Autoimmune Diseases and Lowcarb

[DelhiBelli]

I've been reading a lot about how restricting carb intake can "heal" you of autoimmune diseases. Also, some say removing vegetable oils helps. Has anyone here experienced that? I've taken out all grains and starches and most oils (except REAL EVOO, coconut oil, and cod liver oil) and things are ok for me. Stomach issues are better, but the fatigue I have lingers. Just wondering if this is something I'm going to have to live with forever.

[nonstickpam107]

Depends on the disease I guess. I have Hashimoto's (where TPO antibodies attack the thyroid until it no longer produces hormone at all...it's the most common form of hypothyroidism in the USA with two out of every ten women having TPO antibodies), HIE (very rare, Hyper IgE, genetic), PAN (polyarteritis nodosa, a vasculitis) and Sjogrens, and Celiac (so I have NO incoming gluten for over ten years now).

All of the autoimmune diseases I have are still there. I'm on steroids daily indefinitely for the PAN and HIE, and had taken Xolair injection to quell the HIE. There's no 'healing' Hashimoto's...you have to replace the thyroid hormones. Sjogrens...I've had all my salivary glands excised and my eyes still suffer from TED (thyroid eye disease and Sjogrens). So...Celiac...feels better after stopping all gluten, but if I get so much as a little gluten I'm in agony still after ten years.

I've heard that children dx'd with Celiac can sometimes heal the small intestine enough to have a little oatmeal here and there later on.

Pam

[oyvey]

As someone with an autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis), I'd like to say that this is crap beyond crap. The only thing that would impact this is if you were having an autoimmune reaction to food (like with celiac) and the thing that would solve that isn't lowcarb (check out the number of recipes in the recipe room using wheat gluten, ditto with dairy and legumes), but not eating gluten (or dairy or legumes).

Seriously, if you want to p*ss off a room full of people with serious diseases, go ahead and tell them that diet will cure them.

Can it manage/reduce the symptoms? Sure, I buy that. Can healthy eating improve overall health? Sure. But cure? Really, no.

Just to be clear, I mention dairy and legumes as other common allergens, not as gluten containing foods.

[Livywilltim-mom]

My DH has Crohn's disease. He has had 2 collectomies and if he has an issue in the future, he will have to have a colostomy. He is on a regimen of b vits and vit d because he just doesn't have enough intestines left to properly absorb nutrients.

DH has been on a LC regimen since the summer and feels FANTASTIC! Absolutely no bloating, many fewer loose stools, much less pain and inflamation...it has been AMAZING! He was having to take a probiotic to help him, and now, he is completely comfortable without it.

Crohn's is an auto immune disease, and I would HIGHLY recommend a LC diet for real health benefits!

PS...he has lost 20 pounds and 2 pants sizes

[nonstickpam107]

Well, Celiac is autoimmune too....and not eating gluten 'cures' it (you just can't ever eat gluten again). But I've been eating lowcarb (NO gluten or sugar) for over ten years and it sure as heck hasn't 'healed' any of my other autoimmune diseases. I can see where it would 'help' intestinal autoimmune though...

So, Jaimie, he doesn't even HAVE Crohn's anymore? He doesn't test positive for it?

pam

[Livywilltim-mom]

Hi Pam,

No, he still has Crohn's, it's just that for almost 3 months now, he has been feeling MARKEDLY better each and everyday. He still takes daily doses of Pentasa and Colestid...but his "flair ups" are non existent right now.

[CurveControl]

I do not have a diagnosed Auto Immune disease, But my experience is that cutting wheat entirely reduces inflammation in my whole body. My rosacia is better, My sacroilliitis improves, My hand arthritis disappears, I get fewer sinus issues less congestion and stuffy as well as fewer sinus/ear infections ......

[nonstickpam107]

What a cute baby Molly!!!

