Dax Shepard’s Personal Journey to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
For years, Dax Shepard experienced mysterious and persistent joint pain, which he initially attributed to his active lifestyle and physical training. He sought help from various medical professionals, but received no lasting relief from treatments ranging from cortisone shots to other prescribed therapies. His struggle with undiagnosed pain lasted for four years before a dermatologist, observing his fingernails for tell-tale signs, diagnosed him with psoriatic arthritis. This diagnosis was a pivotal moment, leading him to explore alternative treatment methods. Following a recommendation from his wife, Kristen Bell, Shepard visited an Ayurvedic clinic, which influenced the specific and highly personalized dietary changes he adopted. This approach proved to be a turning point in his condition management.
The Core Principles of Shepard’s Regimen
Dax Shepard’s diet is not a one-size-fits-all plan but a highly tailored regimen based on his body's unique response to certain foods. He has openly discussed the strict list of foods he avoids because of how they exacerbate his symptoms.
Shepard's Food Exclusions:
- No gluten: This means avoiding wheat, barley, and rye, which are commonly found in bread, pasta, and many processed foods. For many with autoimmune conditions, gluten can trigger an inflammatory response.
- No dairy: Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are off the menu. Dairy is another common inflammatory trigger, especially for individuals with sensitivities.
- No eggs: While eggs are generally considered a healthy protein source, they can be problematic for some people and cause inflammation. Shepard found it necessary to eliminate them.
- No nightshade vegetables: This family of plants includes tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant. Some people with arthritis report that nightshades can worsen their symptoms, though scientific evidence is mixed.
- No peanuts: Peanuts are a legume and are known to cause inflammatory reactions in many individuals, not just those with full-blown allergies.
Shepard's Food Inclusions:
- Specific meats only: His diet permits a narrow selection of meats, including turkey, bison, and lamb. These are generally considered leaner and less inflammatory than red meats like beef.
- Plant-based foods: Beyond his specific meat allowance, his diet aligns with many plant-centric anti-inflammatory principles. This would include abundant vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Dax Shepard's Diet vs. General Anti-Inflammatory Guidelines
The table below contrasts the specifics of Dax Shepard's personalized diet with the more generalized, evidence-based anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
| Feature | Dax Shepard's Diet (Personalized) | General Anti-Inflammatory Diet (e.g., Mediterranean) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Excluded | Allowed, in moderation (e.g., yogurt, kefir) |
| Eggs | Excluded | Allowed, in moderation |
| Gluten | Excluded | Not strictly excluded, but encourages whole grains over refined |
| Nightshades | Excluded | Included (tomatoes, peppers) |
| Peanuts | Excluded | Allowed as a legume/nut source |
| Meat | Limited to turkey, bison, lamb | Encourages fatty fish; limits red meat and processed meats |
| Focus | Eliminating specific personal triggers | Broad dietary patterns rich in anti-inflammatory foods |
Broader Health Management
While diet is a cornerstone of his regimen, it is not Shepard's only focus. During his health journey, he has also been open about other aspects of his well-being. He was vegan for a period after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives, but later clarified that he had re-introduced some meat into his diet. His health management also includes regular exercise, including heavy lifting, and the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to increase his energy levels and muscle mass. This combination of dietary changes, exercise, and medical therapy highlights a holistic approach to managing his autoimmune condition and overall health.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
For individuals with autoimmune disorders like psoriatic arthritis, dietary management can play a significant role in reducing inflammation and mitigating symptoms. The foods eliminated in Dax Shepard's diet are known to be potential inflammatory triggers for some individuals, which is why personalized elimination diets can be effective. However, a diet this restrictive should only be undertaken with medical guidance.
Conclusion: A Personalized Path to Wellness
What is Dax Shepard's anti inflammatory diet? It is a highly personalized elimination diet that excludes gluten, dairy, eggs, nightshades, and peanuts, based on his specific experience with psoriatic arthritis. His story underscores the importance of seeking a diagnosis for chronic pain and highlights that while generalized anti-inflammatory guidelines exist, the most effective approach is often a personalized one, developed in consultation with healthcare professionals. While his path is not a universal prescription, it serves as a powerful example of proactively managing a chronic health condition through careful attention to diet and lifestyle. For more information on psoriatic arthritis, a good starting point is the Everyday Health article that first detailed his story.
