Your Autoimmune Freedom Weekly Digest

Happy Friday! Welcome to the Autoimmune Freedom Weekly Digest—a curated collection of wellness insights and more. From interesting studies to eye-opening videos and delicious recipes, I've gathered an eclectic mix of recommendations for you.

Rebecca’s Kitchen

Hyper-Nourishing Smoothie: Dr. Brooke Goldner’s Hyper-Nourishment Protocol, featured in her book Goodbye Lupus, has been a game-changer for me. In this enlightening interview, she shares her journey with lupus and how her diet played a pivotal role in reversing it. The protocol aims to repair the immune system, emphasizing daily consumption of raw leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, plant-based omega-3s, and a hydration goal of 3 liters of water. Ever since I incorporated her smoothies in my routine, I have noticed a significant decrease in my RA symptoms. I love adding fresh ginger to my blends. Dr. Goldner's message about nourishing our cells through diet is truly inspiring. I highly recommend exploring her content—it's engaging and empowering!

Instant Pot Chickpeas: Since my stove broke, my Instant Pot has become my go-to kitchen gadget. I'm amazed by its versatility and how it simplifies cooking. Lately, I've been exploring its wonders by preparing chickpeas. Inspired by Minimalist Baker’s Instant Pot Chickpeas recipe, here is how I cook chickpeas: 

• Soak 1 lb of dry chickpeas overnight in a bowl filled with water

• Rinse and place them in the Instant Pot with about 6 cups of water, fresh thyme, garlic, and shallots. 

• Pressure cooking on high for 15 minutes 

This recipe has resulted in the most delicious chickpeas I’ve ever had.

Lentil Soup: This sweet potato lentil soup from the blog From My Bowl is delicious. When I make soup, I find it super helpful to double or even triple the batch and freeze the extra for later. My new go-to method involves soaking and cooking the lentils in the Instant Pot beforehand, then adding them to the soup. Lately, I've been experimenting with various lentil soup recipes and, I'm excited to fine-tune one to share with you all soon!

What I’m Listening to

Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases: Dr. Michael Greger delves into addressing the root causes of autoimmune conditions through dietary changes rather than merely managing symptoms with medications. He presents compelling evidence on the advantages of fasting for rheumatic diseases, coupled with a plant-based diet. He likens fasting to "rebooting the hard drive" of a computer, offering a new perspective on disease management.

Orgain: Andrew Abraham (How I Built This):  As a self-proclaimed How I Built This aficionado (apparently in the top 1% on Spotify!), I stumbled upon Andrew Abraham's episode about Orgain, a renowned nutrition brand. He shares his journey, having battled cancer in high school and later founding Orgain. The conversation delves into his belief in nutrition's profound impact on our health. It was an enlightening episode, and I found myself learning a great deal. I’d highly recommend giving it a listen!

The Woman In Me by Britney Spears: This week I listened to the captivating audiobook edition of Britney Spears’ memoir, The Woman In Me, narrated by Michelle Williams. Britney Spears’ courage and vulnerability shine through, creating a moving experience.  Michelle Williams' narration truly elevates the audiobook, making it an absolute must-listen.

Science Spotlight

Methotrexate’s Effects on the Gut Microbiome: This study shows the intriguing effects of Methotrexate (MTX), a drug frequently prescribed for managing rheumatoid arthritis and immune regulation. Beyond its direct impact on the body, the research highlights how MTX influences gut bacteria. Notably, these changes in gut microbiota vary between individuals responding positively to MTX treatment and those with less response. The findings suggest that MTX-induced alterations in gut bacteria could significantly impact the immune system of patients, potentially leading to decreased inflammation and alleviated symptoms.

Happy exploring this week's roundup! Whether it's nourishing smoothies, flavorful chickpeas, or captivating stories, I hope these recommendations add a spark to your journey. Wishing you a fantastic weekend filled with wellness and joy!

Take good care,

Rebecca