Among adults with rheumatoid arthritis, following an 8-week Autoimmune Protocol diet led to a decrease in body mass index and waist circumference, and most participants lost weight.
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
Eating more vegetables and fermented foods while avoiding processed foods repairs the gut lining, stops toxins from leaking into the blood, and quiets down the immune system. This lets the body burn fat more easily, leading to weight loss without trying.
Most probable mechanism
Eating more vegetables, fruits, and fermented foods while avoiding processed foods, grains, and added sugars repairs the gut lining, stops harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream, and calms down the immune system. This reduces overall body inflammation, which allows the body to burn fat more efficiently and lose weight without trying.
Increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables promotes the growth of bacteria that ferment fiber into short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate
Butyrate strengthens the intestinal epithelial barrier by upregulating tight junction proteins and reducing zonulin expression
Exclusion of gluten, lectins, nightshades, and food additives removes molecules that disrupt intestinal tight junctions and increase permeability
Reduced intestinal permeability prevents translocation of microbial and dietary antigens into systemic circulation
Decreased antigen exposure reduces activation of dendritic cells, T-cells, and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways including NF-κB and COX-2
Lower systemic inflammation decreases cytokine-driven metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance
Improved metabolic regulation increases fat mobilization and reduces adipose tissue storage, leading to loss of body mass and waist circumference
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
The Effect of an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single Arm Crossover Pilot Feasibility Study
Contradicting (0)
Community contributions welcome
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.