Yeah, I still have Hashimoto's, Sjogren's, PAN, HIE....sigh...but...you're correct about the inflammation...my joints all feel better, not as stiff, and I don't swell up with water weight anymore. That's actually the first 'benefit' I received after two months going lowcarb (ten years ago)...no more stiff fingers and no more shoulder pain (frozen shoulder).

Pam

[Magicsmom]

I have several autoimmune issues. Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, an another one they don't even have a name for. I don't find that low carbing has helped any of them.

[Rdm]

Fibro is not an autoimmune disease. In fibromyalgia, irregularities in hormones, neurotransmitters (messengers in the brain) and enzymes (substances necessary for chemical reactions) are responsible for symptoms.

[Magicsmom]

Originally Posted by Rdm

Fibro is not an autoimmune disease. In fibromyalgia, irregularities in hormones, neurotransmitters (messengers in the brain) and enzymes (substances necessary for chemical reactions) are responsible for symptoms.

The jury is still out on that subject.

[Rdm]

Not according to science today. There is tons more research on this also.


Fibromyalgia: Causes - MayoClinic.com

understanding fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune Diseases << Frequently Asked Questions << womenshealth.gov

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgi...chorid=20&#-20

[getting2goal]

I have read that removing gluten and grains can help some with autoimmune issues. It is supposed to reduce symptoms. I might try it to see if it helps.

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by Magicsmom

The jury is still out on that subject.

Yes, they ARE out on that. We DO know though that about 35% of all women with Hashimoto's will develop fibromyalgia (this is kind of interesting cuz so MANY of us are MISdiagnosed with fibro when what we really have is Hashi's) and about 25% will develop Celiac disease. We're also seeing up to date information (finally, after being in a study group for over ten years) about how controlling the replacement hormones, especially having T3 replaced, is helping to control Hashimoto's patient's tendency to develop Celiac.

Pam

[DelhiBelli]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

We DO know though that about 35% of all women with Hashimoto's will develop fibromyalgia (this is kind of interesting cuz so MANY of us are MISdiagnosed with fibro when what we really have is Hashi's) and about 25% will develop Celiac disease.

That's interesting, Pam. I've read mostly that it was the other way around- people were being misdiagnosed as celiac and long term exposure was causing a bunch of other illnesses. Do you have a link?

[nonstickpam107]

But women are OFTEN misdiagnosed for Celiac when they have Hashimoto's too.

I have 22 years of background and am in four studies. Do you have access to medical studies and literature (medical university, libraries??).

I have 22,000 emails, snail mail and 22 years of study in Hashimoto's, Hashimoto's Encephalopathy and there are no less than..um...say....4,000 books on the subject. Suggest you start with googling: Hashimoto's and Celiac disease and Hashimoto's and fibromyalgia along with going to sites like: Stop the Thyroid Madness - Thyroid info and life-changing truth about thyroid treatment and to Thyroid Disease Information - Hypothyroidism - Hyperthyroidism - Thyroid Cancer - Autoimmune Disease - Hashimoto's - Graves' - Goiter - Nodules and joining forums and searching the same at those type of sites.

Pam

[Rdm]

Once my Fibro was stopped being treated as an autoimmune disorder and a neurologist took over my care things began to change for me. I am off all meds for it. I truly believe as Pam said that many with other autoimmune disorders are misdiagnosed with Fibro.

[snarlycat]

I tested positive on an ANA test and my one Dr. declared it Lupus yet I wasn't really presenting any major signs of it, I then saw a Rheumatologist who said it wasn't Lupus but it was Osteoarthritis, then a 3rd Dr. said it was neither of those but unfortunately we moved back to Canada ( we're with the military an were posted to the US when I had all this testing done) before I could see the 3rd one to see what he thought was going on...so now tomorrow I'm seeing another Rheumatologist to see what he says from and find out about the test results....my symptoms are joint pain, fatigue, bloating, gas, weight gain..one interesting thing I've noticed as I've been trying to pin point when everything went downhill for me health wise was 2 things..1.I used to be on Atkins for years and was very fit and in great shape, ran 6x a week etc then when I met my 2nd husband my diet changed and starting eating differently around that time also I started going into early menopause and my hormones were all out of whack and it was around that time that all the symptoms started and have just gotten worse over time...I wonder at times if there's a connection somehow or gluten ...anyways...just curious as to what others have to say...

