You May Have an Autoimmune Disease But Don’t Know It!
May 12, 2012 in Specific Autoimmune Diseases, The Autoimmune Protocol
Do you have an autoimmune disease that you are unaware of? I’m not talking about the severe autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Grave’s Disease. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from one of these types of conditions, you are probably already aware that they are autoimmune in nature. I’m talking about the conditions which are generally not life-threatening (although some of them can become so), for which the treatment may be as simple as a small dose of steroids or daily NSAIDS, and for which doctor’s typically shrug their shoulders like it’s no big deal. Yes, a surprising number of those types of conditions, eczema and arthritis for example, are actually autoimmune in nature.
As I perused a list of confirmed and suspected autoimmune diseases, I was shocked by how many common skin conditions and gut health disorders are autoimmune in nature (to the point where I wonder if all digestive disorders and skin conditions will eventually be considered autoimmune diseases). I was also surprised by how many autoimmune diseases are characterized by nebulous symptoms that could easily be ignored and attributed to not getting enough sleep (at least until they get bad enough). Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of autoimmune diseases (here’s the link), but here are some that stood out to me as ones that many people suffer from without ever being told that they are actually autoimmune diseases (some of these are suspected autoimmune diseases rather than confirmed and some of them are certainly life-threatening serious diseases but maybe not commonly understood to be autoimmune in nature).
- Alpopecia (spot baldness)
- Arthritis (all forms)
- Atopic Allergy (tendency to be hyperallergic)
- Dermatitis (all forms)
- Cancer
- Type I Diabetes
- Eczema
- Endometriosis
- Gastritis
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen Sclerosis
- Morphea (localized scleroderma)
- Myositis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Narcolepsy
- Polymyalgia rhematica
- Psoriasis
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Schizophrenia
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
It is worthy to note here that there is a whole other group of diseases, such as anxiety and depression, asthma, allergies, Type II Diabetes and even acne, that are not considered autoimmune disease but for which the immune system still plays a part. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is worth while giving strong consideration to following the paleo diet Autoimmunie Protocol, especially if out-of-the-box paleo doesn’t address your health issues.
The more I read about health and nutrition, the more I am coming to believe that autoimmunity acquired as a result of a leaky gut caused by the Standard American Diet is far more rampant than epidemiological reports would have us believe. I suspect that autoimmunity is a spectrum with symptoms so mild in the early phases that we are generally unaware. I suspect that autoimmunity is very common is people with metabolic syndrome (or even people who simply struggle with weight loss). And I think that in many people those ethereal early phases of autoimmunity can last years or even decades. The symptoms of autoimmune conditions can be nebulous. They can come and go and not seem to be anything more than the result of the stresses of normal life and what we consider to be a normal part of aging. But if you find yourself claiming that “I’m just not getting enough sleep these days” or “yeah, my knees have been bugging me” or “well, my mom had arthritis at my age”, take a hard look at these symptoms and consider the possibility that you are perhaps dealing with the very beginnings of autoimmunity.
Symptoms which may be caused by autoimmunity:
- Extreme Fatigue
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Muscle Weakness
- Swollen Glans
- Susceptibility to Infections
- Sleep Disturbances
- Unexplained Weight Changes
- Resistance to Weight Loss
- Yeast Infections
- Digestive Problems
- Anxiety and Depression
- Migraines
- Recurrent Headaches
- Memory Problems
- Allergies
- Rashes
- Blood Pressure Changes (usually low)
- Low Blood Sugar
- Thyroid Problems
- PMS
When dealing with these early symptoms of autoimmunity, you are unlikely to get a clear diagnosis from your doctor. But, you are more likely to see rapid resolution of your symptoms by following The Autoimmune Protocol (you may even see resolution of your symptoms with out-of-the-box paleo). And on the very bright side, if you “catch it early”, you may be able to eventually reintroduce nuts, seeds, eggs, nightshades and alcohol. So, are you a person who needs to follow The Autoimmune Protocol? Maybe. I would make this suggestion: if you don’t feel amazing after a couple of months on out-of-the-box paleo, try The Autoimmune Protocol. It just might be right for you.
Great article! Have you read Dr. Alessio Fasano’s research? He runs the Center for Celiac Research at U of Md Medical School. His work is on the cutting edge, and looks at the issue of gluten as a spectrum from gluten sensitivity to full blown Celiac. He is also currently researching the effect of gluten on all other AI. Here is a recent article:
http://bit.ly/JqA87r
Thank you! I LOVE Dr. Fasano’s work as well as his ability to explain science concepts. Hero status for sure!
I’m so glad to see you list cancer. I have realized for a long time that it is autoimmune in nature and suggested the paleo diet to my brother who just found out he has colon cancer. My dad’s family has a long history of cancer and my mom has lupus (her mom had schizophrenia). Thought this article might interest you http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0031686.
I would like to add aphthous stomatitis (recurrent canker sores). Many people don’t realize they are connected to diet.
