Jeffrey Salazar
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States and at least 5 million people worldwide. While there is no cure for lupus, doctors manage the disease with medication and recommend dietary changes to help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation. The GAPS diet, which stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a temporary diet designed to heal the gut wall and strengthen the enterocytes so that normal digestion can be regained. The diet is said to have helped countless people heal their guts and manage various autoimmune diseases, including lupus. However, some people with autoimmune diseases have reported that the diet caused a flare-up of their symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| GAPS Diet | Aims to heal the gut wall and restrengthen the enterocytes so that the gut can digest foods without triggering autoimmune diseases |
| Recommended by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD | |
| Eliminates foods containing disaccharide and starch molecules | |
| Limits food intake to those items that can be fully digested within a compromised gut environment | |
| May help with conditions such as allergies, eczema, psoriasis, ADD/ADHD, autism, celiac disease, asthma, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and cancer | |
| Lupus Diet | There is no specific lupus diet |
| People with lupus can benefit from a vegetarian or vegan diet | |
| A balanced diet with healthy foods is recommended | |
| A Mediterranean diet may be beneficial | |
| An anti-inflammatory diet may help regulate the immune system and calm inflammation | |
| Eating healthy can help lower the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis | |
| A diet with lots of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 is recommended | |
| Limiting sodium, saturated fat, and sugar intake may be beneficial |
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What You'll Learn
GAPS diet and its impact on the gut
The GAPS diet, which stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, was designed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. It is based on the theory that a "leaky gut" causes an increase in the permeability of the gut wall, allowing chemicals, bacteria, pathogens, and toxins from food and the environment to enter the bloodstream. This, in turn, can affect brain function and development, leading to conditions such as "brain fog" and autism.
The GAPS diet is an elimination diet that cuts out grains, pasteurized dairy, starchy vegetables, and refined carbohydrates. It is claimed to help heal the gut and improve overall health. The diet consists of three main stages: the introduction phase, which is the most intense and restrictive part, followed by the full GAPS diet, and finally, a maintenance phase. The introduction phase can last anywhere from three weeks to a year and involves consuming bone broth, probiotic foods, and juices, as well as certain types of dairy for those who are not intolerant. The second stage introduces raw organic egg yolks, ghee, and stews with vegetables and meat or fish. The third stage includes all previous foods, plus avocados, fermented vegetables, and GAPS-recipe pancakes and bread. The full GAPS diet can last up to two years, during which individuals are advised to base their meals on animal fats, coconut oil, olive oil, and organic foods.
The GAPS diet has been reported to help with various gut problems, including Hashimoto's, candida, and leaky gut. One individual reported significant improvements in their gut health and a reduction in skin tags after following the diet for seven months. However, it is important to note that the GAPS diet is highly restrictive, and there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Some sources even warn against the diet, stating that it lacks the evidence to justify its implementation.
While the GAPS diet may help improve gut health and alleviate digestive symptoms, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes, especially for those with specific health concerns or conditions.
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Autoimmune protocols and lupus triggers
Autoimmune protocols are dietary interventions that aim to reduce the severity of autoimmune disease symptoms and improve overall health. The GAPS diet, for example, is a temporary measure that eliminates foods containing disaccharide and starch molecules to allow the gut wall to heal. This diet has been used to treat various autoimmune conditions, including allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and lupus.
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body, and it is estimated that around 1.5 million people in the United States and 5 million people globally have some form of lupus. While there is no cure for lupus, its symptoms can be managed through medication and dietary interventions.
The Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by lower levels of animal protein and higher amounts of plant-based foods, has been suggested to have potential anti-inflammatory properties and immune-regulating effects. This diet includes whole grains, healthy proteins like lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, and eggs, and healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish.
Some people with lupus may benefit from limiting their intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, as suggested by the CDC, to manage their blood pressure and reduce the risk of endotoxins triggering an inflammatory response. Processed meats, meat with high saturated fat content, and alfalfa sprouts or supplements are also recommended to be avoided.
The Wahls Protocol and the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) are other dietary interventions that have been explored by individuals with lupus. The AIP, in particular, can help identify specific food triggers and their corresponding responses, which vary from person to person.
It is important to note that dietary interventions for lupus may require some trial and error, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the most suitable approach for managing lupus symptoms.
