Autoimmunity is one of those big buzzwords in the nutritional community. As more and more research comes out we are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which certain foods may be negatively affecting our health. The problem is, there are no autoimmune specialty doctors. This can make it difficult for someone to get the diagnosis they need and the proper treatment plan.
Dr. Sarah Ballantyne’s book, The Paleo Approach, can be a useful tool for readers who suspect they may be suffering from autoimmune illness. You might be thinking, “Isn’t autoimmune illness rare?” Unfortunately, it’s not all that uncommon. Fifty million people are suspected of suffering from autoimmune disorders, which is twice as many people as cancer, and autoimmune disorders are also underreported. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, depression, extreme fatigue, migraines, PMS, unexplained weight changes, and many other symptoms, this is a good resource for you, as is Dr. Ballantyne’s website, The Paleo Mom.
The Paleo Approach can be purchased through Amazon for $9.99 for the Kindle and $23.97 for the paperback version. There are pros and cons to each version. The paperback version is large, similar to a textbook. This makes it difficult to lug around with you. However, the pictures and charts in the paperback enhance the learning experience. The Kindle is more portable, but if you have an older version you may miss out on some of the charts.
The book covers a complicated topic, but Dr. Ballantyne does a fantastic job of breaking down how our immune cells can go rogue and begin to attack our healthy cells.The charts and pictures used in the book help with the understanding of complicated material. This is not just another typical beginner paleo diet book. I have been practicing and researching nutritional topics for quite some time and I learned a lot from this book.
The Paleo Approach goes beyond explaining what foods not to eat. Dr. Ballantyne gives you a guide of what to eat and the back of the book is filled with nutritional data for all of these food choices, making it easier to select more nutrient-dense food that is right for you. The Paleo Approach goes beyond diet to help you on your journey to better health. There are tips on how to get through the first thirty days and also how to explain your nutritional choices to family and friends. It even gives you tips on handling setbacks, which are bound to happen.
Removing foods and reintroducing them can be a difficult task to attempt on your own. Dr. Ballantyne lays out a plan of removing foods and step-by-step guides to reintroducing foods in a way that is concise and easy to follow. This book is not just for people with autoimmune disorders. The information presented in the book can give anyone more of an understanding about how food interacts with our immune system and the health consequences of eating certain foods.
The only thing the book is missing is a recipe section. When you go on a more restrictive diet, it can be difficult at times to find recipes that are appealing. A chapter with a few different recipes would make it easier for the person attempting to get started on a thirty-day autoimmune paleo diet. Other than that, The Paleo Approach is a great book to have as part of the at-home library. I would strongly recommend it to any nutrition coaches out there and anyone who wants to take charge of their own health.
“The Paleo Approach” is available for $23.97 at Amazon.com.