You have transitioned so fast to a paleo diet -kudos. We have been GF (and variations of dairy and sulfite free)for almost 6 years. Right now, we still eat some grains. I have been playing with GF sourdough, but it’s too much for my oldest daughter who has impaired glucose tolerance so I am introducing more and more paleo foods. Your blog is encouraging me to get moving forward in our journey.
Thanks for the article link! There’s also thought on going zero fructose and fairly low carbohydrates to starve cancers. (I think I heard this on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM but maybe also addressed in one of Robb Wolf’s podcasts?).
This is SO timely.
I have suffered from cysts on my ovaries for years and years. Last year I finally had to have a hysterectomy because they were becoming so large. My mother had such terrible ovarian cysts that when one ruptured it ruptured her ovary and she was in the hospital for a while.
No answers, no help for either of us. As you can imagine there were numberous thyroid symtpoms (but bloodwork is fine etc.) So many hormone problems, sleep problems…oh yeah, reuhmatoid arthritis runs in my moms family along with diabites.
Fast forward to this past month at an edocrenologist with my poor teen age daughter (15). She has been having terrible monthly cycles etc. Find out she has PCOS Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrom. This causes cysts on BOTH the thyroid and ovaries (shocker huh?)and it’s cause by-take a guess-insulin problems! o.O I believe 100% that both me and my mother have suffered from this most of our reproductive lives.
Monday, I got to leave the doctor office with a blood testing kit and a prescription for metformane because by blood sugar is getting way too high and a referal to a reuhmatiologist because I now have symptoms of reuhmatoid arthritis.
I have suffered with the list of symptoms you mention above since after the birth of my last child and gotton ZERO help for doctors.
Thank you for putting this information out there.
K
During pregnancy, your immune system shifts and autoimmune conditions have a tendency to be suppressed. The drawback is that they get way worse after the baby is born. I had the same thing happen with my lichen planus lesions, which got even worse after weaning. I hope that you and your daughter find some answers in the autoimmunity protocol!
After I had my daughter I notice things happening. My lymph nodes on my neck were swelling to the size of a softball. I had to have one removed. That was when I was 30 yrs old, @ age 41 diagnosed with Sjorgens & connective tissue disease. I’m being closely watched for lympthnoma.
This week I am starting the elimination diet through Chris Kresser’s Personal Paleo site. I generally feel healthy. I have no digestion or energy complaints but I have a rash on my hands and some hint pain. I’m not sure I can stick to it for 30 days, but I’m going to do my best.
Chris Kresser is awesome. And you can do it! (I really need a paleo mom cheerleader sketch)
My daughter, who is 9, recently tested for possibly having an autoimmune disorder. Her ANA levels are high and her symptoms seem to be pointing towards Crohn’s disease. I have her on a grain free diet now, crossing fingers it works, because I am a natural mom and don’t trust doctors or drugs.
I hope it works! If not, you have a list of other dietary culprits that you can experiment with. Good luck!
Wow, that was a brilliant article. Thankyou for that, it’s really opened my eyes!I think following the protocol seems a good idea for me!
I really need a “like” button for blog comments.
I first learned about this when I was living in England and we spent a night in the hospital with my 2 year old son. The pediatric nurse did a home visit and observed my son and his eating habits. I learned then that by changing his diet to (what I have recently learned is very “paleo”) that it would help with his hyper-activity and his constant need for a “fix”. Apparently, children with ezcema and severe allergies to foods and “environmental” issues are also prone to sensitivity in additives, food colorations, sucralose, etc. They call them specific “E” numbers. I was given a list of things and went on my way. When we came back to America it was harder to maintain, especially with his pre-school. We just recently converted the whole family to this for our health as well as his. I appreciate this blog very much. Thank you.
That’s so cool that the diet they recommended was similar to paleo! Figuring out not to give my oldest food coloring was probably my first introduction to food affecting health (other than weight).
[...] For those with symptoms indicating the early phases of autoimmune conditions (see my post You May Have an Autoimmune Disease But Don’t Know It), following the Autoimmune Protocol for the first 1-3 months may be very [...]
I am starting the Paleo Diet in a different position. I am starting the Paleo Diet as the ONLY treatment recommendation from my doctor after I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I am also breastfeeding my 3rd Milk/Soy Protein Intolerant baby (coincidence? I doubt it.) They found the Hashimoto’s when after several thyroid tests throughout my life due to the typical symptoms (weight problems even as a child, hair loss, tired, dry skin, mood swings, diagnosed and medicated ADHD as an adult, extreme PMS, foggy brain, extreme water retention requiring medication) they tested for the antibodies and I was finally diagnosed at 33 years old. I need to lose over 100 lbs and I am exhausted. So here I am ready to start Paleo, but now I see there is the AIP. I know you have recommended to start with the regular Paleo, then move into AIP if you suspect an autoimmune disorder. I already know I have one. I am also quite used to elimination diets as I have been milk/soy free for 2.5 years. I want to cry reading one list, then another, than another…LOL. Coffee? Eggs? Chocolate? Sucky, but I think I can do it. Now, I found this list of vegetables and fruits that may also be a problem! Brussel Sprouts? Cherries? Tomatoes? Mangoes? I am a bit overwhelmed, but I don’t want to waste time when I know I have Hashimoto’s already. Do I need to get like, a nutrition consultant? I am overwhelmed! LOL! Help me, Paleo Mom! I have these three kids (one of which is already showing similar symptoms at age 5) that have to eat with me, my husband is about to be deployed! I need to get myself healthy but I am just feeling overwhelmed! Your site is the only thing that gives me hope that I can weed through all of it, but with my ADHD, I was wondering if you had a shorter list of things that AIP can eat, or that you ate.
