What does a Paleo hidradenitis suppurativa diet look like?

The Paleo diet has become one of the most talked-about food and lifestyle plans in modern times. A lot of people have tried it, and a lot have success with it for being healthier, as part of a hidradenitis suppurativa diet and as part of a weight-loss diet too. So what makes it stand out from all the other diets that are out there and what can it do for people living with HS? Here is a closer look at the answers to those very questions.

Eating the Paleolithic Way

Going back to the Paleolithic times, people ate the food they were able to fish for, gather, or hunt. They ate what was available at the time and we as close by. This is before animal husbandry, milking cows and digging fields to grow food. They did not eat grains, salt, sugar or dairy. This has led to the Paleo diet that encourages those following it to eat correspondingly. More natural, no processed, refined or junk foods. With some modern adaptions, it is thought this could help people become healthier and live longer.

The benefits that can be achieved

Advocates of the Paleo diet believe it can help with a variety of health issues including;

1. Lessening the symptoms as part of a hidradenitis suppurativa diet because it eliminates dairy and processed foods and sugar
2. Losing weight helps with weight-related problems like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure and more. Weight loss can be achieved with calorie counting or if you prefer not to, you can still lose weight just by making better food choices.
3. Improving the mental health of those with depression
4. Avoiding foods that trigger allergies like gluten and dairy
5. Having a healthier gut so helps with things like IBS

What it looks like

This is a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet. It avoids packaged and processed foods, and also cuts out dairy, salt and grains. It should include lean proteins, unsaturated fats, and be full of foods that have plenty of fibre, vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients. It does include carbohydrates but it is lower in carbs than most standard diets.

You should eat;

• Grass-fed meat
• Eggs
• Seafood and fish
• Healthy oils like olive or coconut
• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Coconut water
• Herbal teas in moderation
• Fermented foods
• Seeds and nuts
• Water
• Freshly squeezed juice

You can eat in moderation;

• Dried fruit
• Raw honey
• Unrefined sea salt
• Chocolate

You should not eat;

• Dairy – no yogurt, ice-cream, milk, cream, cheese and such
• Cereal grains
• Legumes
• Salt
• Rice
• Added sugar
• Processed foods
• Potatoes
• Vegetable oils like sunflower, corn or margarine
• Coffee, tea, soda, concentrate juice or alcohol

A lifestyle change is needed too

The Paleo diet is not just about the food it is about a lifestyle change. Eating whole foods, exercise, time with family, engaging with nature, managing stress and getting good sleep is also a part of this. These are also things that are good when you live with HS and are looking at a hidradenitis suppurativa diet and lifestyle change.