As the amount of Americans suffering from autoimmune diseases rise, new research shows that processed foods could be the culprit. Rather than turning to expensive and often harmful medications, some doctors stress the importance of clean eating to reverse autoimmune issues.
When Sierra Vellinga was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, doctors initially prescribed antibiotics to fix the problem. Yet the side effects were almost too much to handle. “I was having physical symptoms like my hair was falling out. I was very puffy-faced,” explains Vellinga.
Soon after, Vellinga discovered The Autoimmune Solution, a New York Times Bestseller by Dr. Amy Myers. This groundbreaking book offers simple lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse autoimmune diseases. Myers’ approach celebrates the healing power of food. According to Myers, by eliminating toxic foods, patients can reclaim their health. “Their joint pain can go away. Their muscle aches and pains can go away. They can get off these very harsh medications…and I see that day in and day out,” explains Myers.
In her book, Myers provides healthy, anti-inflammatory recipes rich in veggies and healthy fats, and low on processed or overly sugary foods. “In an ideal world we would all be eating, I believe, like our ancestors. So eating pasture-raised meats, grass-fed meats, fish, vegetables, fruit… more of a Paleo diet.”