Originally Posted By Robin_H
I just want to add or ask...

Is our diet too restrictive and hence reducing the variety of species in our gut and hence reducing the robustness and tolerance of our immune system?

I absolutely believe that the limited diet on NSD affects the diversity of our mircrobiomes. There is lots of research that shows low carb diets reduce diversity, especially when low in fermentable carbohydrate. And there are likely issues with this in the long term (e.g., possible impacts to colon health, impacts on sleep, body temperature,etc.) But I see that as something to grapple with in the longer term.

For now, I really think that the reduction in inflammation is better for my overall health and immune system than the lack of fermentable carbs. Right now I want pain relief and an extended opportunity to heal. So I will continue to use NSD to 'starve' the bad bacteria and the 'weed and seed' protocol to shift the balance. And hopefully one day I will be able to incorporate foods that will support a broader diversity.

Suspected USpA. HLA B27, xray, u/sound, blood tests all -ve. Ancient history of plantar fasciitis, SI joint pain, knee arthritis. Recent history of tendinitis, neck pain, debilitating finger pain and stiffness (especially mornings). No diagnosis, no meds.

2010 - stopped eating dairy
2012 - stopped eating wheat
2014 - stopped eating all grains
Jan 2017 - discovered NSD - 98% improvement in symptoms, continually amazed by my results, wish I'd found kickAS sooner