Allowed And Advised Against Diet In The Autoimmune Protocol

Today we present some tips and recommendations for putting together a diet plan  based on the autoimmune protocol that is suitable for people suffering from an autoimmune disease. Here you will find both foods that are recommended and foods that are not recommended.

When we develop an autoimmune disease, our diet plays one of the most important roles. Knowing how to deal with the needs of our body and in some cases trying to find a cure for challenges with  our immune system will be fundamental.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system. This system attacks the body’s own cells. This means that it is the body’s own immune system that acts as an attacker and destroys specific organs and tissues.

To date, more than 80 autoimmune diseases have been detected. Among the most well-known are celiac disease, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis )  and multiple sclerosis.

The so-called “autoimmune protocol” is a method of combating the effects of this type of autoimmune disease. It is composed of a set of guidelines related to food.

What does it mean to follow the autoimmune protocol?

Although the type of food included in the autoimmune protocol is recommended for people suffering from autoimmune diseases, it is also completely suitable for others who want to follow such a diet. All foods that are included in the autoimmune protocol are very healthy.

The autoimmune protocol is a diet that has many features in common with the so-called Paleo diet, but is somewhat more refined. In addition to cutting out food products such as cereals, legumes, dairy products and added sugar, the autoimmune protocol will also initially cut the consumption of other foods that can be inflammatory for the digestive system.

This effect can work against its purpose in people whose disease originates precisely from the immune system. Foods that can potentially irritate that are also eliminated from the meal plan in the first place are: eggs, nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcoholic beverages, spices, coffee or cocoa.

As we have mentioned before, this type of food is only eliminated at the beginning of the diet. When we proceed with the protocol, we cleanse the intestinal barrier and leak intestinal syndrome.

Exactly this is the reason why our body can attack its own cells by mistake. Later, we include each of these foods that can irritate the gut one by one to observe inflammatory reactions in an individualized way in our body.

Other foods that are not recommended for autoimmune diseases

What one should start by eliminating from the diet are snacks and processed foods. This type of food does not belong in a healthy diet, but will have a particularly negative effect on those who suffer from an autoimmune disease.

It is also not recommended with meat products such as bacon, spicy meat or cold cuts, or to eat an excessive amount of fish such as salmon or tuna that may have high levels of metal.

The result of the autoimmune protocol

One thing is for sure, and that is that people who follow the autoimmune protocol notice a great improvement in their symptoms and a withdrawal in the disease. This of course depends on what chronic disease they are suffering from.

Given that many diseases do not initially have a cure, this diet will not follow a specific temporary plan. That is, in this context, one should consider a lifestyle change rather than a temporary diet.

Foods that are healthy for autoimmune diseases

Foods that contain large amounts of energy are recommended if you suffer from an autoimmune disease. These are rich in gluten-free carbohydrates, such as potatoes, cassava, sweet potatoes and yams.

These foods are healthy alternatives to breakfast any day. In addition, you can include them in soups, vegetable purees, salads, or even make chips from them.

At the same time, there are also foods that are rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, fatty fish, seeds and vegetable oils. Despite the fact that fats have gained a very bad reputation, the fats found in these products are essential for good and healthy health.

From this type of food we get nutrients such as omega 3 and omega 6, which act as very potent anti-inflammatory agents. Although some types of fat are good, we should avoid fried foods in all forms. It is therefore best not to heat the oils, but to add them raw.