Food for Thought - Why so many Autoimmune Diseases?

@astaingegerdm @becsbuddy
Thank you for your advice on waiting on starting the diet. I will hold off until after my appointment with the Rheumatologist.
My flares consist of the left side of my face swelling, my fingers and toes will swell and my joints will be stiff and achy. I get short of breath and my heart rate elevates. I also have tiny bumps on my upper arms and back that will get inflamed and become itchy(but they’re not hives) the bumps are always there. I also struggle with some GI issues. These are the most prominent symptoms when I have a flare.

There is a direct correlation between bacteria and autoimmune diseases. Yes, diet is important but knowing the bacteria connection is more important

I have been a vegetarian for over 40 years. Went Vegan for 4 years. Found no difference with a Vegan diet. I do not drink milk but will have yogurt and cheese but not in high quantities at all. Each person is different. I include many probiotic foods into my meals .There has been no scientific proof for gluten or so called shade veggies being involved in autoimmune disease. Only gut and mouth bacteria

@emmar21 - It sure does not seem like a clear cut diagnosis. I'm curious- what GI issues do you have?

@astaingegerdm
I just struggle with bouts of constipation and bloating. Severe abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn.
I also have interstitial cystitis and that flares with these other symptoms as well.
A few other symptoms are chest pain, headaches, my hair thins/falls out. I also get really dizzy and lightheaded. Sometimes the dizziness is pretty severe. I’ll be getting along fine and then the room flips and I’ll be lying on the floor. I am not passing out though.
My tongue will swell and get sores.
It seems that many body systems are affected.
But the symptoms I listed previously are the most prominent and more constant than some of the others. It just depends on how bad the flare is. In November and December the joint pain was so severe and I was so short of breath that I had trouble walking or just doing daily activities.

@emmar21 I’m so sorry to hear about your other issues!! I do believe you have autoimmune problems. The unfortunate thing is if you have one autoimmune illness, you can have others. That’s why it’s often difficult to pinpoint a diagnosis. Your rheumatologist will run several tests.
My own non-professional observation is that your GI issues could mean celiac disease- gluten intolerance. This is autoimmune and often coexists with an autoimmune thyroid illness - your hair thinning is one symptom. Celiac disease also has a typical rash- like you describe. Somewhat like chicken skin.
Interstitial cystitis is also is autoimmune, I believe - and very painful.
The fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain/ swelling are also part of the illnesses. When my GI autoimmune disease was at its worst, I could only lie on my bed, panting from exhaustion of being awake. Bad memories.
I have 2 daughters with celiac disease developing fully as adults. One also have the thyroid illness and food allergies.
I hope I didn’t scare you! I’m sure you will get an answer as to why you are suffering like this. There are treatments of course.
Remember- don’t give up. If you don’t get all answers from this doctor, go to another one.
Please get back to us!

John, did you try the Wahls protocol? I’m going to try it, what have I got to lose? Thanks for posting

@lloydje1, I did do the basic Wahl's protocol for a couple of months and then just switched to eliminating fast foods and reducing my sugar intake. She had some good breakfast smoothie recipes in her book but my blender was a lot of work to make the smoothies in the morning and then do the clean up so switched to a juicer that I can throw everything in the dishwasher when I'm done and can make 4 or 5 bottles that last me a week or at least a few days when sharing with my wife. I make mostly juice with beets, carrots, ginger, and oranges or apples. I've been adding fresh cranberries lately because they are easy to wash and drop in the juicer. If I knew how to bake, I could use the pulp for different cake or muffin recipes. Right now I'm working on lowering my carb intake and getting close to a keto type diet like the Wahls protocol so I may have to get her book out again 🙂

You might be interested in joining the Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why? discussion which is another really healthy option - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/

There are also a lot of other good discussions in the LCHF Living & Intermittent Fasting Group here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lchf-living-intermittent-fasting/

I don't disagree, but what does a physician do when the patient is not willing to do their part and follow a healthy diet which could improve their condition? I think it is too easy in this country to settle for taking a pill versus change one's lifestyle to improve (at least to some degree) their overall condition. Doctors are in a tough position. That's all. Thanks.