BEDRIDDEN AT 26: How Food Reversed Her Autoimmune Disease
Ben Greenfield LifePublished on May 23, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Mickey Trescott discusses her journey with autoimmune diseases and the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) as a dietary solution. The updated AIP cookbook offers new insights and a modified approach to help individuals manage their symptoms through nutrition.
Key Points
- Mickey Trescott shares her personal journey with Hashimoto’s and celiac disease.
- The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) focuses on eliminating potential inflammatory foods.
- AIP emphasizes nutrient-dense foods to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
- Mickey has updated the AIP cookbook to include new research and a modified approach for accessibility.
- Meal ideas include breakfast patties, nutrient-rich soups, salads, and slow-cooked meats.
The Autoimmune Protocol: A Journey Toward Healing with Mickey Trescott
In today’s blog, we delve into a compelling conversation between Ben Greenfield and nutrition professional Mickey Trescott, who shares her personal health journey and insights into the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and celiac disease at the age of 26, Mickey faced challenges that motivated her to explore nutrition as a pathway to recovery. This article encapsulates their discussion on the AIP, its benefits, and how it can aid those dealing with autoimmune issues.
Mickey’s Journey into the World of Autoimmunity
Mickey recounts her experience of being bedridden due to her autoimmune conditions, feeling frustrated by the lack of understanding from health professionals. Despite being active and health-conscious, she found herself unable to tolerate workouts, and her health deteriorated, leading to diagnoses of Hashimoto’s and celiac disease. This prompted her to investigate how nutrition could play a role in managing her symptoms.
Understanding Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. With over 100 types of autoimmune diseases, symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting both men and women. Mickey emphasizes that environmental factors, such as diet and stress, play a significant role in the expression of autoimmune diseases, often triggered by life events.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Autoimmunity
Mickey discovered the AIP through the paleo community, which suggests eliminating certain foods that may trigger autoimmune responses. AIP focuses on nutrient-dense foods while avoiding potential inflammatory agents like grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshades, and dairy. This dietary protocol aims to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
The New Autoimmune Protocol Cookbook
After years of research and community feedback, Mickey has rewritten the AIP cookbook to include updated research findings and a modified approach for those who find the strict elimination challenging. The new protocol offers flexible options, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Key Components of the AIP
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
- Incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients to support gut health.
- Gradual reintroduction of foods to identify triggers.
- Encourage a supportive community for shared experiences.
A Day on the Autoimmune Protocol
Mickey shares practical meal ideas that can be incorporated into an AIP-compliant diet:
Breakfast
- Meat patties with herbs and a side of vegetables.
- Breakfast soup made with broth, protein, and soft veggies.
Lunch
- Salad with various proteins like sardines or roasted chicken, topped with herbs.
Dinner
- Slow-cooked meat with root vegetables and warming spices.
Snacks
- Bone broth or meatballs for high-protein options.
- Fruits paired with protein to manage blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
The conversation between Ben and Mickey highlights the importance of understanding autoimmune diseases and the potential of nutrition in managing symptoms. The AIP offers a structured approach to dietary changes that can lead to significant health improvements. For those dealing with autoimmune issues, exploring the AIP may provide a pathway to better health.
For more information, check out the new autoimmune protocol at bengreenfieldlife.com/newAIP.