The Paleo Approach

1. Autoimmune disease is an epidemic linked to diet and lifestyle

"Autoimmune disease is directly linked to diet and lifestyle, just as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are."

Epidemic proportions: Autoimmune diseases affect up to 50 million Americans, surpassing cancer and heart disease. The prevalence is increasing by 2-10% annually, mirroring the rise in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease over the last 40 years.

Multifactorial causes: Autoimmune diseases result from a complex interplay of:

• Genetic susceptibility (accounts for about one-third of risk)
• Environmental triggers (infections, toxins, hormones)
• Diet and lifestyle factors (account for about two-thirds of risk)

While genetics play a role, the dramatic increase in autoimmune diseases points to the significant impact of environmental and lifestyle factors. The Western diet, characterized by processed foods, high sugar intake, and imbalanced fatty acids, is a major contributor to this epidemic.

2. A leaky gut is a necessary precursor to autoimmune disease

"In order to develop autoimmune disease, you must first have a genetic predisposition to it, you must then be exposed to a trigger, and you must have a leaky gut."

Intestinal permeability: A leaky gut occurs when the intestinal barrier is compromised, allowing partially digested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response and inflammation throughout the body.

Key factors contributing to leaky gut:

• Diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and inflammatory fats
• Chronic stress
• Certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antibiotics)
• Infections
• Nutrient deficiencies

Healing the gut is crucial for managing autoimmune diseases. By addressing the root cause - a leaky gut - rather than just treating symptoms, it's possible to reverse autoimmune conditions and prevent new ones from developing.

3. Nutrient-dense foods are crucial for healing autoimmune conditions

"Nutrition and nutritional status have profound effects on immune function, resistance to infection, and autoimmunity."

Micronutrient deficiencies: Many autoimmune diseases are linked to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The Western diet, while calorie-dense, is often nutrient-poor.

Key nutrients for immune function:

• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• B vitamins
• Minerals (zinc, selenium, magnesium)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Antioxidants

Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods:

• Organ meats
• Fatty fish
• Colorful vegetables and fruits
• Bone broth
• Fermented foods

By providing the body with essential nutrients, you support proper immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the gut and other tissues affected by autoimmune conditions.

4. Certain foods damage the gut and should be avoided

"Grains, pseudo-grains, legumes, and dairy products all contribute to a leaky gut and gut dysbiosis."

Problematic compounds: These foods contain substances that can damage the gut lining and promote inflammation:

• Lectins (especially prolamins and agglutinins)
• Saponins
• Protease inhibitors
• Phytates

Foods to avoid:

• Grains (including wheat, corn, rice)
• Pseudo-grains (quinoa, buckwheat)
• Legumes (beans, peanuts, soy)
• Dairy products
• Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes)
• Eggs (especially whites)
• Alcohol

These foods can increase intestinal permeability, feed harmful gut bacteria, and stimulate the immune system. Eliminating them allows the gut to heal and reduces inflammation throughout the body.

5. Balancing omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is essential

"An ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1. However, typical Western diets fall into a range between 10:1 and 25:1!"

Importance of balance: Omega-6 fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. The modern Western diet is heavily skewed towards omega-6s.

Sources of omega-6:

• Vegetable oils (soybean, corn, safflower)
• Processed foods
• Grain-fed animal products

Sources of omega-3:

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Grass-fed meat
• Leafy green vegetables

To improve the ratio:

1. Eliminate processed vegetable oils
2. Increase consumption of wild-caught fatty fish
3. Choose grass-fed and pasture-raised animal products
4. Eat plenty of leafy greens

Balancing these fatty acids helps reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and support overall health.

6. Stress management and sleep are critical for immune regulation

"If you do not manage stress, it will completely undermine all the other positive changes you make."

Cortisol's impact: Chronic stress leads to dysregulated cortisol production, which can:

• Increase intestinal permeability
• Suppress digestive function
• Disrupt the immune system
• Contribute to inflammation

Sleep deprivation effects:

• Increases inflammation markers
• Disrupts hunger hormones
• Impairs immune function
• Reduces regulatory T-cell activity

Prioritize stress management through:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Regular physical activity
• Social connections
• Time in nature

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to support healthy circadian rhythms.

7. Moderate physical activity supports healing, but intense exercise can be harmful

"Being sedentary is bad for you; regular low- to moderate-intensity exercise is good for you; and excessive exercise (in either amount or intensity) is bad for you."

Benefits of moderate activity:

• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Regulates stress hormones
• Supports healthy sleep patterns
• Modulates the immune system

Risks of intense exercise:

• Increases intestinal permeability
• Stimulates excessive inflammation
• Can suppress immune function
• May exacerbate autoimmune symptoms

Focus on low to moderate-intensity activities:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Gentle strength training

Avoid high-intensity workouts, endurance training, and overtraining. Listen to your body and allow for adequate recovery between exercise sessions.

8. Certain medications can hinder gut healing and autoimmune recovery

"Many of the medications routinely taken for pain and inflammation and routinely prescribed to manage autoimmune disease symptoms are completely counterproductive when it comes to healing."

Problematic medications:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Antibiotics

Potential negative effects:

• Increase intestinal permeability
• Disrupt gut microbiome
• Suppress immune function
• Interfere with nutrient absorption

Work with your healthcare provider to:

1. Evaluate the necessity of current medications
2. Explore alternative treatments or lower doses
3. Develop a plan to safely taper off harmful medications when possible

Focus on addressing root causes through diet and lifestyle changes to reduce reliance on symptomatic treatments.

9. Circadian rhythms and meal timing influence immune function

"Circadian rhythm allows your body to assign functions based on the time of day (and whether or not you are awake or asleep), like prioritizing tissue repair and memory consolidation while you are sleeping and prioritizing the search for food, digestion, metabolism, movement, and thought while you are awake."

Importance of circadian rhythms:

• Regulate hormone production (cortisol, melatonin)
• Influence immune cell activity
• Affect digestion and metabolism

Strategies to support healthy rhythms:

• Expose yourself to natural light during the day
• Limit blue light exposure in the evening
• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
• Time meals appropriately (avoid eating late at night)

Optimal meal frequency: Aim for 2-4 larger meals per day, rather than constant grazing. This supports:

• Better hunger hormone regulation
• Improved digestion
• Proper immune function

Allow for periods of fasting between meals to promote cellular repair and healthy gut function.

10. The Paleo Approach offers a comprehensive solution for autoimmune healing

"The Paleo Approach: it's a comprehensive set of recommendations that address the root causes of autoimmune disease."

Key components:

1. Nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet
2. Elimination of gut-irritating foods
3. Stress management and sleep optimization
4. Appropriate physical activity
5. Support for healthy circadian rhythms
6. Careful consideration of medications

Holistic approach: The Paleo Approach addresses multiple factors contributing to autoimmune disease simultaneously, recognizing the interconnectedness of various bodily systems.

Personalization: While the core principles apply broadly, individuals may need to tailor the approach to their specific needs and circumstances. This may involve:

• Working with healthcare providers
• Gradual implementation of changes
• Careful monitoring of symptoms and progress
• Adjusting strategies based on individual responses

By addressing the root causes of autoimmune disease through diet and lifestyle modifications, many people can achieve significant improvements in their health and even put their autoimmune conditions into remission.

Last updated: January 24, 2025