[StephStu]

I have lupus with fibro and chronic fatigue. I'm finding the Induction phase especially difficult for the CFS, but helpful with the fibro. I keep reading that the low carb fatigue will pass when my body gets used to burning fat instead of carbs. One reason I got addicted to carbs was the CFS, because without the carbs, I simply could not move. I'm hoping that the fatigue goes away quickly, because I totally blew Induction today due to being so tired, and having so much to do that I had to increase my carbs to do it.

[StephStu]

Originally Posted by snarlycat

I tested positive on an ANA test and my one Dr. declared it Lupus yet I wasn't really presenting any major signs of it, I then saw a Rheumatologist who said it wasn't Lupus but it was Osteoarthritis, then a 3rd Dr. said it was neither of those but unfortunately we moved back to Canada ( we're with the military an were posted to the US when I had all this testing done) before I could see the 3rd one to see what he thought was going on...so now tomorrow I'm seeing another Rheumatologist to see what he says from and find out about the test results....my symptoms are joint pain, fatigue, bloating, gas, weight gain..one interesting thing I've noticed as I've been trying to pin point when everything went downhill for me health wise was 2 things..1.I used to be on Atkins for years and was very fit and in great shape, ran 6x a week etc then when I met my 2nd husband my diet changed and starting eating differently around that time also I started going into early menopause and my hormones were all out of whack and it was around that time that all the symptoms started and have just gotten worse over time...I wonder at times if there's a connection somehow or gluten ...anyways...just curious as to what others have to say...

Don't give up. It took me 10 years to actually be diagnosed with lupus, and even then, my ANA was just slightly over the limit. Lupus is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose. One of the main symptoms that helps diagnose you is sensitivity to sunlight and heat. That's what did it for me. I used to be able to garden all day long, but now, I can't be out in heat over 80 degrees for any longer than a few minutes at a time. Summer is like winter for most people. I am literally housebound, living in FL. I can only go out during very early morning, or when it's almost dark, and then not for long.

I'd get tested for food allergies, if you haven't already done so. I don't think you have lupus, but I'd also get tested for Lyme disease. You can have that for years and not know it, and the deterioration of your joints is permanent, even if they find and cure it.

I was diagnosed only as fibro and CFS for years. I kept telling the Dr's, "Those are symptoms. Tell me what they are symptoms OF." One finally listened.

[dooy]

Originally Posted by StephStu

Don't give up. It took me 10 years to actually be diagnosed with lupus, and even then, my ANA was just slightly over the limit. Lupus is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose. One of the main symptoms that helps diagnose you is sensitivity to sunlight and heat. That's what did it for me. I used to be able to garden all day long, but now, I can't be out in heat over 80 degrees for any longer than a few minutes at a time. Summer is like winter for most people. I am literally housebound, living in FL. I can only go out during very early morning, or when it's almost dark, and then not for long.

I'd get tested for food allergies, if you haven't already done so. I don't think you have lupus, but I'd also get tested for Lyme disease. You can have that for years and not know it, and the deterioration of your joints is permanent, even if they find and cure it.

I was diagnosed only as fibro and CFS for years. I kept telling the Dr's, "Those are symptoms. Tell me what they are symptoms OF." One finally listened.

I'm so glad to hear this...I have struggled for 2 years now with all kinds of symptoms that I was sure was thyroid but 2 docs I went to only go by TSH (2.4 with a range of .3-3) yet my FT3 so low it was not even IN the range. I was neg on the TPO. Exhaustion, 15lb gain in 3 mos., dry, itchy skin, roseaca (but not a butterfly pattern), insomnia, horrible joint aches, neuropathy in right foot, really stiff fingers, disappearing eyebrows, depression/anxiety...and that's not including all the other ridiculous ailments (bronchitis, arthritis in neck, mild GERD) she was quick to rx an anti-depressant but refused any thyroid help. I wonder if I would test positive for the TPO now?