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Plant-based diets and their benefits for lupus patients
While there is limited research on the impact of diet on lupus, some studies suggest that plant-based diets may help reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, and the GAPS diet is often recommended for people with autoimmune conditions. The GAPS diet is designed to heal the gut wall and strengthen the enterocytes, which are crucial for proper digestion. It involves eating soups made with homemade stock, meat, fish, and non-fibrous vegetables, and it can be challenging to adhere to.
However, a plant-based diet offers a promising alternative for lupus patients. A small study found that a raw, plant-based diet focused on leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids resolved the symptoms of three women with lupus in just four weeks. Other studies have reported similar findings.
In a UK-based survey, lupus patients reported improvements in their symptoms after increasing their vegetable intake and reducing their consumption of processed foods, sugar, gluten, dairy, and carbohydrates.
Plant-based diets may also help lupus patients manage their weight, improve their mood, and reduce joint and muscle pain. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, incorporating more plant-based foods into the diet seems to be beneficial for lupus patients.
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Mediterranean diet and its anti-inflammatory properties
The GAPS diet, as recommended by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, limits food intake to those items that can be fully digested even within a compromised gut environment, allowing the gut wall to heal. The diet has been used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including allergies, eczema, psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others. The GAPS diet is not a long-term solution but a temporary measure to heal the gut wall and restrengthen the enterocytes so that normal life can be regained without the burden of autoimmune disease.
Now, onto the Mediterranean diet and its anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating based on the typical diets in countries near the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is rich in antioxidants, trace elements, minerals, and vitamins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. The diet includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and limited meat.
Two different randomized controlled trials have studied the effects of the Mediterranean diet on joint inflammation in people with RA. The first study found that the group eating a Mediterranean diet had a significant improvement in RA disease activity (reduced joint inflammation) after 12 weeks. The amount of improvement was large for a diet intervention and was about 1/3rd the size of the benefit seen in trials of methotrexate for RA (the most common RA medication).
Another trial that tested a 6-week Mediterranean-type diet for RA patients found that the group eating the Mediterranean diet had less pain and morning stiffness 6 months later, suggesting that it provided a long-lasting benefit. The Mediterranean diet is also associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death, as it is lower in calorically dense processed foods, saturated fat, and added sugar than the Standard North American Diet.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, the Mediterranean diet has also been shown to improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease due to its antioxidative effects. It protects against oxidative damage to mitochondrial enzymes and prevents apoptosis.
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Lupus medication and diet interactions
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body. While there is no cure for lupus, doctors may manage the disease with medication. However, some people with lupus may find that certain diets help manage their symptoms.
There is no specific diet recommended for people with lupus. However, some diets may be more beneficial than others. For example, the Mediterranean diet, which is primarily plant-based but includes some fish, poultry, and dairy products, may be anti-inflammatory and help regulate the immune response. It is associated with reduced disease activity and cardiovascular risk in people with lupus.
Other diets that may be beneficial for people with lupus include the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and the Wahls Protocol. The GAPS diet, which is designed to heal the gut wall and re-strengthen the enterocytes, may also be helpful for people with lupus. This diet eliminates all grains and any foods that contain them, as well as foods containing disaccharide and starch molecules. However, some people with autoimmune diseases have found that the GAPS diet causes a flare-up of their symptoms.
People with lupus should be cautious when taking supplements, as they can interact with lupus medications. For example, vitamin B12 supplements are recommended for people with lupus who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, as vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods. However, supplements containing alfalfa should be avoided, as a chemical found in alfalfa may trigger lupus symptoms.
Alcohol can also interact with some lupus medications, including blood thinners, so people with lupus should drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether if advised by their doctor.
It is important to note that everyone is different, and what works for one person with lupus may not work for another. It is always best to speak with a doctor or dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you are taking medication.
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Frequently asked questions
The GAPS diet, as recommended by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, limits food intake to those items that can be fully digested even within a compromised gut environment, thereby allowing the gut wall to heal.
There is no cure for lupus, and experts do not recommend a particular diet for people with lupus. However, some studies suggest that the GAPS diet can help with gut problems and autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
All foods containing disaccharide and starch molecules must be removed from the diet. This includes all grains and any food that contains them, such as wheat, rice, corn, oats, and barley.
The GAPS diet can help to rapidly change the microbiome, alleviate digestive symptoms, and rebalance the immune system. It can also help with weight loss and improve skin conditions.
The GAPS diet is not a long-term solution and should be used temporarily to heal the gut wall. Some people may find it challenging to adjust to the diet, and it may not work for everyone. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.
