Autoimmune Conditions are On the Rise — Do Food Sensitivities Play a Role? The Role of Gluten & Dairy in Autoimmunity and How to Address Food Sensitivities Starting with Gut Health

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May 5, 2025

In a compelling discussion, Akil Palanisamy, an integrative medicine expert known for the TIGER Protocol, and Elroy Vojdani, a functional medicine doctor, delve into the alarming rise of autoimmune conditions worldwide. They examine how food sensitivities, especially to gluten and dairy, trigger immune responses. Akil shares insights on lifestyle changes and mindset adjustments to combat these issues, while Elroy outlines the benefits of elimination diets for gut health. Together, they provide practical strategies for managing autoimmune symptoms through dietary adjustments.

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INSIGHT

Food Sensitivities Trigger Autoimmunity

Autoimmune patients often have food sensitivities rather than allergies, with gluten and dairy being common triggers.
These sensitivities cause immune hyperactivity and chronic inflammation, worsening autoimmune conditions.

ADVICE

Elimination Diet Includes Gluten-Free Grains

Include gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, and oatmeal in the elimination diet if tolerated.
Incorporate good quality proteins such as grass-fed beef, poultry, or fish during the elimination phase.

ADVICE

Introduce Prebiotics Slowly

Start prebiotic and fermented foods slowly and separately to avoid overwhelming the gut.
Begin with small doses and gradually increase as tolerated to prevent gut distress.

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This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, Birch Living, and Square.

Autoimmune conditions now affect over 300 million people worldwide, and that number is rising fast. Yet the conventional medical model often misses the root cause, leaving many stuck on medications or searching endlessly for answers. In today’s episode, our guests reveal how food plays a powerful role in autoimmune symptoms—and how targeted changes can make a real difference.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we’re bringing you a special compilation episode featuring Dhru’s conversations with experts on foods like gluten and dairy that trigger autoimmune responses in their bodies.

Dr. Akil Palanisamy joins us to explore why autoimmune diseases are on the rise and how certain aspects of modern life may be fueling the epidemic. He breaks down the top contributing factors and shares his TIGER Protocol, which uses diet, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic principles to address them. Dhru and Dr. Akil also discuss the importance of mindset and staying grounded in what works best for you, so you can take action without feeling overwhelmed.

Dr. Elroy Vojdani breaks down the role of food sensitivities in autoimmune disease, including common triggers and how they impact the immune system. He and Dhru discuss risk factors, the difference between sensitivities and intolerances, and the limitations of standard allergy tests. Dr. Vojdani also shares how to remove problem foods and take practical steps to heal the gut and restore immune health.

In this episode, Dhru and his guests dive into:

Dr. Akil’s two-phase diet approach for autoimmune disease (1:40)
Restrictive diets: understanding food allergies vs. food sensitivities (3:41)
AIP Diet vs. Dr. Akil's Elimination Diet—key differences (8:25)
Blood tests and symptoms that help detect early autoimmunity (12:20)
Essential foods that support gut repair (18:54)
How to follow an elimination protocol on your own (26:58)
Chronic diseases linked to food sensitivities (32:00)
Food sensitivities and their role in F.L.C. (Feel Like Crap) syndrome (37:01)
The rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases in recent years (40:30)
Why food is the #1 trigger for autoimmune conditions (45:15)
Dr. Vojdani's personal story and key risk factors for autoimmunity (47:09)
Gut repair strategies for those without access to doctors or testing (52:20)
Highlights from Dr. Vojdani's book When Food Bites Back and patient results (58:20)
Dhru’s father’s success story with the Elimination Diet (1:04:36)
Why the reintroduction phase is crucial for autoimmune healing (1:07:42)
Final thoughts and takeaways (1:09:32)

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