1. Diet and Autoimmune Disease Danielle DeSalvo

2. Autoimmune Diseases Characterized by an over active immune reaction in which the body attacks it’s own tissues and cells as if they were foreign invaders. 3 rd most common class of disease in the US behind cardiovascular disease and cancer Affects 14.7 – 23.5 million people in the US Women make up 78% of all cases Examples: RA, MS, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac, Lupus, Chron’s, Type 1 Diabetes and Scleroderma Most are chronic with no cure, only treatments

3. Causes Largely unknown, however experts agree that 70% of the risk for developing these conditions are due to environmental factors and 30% is due to genetic disposition. Focus for tonight’s talk: environmental triggers from diet

4. “Leaky Gut” AKA Intestinal Permeability Leaky gut is a condition where the digestive lining becomes damaged and allows more things to pass through into the bloodstream than normal. Recent studies done by the leading research team in Celiac disease has shown that increased intestinal permeability plays a vital role in the initiation and propagation of autoimmune disorders.

5. Diagnosing Leaky Gut Hard to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to other afflictions. Common Symptoms – Bloating – Poor digestion – Inflammation – Food allergies and sensitivities – Chronic Pain – Brain fog/poor memory – Depression – Fatigue Leaky gut is a clinical diagnosis but there are tests for intestinal permeability (urine test and immunologic).

6. Causes of Leaky Gut Biggest dietary culprit is wheat and one of it’s proteins, gluten. (Barley and Rye also contain gluten.) Gluten however, is not the whole story. Going gluten free is not enough. There are many other dietary triggers – Capsaicin containing peppers (chili peppers) – Foods containing high concentrations of Lectins and Saponins Virtually all grains: Wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, legumes, rice, beans, soy, quinoa, amaranth, spelt, alfalfa sprouts and buckwheat. Potatoes & green tomatoes – Night shade Vegetables (esp. applies to autoimmune patients) Potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, chili peppers Other causes – Oral Contraceptives – Alcohol – Antacids with aluminum hydroxide (Gaviscon, Maalox & Mylanta) – NSAIDS – Aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen – Infection

7. Healing Leaky Gut Remove foods that are irritating to the gut and cause inflamation (items on previous slide and also processed foods and sugars) Increase your omega 3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats Take probiotics and Vitamin D Manage stress Get good quality sleep Exercise Can take time

8. Conclusions In your diet, avoiding all grains, legumes, night shade vegetables, and processed foods is very important for management of autoimmune diseases. Control of inflammation and leaky gut can have a profound positive impact on your health List of further reading and resources will be available through the TriState website