Plant-based diet for autoimmune?

@gigi4 an autoimmune disease is one where your own immune system is attacking your body.
Normally it works as you described.

Autoimmune disorders are baffling because something happens that makes your immune response go haywire attacking the body it’s supposed to be protecting.
Therefore, the last thing you want to do is boost the power of this predator.

Thank you. I wonder what your symptoms are and how you were diagnosed with Vasculitis?

Agreed. It seems backwards, but my immune system is strong, but is attacking me.

@bayhorse
Hi,
I was vegan for years before I developed symptoms and was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease. A new GP recommended that I do an elimination diet. While I was in the elimination phase - still vegan, but cut out soy, all nuts except almonds, nightshade vegetables, etc. and ate 10-12 servings of organic vegetables plus some fruits, legumes (no peanuts), and almost no grains (except rice and gluten free oatmeal) - I felt great, physically. BUT, it got to the point where I hated eating and lost 30 pounds. My doctors say I'm "tiny," my husband worries about how small I am, and I don't like how I look, but it's been hard gaining the weight back.

I found out I'm sensitive to peanuts, which I love and have cut out, and probably some other things too but not as obvious as the peanuts. I still try to eat 9-10 servings of vegetables a day and limit processed foods and caffeine. When I have a flare, I cut out sugar, caffeine, and processed foods entirely, which helps, but it sounds like you already do that.

Regardless of the debate on this topic, it's important to make sure we get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies.

Despite the negatives, I'm glad I did the elimination diet because I have a better idea of what foods do and don't work for me. I hope you figure out what works for you.

Hi @bayhorse - No, I don’t follow a specific plan. That’s one of the nice things about plant-based is that’s the plan - plant based foods. 😋I do try to eat the whole plant as much as possible (ex I eat edamame but not soy milk).

I’ve found that religion, politics, and protein are three topics I try to avoid discussing! But I’ll go there for you. By eating a wide variety of vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes each day, I get about 20-30 grams of protein per meal. If I add something like pea powder to a smoothie or use chickpea pasta, I can get about 30-40 grams per meal.

Personally, since I’ve never been told I have a protein or iron deficiency, I don’t worry about it and probably only get about 60 grams total most days.

For reference, I’m 55, strength train four days a week, and hike 8-10 miles in the Colorado mountains every weekend.

I do take a B-12 supplement as that is a nutrient you can’t get from commercially grown plants in the US.

Having said all that, I know many people who say they don’t feel their best on a diet like mine. So definitely, talk to your doctor and listen to your body.

There are so many great vegan cookbooks and chefs on social media. I really like the Oh She Glows cookbooks by Angela Liddon.

Good luck and good health!