Also, what happens if I did Paleo and still had coffee? Would that negate all my efforts? What about cacao powder, is that the chocolate that I have to give up? I was looking forward to mango, cherry, almond milk smoothies for snacks, but all of those are on the highly reactive list you have on that one page…LOL.
Thank you so much for helping all of us navigate these waters.
xo,
Sara
It’s completely worth trying standard paleo first and then moving to the autoimmune protocol after paleo seems easier and if it doesn’t do the trick by itself (it might!).
I came across your podcast with Stacey on Jimmy Moores casts. So it brought me to your great site. I am intrigued about what you have to say about autoimmune disorders and the protocol. Navigating it might be a bit of a challenge for me. Female of 46 years, type 1 diabetic for 36 years eating a high carb diet for most of those, 4years of being on dialysis. I have gone from being a vegetarian to eating fish every day, using a paleo/primal diet, and Dr. Bernstein’s low carb diet for diabetes. Being on dialysis we had to find a protein source I could tolerate because of the phosphates are so high in them. So we found research that egg whites do not put your phosphates up as much and can give the protein I need. I can’t indulge in a lot of leafy greens again because of the potassium or phosphate levels. Nuts I have once a day because of my sweet tooth–1 oz. or a tablespoon of butter. I only eat 30 grams a day. I get some berries with a little cream. I don’t have chocolate any more, don’t drink, or take any NSAID’s, only meds I take are–insulin eltroxin, epotein. It is very hard to balance everything without going crazy and of course I am a little bit of a perfectionist and this hurts me–But I feel you have some good advice and will look into this more. Thanks for being out there.
Would love to interview you one day.
I am very impressed with you and your site–hope one day to build mine up like yours–very inspiring.
Nicole Manley
Nicole@DiabeticDharma.com
http://www.DiabeticDharma.com
That does sound like a challenge! Are you still eating fish or is egg white your only protein source now?
An interview would be fine! Maybe over the summer after my book is at the printer? My e-mail is thepaleomommy@gmail.com
I’ve got some sort of autoimmune thing brewing (very high ANA, off-the-charts anti-thyroid antibodies, weakly positive for various other antibodies associated with various autoimmune diseases.) However, I am for the most part asymptomatic (well, except for five miscarriages diagnosed as “bad luck” and being tired chalked up to having two active young boys and migraines and arthritis.) My rheumatologist’s approach is “we’ll monitor it and in a few years when you start exhibiting symptoms then I’ll be able to tell you what autoimmune disease you’ve got.” I wanted to STOP whatever is brewing and keep my body from destroying itself instead of waiting for an exact diagnosis, so I did some of my own research and decided to go off gluten 11 months ago. She humored me, but seemed surprised at my last visit 6 months ago that my antibody levels were down by a statistically significant amount. Not only that, but my migraines are also greatly reduced and my arthritis is gone. We’ll see if the trend continues when I go back next week for more bloodwork. However, after reading some of the articles on your blog, it looks like I really should try the autoimmune protocol. It seems like a huge step, especially cutting dairy and eggs and nightshades. I guess gluten seemed like a huge step at first and I managed that.
Anyway, thanks for the info. It’s common to see all sorts of crazy diet info out there, but it’s very uncommon and very appreciated to see diet info that is actually based on actual scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
I’m amazed to find your site. I have been on my very own created low lectin diet for about 6 months now from my own research and reading this, our diets almost overlap 100%!!!!
I have auto immune diseases running in my family. I also have a genetic issue with my joints and another condition that seems to be attacking my joints that the doctors have yet to diagnose.
Out of desperation and pain, with a steady decline in my condition I began cutting things out of my diet. And then with reading, I cut more and more things out. As my diet variety decreased, I realised certain foods really made me quite ill. Nuts made me sick. Stopped eating them. Coffee made me sick, cut that out. Curry put me in bed for a week. No more spices and so on. Now I am rather limited to what I can eat I am really feeling much better. I can really pin point each food item I consume. Now I can tell you that the seeds in cucumbers are affecting me. No more cucumber seeds.
I have added in extra oils and fats to help with caloric intake. Coconut oil, avocados and oilve oil are my main stays. Sweet potatoes are my super food starch. The rest is meat, non seed fruit and vegetables. And that is it. What a difference it has made. I can move again! I can get out of bed. My hands and feet are no longer in agony.
One slip up though, even a small one and I am back curled in bed, miserable for a week. Yes, food has this affect. Thanks for your research and helping us understand the whys behind all my ah-hah moments! I’m so glad we came to basically the same conclusion.