A 2 part series on how I discovered and started to treat my autoimmune disease of antiphosfolipid antibodies
Once I conducted research and learned that autoimmune disease can be treated or at least improved through nutrition and lifestyle changes, my perspective on life shifted. I became consumed with reading, listening to podcasts, and devouring audiobooks. I ultimately decided to give the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP) a try. I communicated this preference to my doctor, expressing my desire to first attempt reducing inflammation and antibodies naturally, as I had discovered that in addition to high levels of antibodies, I also had elevated TNF Alpha, indicating an ongoing inflammatory process in my body. Only after exhausting these natural methods, would I consider turning to medication.
I would like to clarify that I am not a certified AIP practitioner, and I am not qualified to provide advice on this matter. I am simply sharing and recounting my personal experience with AIP and the outcomes I achieved.
In October 2021, I embarked on a new chapter of my life. I immersed myself in podcasts and explored Instagram accounts that particularly resonated with me, such as Phoenix Helix and Autoimmune and You. These resources provided valuable insights, revealing that there are alternative methods to manage my condition. I realized that I wasn’t experiencing an extremely severe autoimmune disease, at least not yet.
Initially, I had reservations about making the switch to a Paleo diet because I was still a vegetarian who only consumed fish. I was hesitant to fully commit to it. Instead, I decided to adopt all aspects of the Paleo lifestyle except for incorporating meat into my diet. Surprisingly, within just three weeks, my inflammation vanished. I underwent another round of blood tests, and to my delight, my TNF Alpha levels had returned to normal ranges. This incredible progress fueled my motivation to continue on this healing journey. Some of my antibodies also began to decrease, confirming that I was on the right path. However, I was aware that regulating antibodies takes a considerable amount of time since cells are constantly multiplying. This meant that while the antibodies were still present, they would persist for a while. Gradual reduction was necessary to create space for healthy cells to thrive.
Furthermore, I made another observation during this time. As has been the case for over a decade, my Vitamin B12 levels remained consistently low, often falling below the minimum threshold. Additionally, my blood urea levels were unexpectedly low, which was a new development. After conducting further research, I came to the realization that if I truly wanted to facilitate my healing process, I needed to incorporate animal protein into my diet. Urea levels tend to be low when protein intake is insufficient. Moreover, I discovered that organ meats are considered “superfoods” due to their rich nutrient content. Initially, this dietary adjustment was challenging. I diligently sought out sources of healthy meat, prioritizing grass-fed beef and organic options. I gradually introduced meat into my diet while adhering to the elimination phase of the AIP (which meant removing legumes and eggs).
I have a “go big or go home” mentality, so when I began the AIP, I fully committed myself to the process. I eliminated all the foods on the list, established a consistent sleep schedule to ensure I got at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and actively worked on reducing stress. In fact, earlier that year, I had a conversation with my boss about changing positions because I was on the verge of experiencing burnout. I am forever grateful to him for swiftly taking action and helping me in that regard. I also incorporated meditation into my routine and embraced various other lifestyle changes. The impact was remarkable. The elimination phase of the AIP completely transformed my life. I experienced improved overall well-being, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, reduced stress, and a sense of lightness. Additionally, I lost around 13 kg in approximately four months. My blood test results also showed significant improvements, with the antibodies continuing to decrease, although there was still a long way to go in that aspect.
In May 2022, my husband and I contracted Covid-19. While my husband experienced a few days of fever and stomach discomfort, I barely had any symptoms. I didn’t have a fever, pain, or any significant issues, except for a sore throat and a stuffy nose. I firmly believe that this mild experience was a result of the progress I had made in healing my body over the previous seven months and following an anti-inflammatory diet. Thanks to these lifestyle changes, I was able to navigate through Covid-19 with ease, continuing to go on long walks with my dog without any complications. The only lingering effect was feeling tired for a few weeks due to difficulty sleeping caused by my throat discomfort.
To be honest, I felt so incredibly well on the Elimination diet that I continued following it for a much longer duration than recommended (the suggested maximum is three months, but I adhered to it for at least seven months). From what I’ve learned, this seems to be a common experience for many individuals because when you feel so good, you’re hesitant to disrupt that progress. Additionally, in the early stages of adopting the AIP, I underwent a food intolerance test, which revealed numerous intolerances that were far from normal. I later discovered that having multiple food intolerances is often a clear indication of a leaky gut. The AIP protocol proved beneficial in addressing this issue as it involves eliminating foods that could potentially cause inflammation (including those identified as intolerances). This approach aided in rebuilding my microbiome and repairing my gut health.
Gradually, I began reintroducing certain foods into my diet. Currently, my eating habits primarily resemble those of the Elimination Phase, with occasional additions of legumes and other items.
I have a strong belief in the effectiveness of the AIP, particularly when approached with a “go all in” mindset. However, I am also confident that it is possible to heal oneself with a vegetarian or vegan diet. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that it can be more challenging as it requires careful attention to ensure adequate intake of all the necessary micro and macro nutrients to prevent deficiencies such as low B12 or Urea, which I personally experienced. Dr. Brooke Goldner has developed a protocol to cure her own Lupus using plant-based smoothies, which may also be applicable to other autoimmune diseases. Although I did not personally try this protocol as I discovered the AIP first and achieved excellent results with it, I recognize that different approaches may work for different individuals.
In May 2023, I underwent another round of antibody testing, and the results showed a decrease in cardiolipin antibodies, which have now entered the “undetermined” phase. They are no longer positive, but not yet negative either. As for the other antibodies, they have already tested negative, indicating a significant improvement in my condition. Additionally, there have been no signs of reactivation of any inflammatory markers.
During these two years, my passion for nutrition grew exponentially. I delved into extensive reading and immersed myself in numerous podcasts, which eventually led me to discover the Food Matters Institute. They offered a one-month trial program, and upon trying it, I was captivated. In November 2022, I officially began the program, and by May 2023, I successfully completed it and received my certificate. It was a moment of celebration for me! However, my hunger for knowledge remains insatiable, and I am highly motivated to continue expanding my understanding in this field. Moreover, I feel a strong urge to share the wealth of information I have acquired with as many people as possible. I want individuals to be aware that there are alternatives to relying solely on medication and that prevention plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Unfortunately, conventional doctors often lack comprehensive education on nutrition during their university training, leading to a lack of emphasis on its importance. This realization serves as a driving force for me to do whatever I can to spread awareness and educate others about the power of nutrition.
