we usually shouldn’t eat dairy, gluten grains, nightshades or lots of legumes, so I’m always puzzled that it gets recommended after acknowledging those foods should be avoided.

Thank you for the information!

Hello Faranak!

While research is ongoing, there is growing evidence that a whole foods, plant-based diet may support immune system regulation and help manage certain autoimmune conditions. Dr. Michael Greger has highlighted some of this evidence in his videos, including:

“Why Do Plant-Based Diets Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?” – https://nutritionfacts.org/video/why-do-plant-based-diets-help-rheumatoid-arthritis

“Fibromyalgia vs. Vegetarian and Raw Vegan Diets” – https://nutritionfacts.org/video/fibromyalgia-vs-vegetarian-raw-vegan-diets/

Additionally, Dr. Joel Fuhrman offers resources on his website detailing how plant-based nutrition can be used to support autoimmune conditions:

https://www.drfuhrman.com/library/health-concerns/6/autoimmune-disease

Though more studies are needed to confirm prevention specifically, these sources suggest plant-based diets may reduce inflammation and improve immune function, which are key factors in managing autoimmune conditions.

We appreciate you being part of our community and hope this information is helpful! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I also would love to see Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) addressed in an article here. Patty, did you go into a flare after taking your rheumatologist’s advice to add fatty fish to your diet?

I’m so sorry you’re going through a flare, Patty. Sending love and light your way, and much healing energy! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I’m so glad you were able to get a diagnosis and that you’ve figured out what your triggers were! Wishing you the best moving forward! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Fantastic news, Del! I’m so happy to hear that it’s helping you. Amazing! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I hope so too, Carla. You are very welcome. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team