Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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A friend of mine has Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. I am looking for help in the Paleo community. I started paleo myself just recently and have noticed a lot of improvement in how my body feels. In her case however the doctors have told her that she cannot have fat because her liver can no longer process it. It seems to be true but I have also seen others suggest that sugar could be what she is rejecting as well. I guess my main questions are these: 1. What if anything out of the paleo diet might be able to help her? 2. Any suggested supplementation? 3. Do you know of anyone that has had success either stopping or reversing this disease?

Thank you for your help :).

edited Apr 20 2012 at 21:03

Lady_Arwen
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asked Oct 16 2011 at 12:59

Misty
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	PBC is thought to be autoimmune. Did she test positive based on an antibody test / ultrascan or has there been a biopsy? What other disease does she have (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis?) Being gluten-free is thought to be essential for PBC. Also, to avoid HCC, being sugar-free. – Namby Pamby Oct 17 2011 at 19:31
	I do not know the answer to these questions yet. I had not thought to ask. I will do so soon. Thank you. – Misty Oct 23 2011 at 16:37
	I have primary sclerosing cholangitis which my doc said is the male equivalent of pbc. I was told the same thing about fat. I did have an adjustment period but have had great success doing primal paleo. I had symptoms of chronic pain, headaches, insomnia and pruritus. I no longer have insomnia. Chronic pain is down 80% after 3 months with some pain free days. Headaches are gone too. Pruritus (itching) remains. PSC is autoimmune and the anti inflammatory nature of paleo has been a great relief after 10years of being sick. – westroxel Apr 17 2012 at 6:14

westroxel · Answer 1 · 2012-06-30 03:18:33Z UTC

I have the "male version" of pbc, called primary sclerosing cholangitis. I was told the same thing about fat. I tried to eat like my specialist suggested (standard low fat, high carb, high fiber CW diet.) I started primal paleo in Feb after 10 years of poor health from psc. I had fast progress. Insomia gone in 7 days. Chronic pain lessened and now I have more pain free days than not and pain levels are low if they flare. Pruritis (itching from bilirubin) is steadily decreasing.

For me, paleo has been a blessing. Eatly on, the added fat caused some stool trouble. I pushed through and within a few weeks had no more trouble. Also, paleo avoids heavily processed frankenoils that are far more trouble on my liver.

I can't say that paleo will be to her what it has been to me, but I'm better off for it. YMMV

NoGlutenEver · Answer 2 · 2011-10-16 22:13:42Z UTC

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That condition seems to be linked to gluten sensitivity/celiac

http://www.celiac.com/articles/912/1/Primary-Biliary-Liver-Cirrhosis-Linked-to-Celiac-Disease/Page1.html

Is this is the case for either of you, a strict GF diet (even more care than just not eating grains) could make a big difference.

answered Oct 16 2011 at 22:13

NoGlutenEver
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Thank you for posting that. I am having a hard time getting her to believe that grains and sugar could be her main problem when the doc is telling her she needs to avoid all protein. – Misty Oct 23 2011 at 16:39

raydawg · Answer 3 · 2011-12-12 20:15:03Z UTC

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Not even using digesting enzymes like Now Super Enzymes? What about coconut oil which is mostly MCTs and doesn't require bile? Sounds like her doc is missing a large chunk of knowledge.

answered Dec 12 2011 at 20:15

raydawg
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Anna · Answer 4 · 2011-12-26 21:31:04Z UTC

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I also suggest that she investigate a supplement called milk thistle. It is often recommended (even by MDs) for liver related issues such a cirrhosis.

answered Dec 26 2011 at 21:31

Anna
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Can someone with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis improve with Paleo?

4 Answers