Understanding the Principles of the Best Bet Diet
The Best Bet Diet is a specialized eating plan developed by researcher Ashton Embry with the intention of helping manage symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases, most notably multiple sclerosis (MS). The core philosophy behind this approach revolves around the 'leaky gut' hypothesis. Proponents of the diet suggest that for some individuals, certain food proteins are not fully digested and can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the immune system may mistake these proteins as foreign invaders and mount an inflammatory response. The diet is designed to eliminate these potential trigger foods to reduce this immune system activation.
The Best Bet Diet: Foods to Eliminate
Adherence to the Best Bet Diet requires strict discipline, as it is a comprehensive exclusion diet. The following food groups are targeted for elimination based on the diet's underlying principles:
- All Dairy Products: This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and any products containing dairy ingredients (casein).
- All Gluten-Containing Grains: Wheat, barley, and rye, and any foods made with them (bread, pasta) are strictly prohibited.
- All Legumes: Beans, peas, peanuts, and all soy products are excluded.
- High Sugar Foods: Candy, sodas, and excessive sugar are to be avoided.
- Processed Foods: Most packaged and refined foods that contain additives or high sugar levels are not allowed.
- Saturated Fats: Intake of saturated fat should be limited; lean cuts of red meat should only be consumed about once a week.
- Margarine and Salad Oils: These contain high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and are typically avoided in favor of healthier oils.
- Excessive Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be kept very low, with red wine being the only acceptable option in moderation.
- Yeast and Eggs: Sources note that eggs should be eaten in moderation, while yeast is another component to avoid.
The Best Bet Diet: Foods to Embrace
In contrast to the extensive list of restrictions, the diet encourages a high intake of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, with a particular emphasis on berries, should form the bulk of the diet.
- Lean Protein: Lean cuts of poultry, such as chicken and turkey breast, as well as sea fish and seafood, are encouraged.
- Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed oils are the preferred sources of fat.
- Gluten-Free Grains: Some non-gluten grains like buckwheat and millet are permitted, but intake should be reduced and is a point of difference from stricter diets like the Wahls Protocol or AIP.
Strategic Supplementation
Because of its restrictive nature, the Best Bet Diet places a significant emphasis on supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiencies. The following are typically recommended:
- Vitamin D: Considered crucial for immune system function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Often supplemented via fish oil or flaxseed oil for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Calcium and Magnesium: Important for bone health, especially since dairy is eliminated.
- Probiotics: To support gut health and balance gut flora.
- B-Vitamins: Recommended to ensure adequate intake, particularly B12.
The Scientific Context and Efficacy
It is important to note that mainstream medical and MS organizations do not endorse the Best Bet Diet due to a lack of robust scientific evidence. While anecdotal reports from followers suggest improvements, well-controlled scientific trials have not confirmed its efficacy. Small studies have shown mixed results, and larger, higher-quality research is lacking. Any major dietary change, especially one this restrictive, should be undertaken only after consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. For a comparison of how the Best Bet Diet differs from other common dietary approaches, consider the table below.
Comparative Analysis of Diets
| Feature | Best Bet Diet | Mediterranean Diet | Paleo Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Excluded | Low-fat dairy encouraged | Excluded |
| Gluten | Excluded | Whole grains encouraged | Excluded |
| Legumes | Excluded | Encouraged | Excluded |
| Processed Foods | Excluded | Limited | Excluded |
| Red Meat | Limited (1x/week) | Limited | Allowed (lean, grass-fed) |
| Fat Source | Olive oil, cold-pressed | Olive oil, nuts | Healthy fats, olive oil |
| Scientific Support | Limited anecdotal/small studies | Strong evidence for cardiovascular health | Mixed evidence, some studies on inflammation |
| Focus | Reducing inflammation via 'leaky gut' theory | Whole foods, heart health | Returning to ancestral eating patterns |
Conclusion
The Best Bet Diet, though popular within certain communities, is a highly restrictive dietary protocol with limited scientific validation from major medical bodies. Its strict rules—eliminating dairy, gluten, and legumes—stem from the 'leaky gut' theory for autoimmune disease, but require significant discipline to follow and carry risks of nutritional deficiencies without careful planning and supplementation. While personal accounts exist of symptom improvement, it is vital to approach this and any restrictive diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure nutritional needs are met and to understand the limitations of the current scientific evidence. For comprehensive information on different dietary interventions for multiple sclerosis, consult reliable sources, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