Fast forward to today, I had what I thought was the flu but lymph nodes from armpit to elbow blew up and was dx'd with Bartonella (bacterial thing from cats) and Lyme (ELISA). Took the Western Blot and according to the CDC I'm negative but have tested positive on 5 bands... Also had a high positive ANA and now they want to rule out Lupus. I have no real reactions to heat - just burn easily in the sun. My mom had an autoimmune disorder and my sister was just dx'd with thyroid. Maybe it's all the stupid bacterial infection making these test wacky but I just do not feel WELL.

Sorry for the thread jack and the rant. My whole point in even responding was to say I've started back to low carb today. I'll need a week or so to even get ready for induction but I really appreciated reading here. I had no idea so many had autoimmune stuff.

[StephStu]

Originally Posted by dooy

I'm so glad to hear this...I have struggled for 2 years now with all kinds of symptoms that I was sure was thyroid but 2 docs I went to only go by TSH (2.4 with a range of .3-3) yet my FT3 so low it was not even IN the range. I was neg on the TPO. Exhaustion, 15lb gain in 3 mos., dry, itchy skin, roseaca (but not a butterfly pattern), insomnia, horrible joint aches, neuropathy in right foot, really stiff fingers, disappearing eyebrows, depression/anxiety...and that's not including all the other ridiculous ailments (bronchitis, arthritis in neck, mild GERD) she was quick to rx an anti-depressant but refused any thyroid help. I wonder if I would test positive for the TPO now?

Fast forward to today, I had what I thought was the flu but lymph nodes from armpit to elbow blew up and was dx'd with Bartonella (bacterial thing from cats) and Lyme (ELISA). Took the Western Blot and according to the CDC I'm negative but have tested positive on 5 bands... Also had a high positive ANA and now they want to rule out Lupus. I have no real reactions to heat - just burn easily in the sun. My mom had an autoimmune disorder and my sister was just dx'd with thyroid. Maybe it's all the stupid bacterial infection making these test wacky but I just do not feel WELL.

Sorry for the thread jack and the rant. My whole point in even responding was to say I've started back to low carb today. I'll need a week or so to even get ready for induction but I really appreciated reading here. I had no idea so many had autoimmune stuff.

Autoimmune, especially CFS and Fibro, are almost epidemic in the US. 10 million people have CFS, and that's just the ones that have bothered to go to a doctor.

I find that taking a mega-multi vitamin, and an extra Calcium-Magnesium-Zinc tablet, and extra potassium helps a lot with the CFS and Fibro. Kelp and Selenium help with the thyroid (don't take kelp if your thyroid is elevated). I can tell if I miss a couple of days of my vitamins. I get muscle cramps, and fatigue like crazy. You absolutely have to take them every day. MSM is a great supplement for joint and muscle pain, and it also helps with depression, and with constant fatigue and pain, who isn't depressed?

[dooy]

Thanks StephStu...I will definitely look into these supplements.

I've been reading up on autoimmune as well as CFS and Fibro. The bottom line for me right now must be to get serious about what I eat/don't eat and moving my body every day. I'm back up to 160lbs and feel like crap. Going to do what I can until I get off this medical hamster wheel. Oh, I also had a really high SED rate and C reactive protein so I have inflammation going on so I'm really interested in learning more about the MSM.

Thanks again!

[snarlycat]

Thanks for the input....it is frustrating for sure...so today I saw the Rheumatologist and ALL tests came back negative ugh...after through testing again he's determined that it is Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrom...which of course I don't know much about so googled...and of course it could be what I have and of course when you read about it makes sense...so I'm not sure, but he was dead certain it wasn't Lupus there just wasn't enough evidence to support, and previous scans I had show no deteriation of any of the joints ....so I guess it leaves it at this...I need to research it more and see what it says....anyways...that's it for now