*Starch-Free Success Stories* Guest Blog: Chris Pudlak
When I read Chris’ story, I was struck by his dedication and determination to learn about his diagnosis of AS, and his desire to manage the disease with diet and lifestyle modifications. While I have experienced the benefits of a starch-free diet first-hand, I don’t always dive deep into the science behind it. That’s why I find Chris’ story so helpful and fascinating. Those who are interested in the science behind the starch-free diet, I’ll bet you will appreciate Chris’ success story! Thank you, Chris, for sharing about your journey in an effort to share hope!
Chris Pudlak’s post is part of the “Starch-Free Success Stories” series.
Health History
In the summer of 2016, I was struck with a severe onset of a type of arthritis which was later diagnosed as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). At the onset and formal diagnosis of my AS, I needed two hands just to turn the key in my car ignition, I limped when I walked, was unable to sit for more than half an hour at a time, unable to ride my bike, unable to pick up my children, and I couldn’t sleep a full night without being woken up several times due to joint pain. I resorted to wrapping my wrists while I slept to keep them immobile; any motion would cause sharp pain and wake me up. I could only sleep on my back, with a pillow under my back and a pillow under my knees. Even the weight of the sheets on my toes caused enough pressure to make my feet sore.
I decided to record my daily symptoms, medications taken, diet, changes in exercise and activity, blood test results, and a pain rating on a scale of 10. It became so severe, so quickly, that from the onset of my condition, I logged my pain, medications, diet, and habits in detail. This information gathering was initially for my own benefit; I hoped to better understand the condition and figure out what was causing it so I could be rid of it as quickly as possible, and at the time, had no idea my obsessive note-taking would even turn into a book.
Suspected Causes
While working on my research, I came to the conclusion that there were three main factors that came together to trigger my arthritis; Klebsiella, HLA-B27, and a high starch and omega-6 diet. The onset of my AS was explosive; one week I was 100% my usual self. During a trip overseas, I became sick, with fever, and gastrointestinal illness, and less than a week later, severe joint inflammation, starting with my back, came on hard and fast.
The first factor I suspect, was a bacterial infection, likely Klebsiella bacteria in my gut, and/or Epstein-Barr virus. This would not have caused the AS on its own, except that I later found that I carry a gene called HLA-B27, and there is much research that shows molecular mimicry between the gene and Klebsiella, meaning the body confuses itself with the bacteria, and attacks both, causing the inflammation. (Nicholas J Sheehan, The ramifications of HLA-B27, 2004) Looking back, I also was in an eating pattern with a diet that was high in starch, which could allow the Klebsiella to proliferate, and a highly inflammatory diet, including high-GI foods and high omega-6 content, which also promoted inflammation. All these factors were aligned in my life to produce the “perfect storm” of factors, allowing the onset of the disease.
Going Starch-Free
“When AS is involved, the argument to control the disease through diet is even more compelling, based on recent studies that link the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria with the disease.” (Taha Rashid, 2013)
How does starch in our diet contribute to arthritis? Klebsiella pneumoniae is a relatively common bacteria that exists in the colons of many people. It can produce pullulanase enzymes that can cleave hard starch molecules that can’t be digested by the human digestive system, and it uses these molecules as food to survive the digestive tract. So, amylose starch in the diet allows Klebsiella to survive and thrive in the colon.
AS has a strong genetic component, associated with the HLA-B27 gene. It just so happens that the HLA-B27 antigen (the molecule produced in the body based on the instructions from the HLA-B27 gene) looks a lot like Klebsiella.
It is believed that the body produces antibodies to attack Klebsiella when it is introduced into the body, and once this process starts, these antibodies also begin to react with the body’s own joint tissues, essentially being attacked by the immune system as well. (P L Schwimmbeck 1, 1988)
For me, this was the ‘ah-ha’ moment. I removed sugar, processed foods, and additives, but most importantly, starchy foods, including foods with added corn starch, tapioca starch, wheat starch, or potato starch. With these changes, I had significant reductions in pain, swelling, and redness over time. I supplemented my approach with fasting, and eventually a reduction in fibrous foods, which also seemed to help reduce gut irritation and alleviate symptoms.
Staying Active
If you suffer from arthritis, a daily exercise routine is a must. Make it a habit. Once established, habits are easier to stick to when you have trouble motivating yourself on those mornings.
Wake up in the morning and stretch, do Pilates, ride your bike, swim, or whatever works for you. I’ve found daily movement so important to maintaining range of motion, especially when you don’t feel like doing anything. I’m an avid cyclist, riding to and from work every day, and many days I didn’t feel like riding, but I never regret it and always feel the benefit once I complete my ride. Every ride became a small victory in the battle over my AS. As I became stronger, some days I remember almost crying with joy at the end of my ride, happy that I was physically able to push myself like this again and be making progress. On these days when I arrived home, I would tell my wife that I had a million-dollar bike ride, it felt that good. A million dollars couldn’t buy you that euphoria and pain relief. That joy, I’m sure, contributed to my health as well.
Becoming more active needs to fill your entire day. This was difficult for me because I have a sedentary desk job, and a long commute, spending close to two hours in the car each day. Now I ride my bike to work (usually half the distance by car, then the rest by bike, due to the distance), I do weights and stretches, sit on a Swiss ball at work, use a standing desk (that can be raised and lowered so I can still spend some time on the Swiss ball), intentionally take the stairs whenever I can, and walk whenever I can.
If you have a sedentary job like I do, and your employer is willing to accommodate a little, a standing desk is a great option. There are many that are on the market these days, and one that can be raised and lowered is a great advantage, because as you probably know with AS, keeping the same position for too long is painful. Being able to stand for a while is beneficial, but being able to alternate throughout the day between sitting is better. I very rarely stand still; shifting my weight back and forth, even marching on the spot for a while helps. It might look funny, but constantly moving feels good for the back, feet, and neck. At home, on my feet cooking or cleaning the kitchen, I’m doing the same thing, often to music. Dancing, twisting the back, raising the arms, turning the neck, plus a little rhythm from the music, is another great low-impact way to keep the back flexing.
In the end, all these changes to diet and lifestyle have been for the better. They have helped me manage my AS symptoms, but they have also made general improvements to my health, strength, and mobility. It’s the silver lining that has come with AS.
Notable References
Nicholas J Sheehan, M. F. (2004, Jan). The ramifications of HLA-B27. Retrieved from US National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079257/
Taha Rashid, 1. C. (2013, May 27). The Link between Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Klebsiella, and Starch Consumption. Retrieved from US National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678459/
P L Schwimmbeck 1, M. B. (1988, Dec 23). Molecular mimicry between human leukocyte antigen B27 and Klebsiella. Consequences for spondyloarthropathies. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2462350/
More About Chris
For those interested in learning more about Chris’s story, he’s written a book: Achieving Wellness Through Arthritis: How My Journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis Can Offer a Path to Wellness.
Disclaimer: Starch-Free Feasting may discuss topics related to diet and nutrition. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Consult a physician or medical professional before making changes to your diet and medication. You assume the risk of any potential injury that may result.
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