Brewer Diet Meal Plan for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Management

The Brewer Diet Meal Plan for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, swollen bumps and boils that rupture and leave behind abscesses or hardened scars on the skin. It most commonly affects areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts where there are apocrine sweat glands.

While the exact cause of HS is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder exacerbated by factors like hormonal changes, friction from clothing, obesity, smoking, and genetics. There is currently no known cure for HS, but making lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help minimize flare-ups.

Diet also plays a key role in managing HS. While no specific HS diet has been clinically proven to treat the condition, many patients find relief from following an anti-inflammatory diet. Dietitian Karen Brewer created a structured anti-inflammatory meal plan for HS patients that has shown promising results.

Here is an overview of the Brewer Diet meal plan for HS.

Overview of the Brewer Diet for HS

The Brewer Diet meal plan follows a whole foods-based approach free of common allergens and irritants. The structured plan was created specifically to help patients manage HS by reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle choices. Key aspects include:

• No gluten, dairy, eggs, red meat, pork, soy, corn, nightshades, alcohol, caffeine, shellfish, nuts, seeds, coconut, or processed foods
• Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, oily fish, bone broth, healthy fats
• Vitamin D, omega-3, probiotic supplementation
• Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, journaling
• Moderate, regular exercise like walking, swimming, cycling
• Intermittent fasting with 12-14 hour overnight fasts
• Anti-inflammatory beverages like green tea, herbal tea, lemon water

The Brewer Diet strictly eliminates inflammatory foods for the first several weeks, then gradually reintroduces some foods while monitoring for symptoms. The goal is to determine your personal trigger foods and create a sustainable anti-inflammatory diet tailored for long-term HS management.

Foods to Enjoy on the Brewer Diet

Here are some of the healthiest foods to enjoy freely on the Brewer Diet meal plan:

Fruits:

• Berries blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
• Cherries
• Citrus fruits oranges, grapefruit, mandarins
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Pomegranate seeds

Vegetables:

• Cruciferous broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
• Dark leafy greens kale, spinach, swiss chard, arugula
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Onions, shallots, leeks
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini, squash

Proteins:

• Fatty fish salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout
• Mussels, oysters
• Organic poultry chicken, turkey
• Grass-fed lamb
• Legumes lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas
• Tempeh
• Tofu
• Eggs (after initial elimination period)

Grains:

• Gluten-free rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth
• Oats (certified gluten-free)

Healthy Fats:

• Avocado
• Olives
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Flaxseed oil

Beverages:

• Water (flat or sparkling)
• Unsweetened tea (green, black, herbal)
• Low-sodium vegetable broth
• Fresh vegetable juice
• Nut milks almond, cashew, coconut
• Coffee (in moderation after initial elimination)

Seasonings & Condiments:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh or dried herbs basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cilantro
• Spices cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper
• Mustard
• Low-sodium tamari
• 100% fruit spreads

Foods to Avoid on the Brewer Diet

Here are the main foods and ingredients to completely eliminate, at least initially, on the Brewer Diet:

• Dairy products
• Gluten containing grains wheat, barley, rye
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners
• Red meat and pork
• Eggs
• Soy
• Corn
• Nightshade vegetables tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nuts and seeds
• Coconut
• Processed foods and oils

Some people also find it necessary to restrict or eliminate foods like citrus, pineapple, bananas, conventional poultry, chocolate, vinegar, yeast, vinegar, and spices like garlic and onion if they are triggers.

Brewer Diet Meal Plan Sample Menu

Here is a sample one day menu to give you an idea of the types of anti-inflammatory meals you can enjoy on the Brewer Diet for HS:

Breakfast:

• Rolled oats topped with bananas, blueberries, almond milk, cinnamon, flaxseed, and a drizzle of maple syrup
• Scrambled eggs with wilted spinach, turkey bacon, and sliced avocado
• Green tea

Lunch:

• Mixed greens salad with carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and lemon vinaigrette
• Atlantic salmon baked in parchment with dill, lemon slices, and olive oil. Served with quinoa and steamed broccoli
• Iced hibiscus tea

Dinner:

• Chicken & vegetable sheet pan dinner: Chicken legs, sweet potato wedges, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt & pepper roasted
• Arugula salad with shaved fennel, pomegranate seeds, and cider vinaigrette
• Ginger peach kombucha

Snacks:

• Mango slices with raspberry coconut milk yogurt dip
• Veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell pepper) with guacamole
• Handful of goji berries and toasted pumpkin seeds
• Celery sticks with almond butter
• Hard boiled egg sprinkled with sea salt

Supplement Recommendations for the Brewer Diet

In addition to anti-inflammatory foods, Brewer recommends strategic use of supplements to provide extra nutritional support on her HS diet protocol. Some key supplements include:

Probiotics:

A high quality broad spectrum probiotic can help improve gut health and promote the growth of healthy gut flora. Recommended dosage is at least 25-50 billion CFUs daily.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D has immune regulating properties. Brewer recommends taking 5,000 IU of a vitamin D3 supplement daily, especially for those low in vitamin D.

Omega-3 Fish Oils:

The anti-inflammatory omega-3s EPA and DHA found in fish oil supplements help balance the immune response. Take 2,000 mg daily.

Curcumin:

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Take a 500 mg curcumin supplement once or twice daily.

Always consult your doctor before beginning any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take any medications.

Lifestyle Recommendations for the Brewer Diet

In addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, the Brewer protocol recommends adopting lifestyle habits to further reduce HS flares. Try to incorporate these daily practices:

• Stress management Make time for relaxing activities like breathwork, meditation, walking in nature, yoga, massage therapy.
• Intermittent fasting Have a 12-14 hour overnight fast between dinner and breakfast.
• Sleep Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Exercise Do some form of moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling for 30-60 minutes daily.
• Hydration Drink plenty of fluids like herbal tea, water, broth, or fresh juices.
• Smoking cessation Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

Making sustainable changes to your diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels can help keep HS flares in remission. Be patient with yourself and stick to the Brewer Diet protocol for at least 6 weeks to see results.

Tips for Success on the Brewer Diet

Here are some top tips to help you implement the Brewer Diet successfully:

Transition Slowly

Dont try to overhaul your diet overnight. Make gradual changes over the course of a few weeks to give your body and tastebuds time to adjust. For example, first start by eliminating only dairy, then gluten, then sugars. Slow transitions are easier to maintain long-term.

Read Labels Carefully

Scan ingredient labels diligently to check for hidden sources of dairy, gluten, soy, corn, and other eliminated foods. Many condiments, sauces, broths, and processed foods contain these inflammatory ingredients.

Meal Prep

Take time on the weekends to meal prep clean, Brewer Diet approved meals and snacks for the week ahead. This makes it easy to stick to the protocol when things get busy.

Find Recipe Inspiration

Search online or get creative with finding anti-inflammatory Brewer Diet recipe ideas like breakfast bowls, stir fries, sheet pan dinners, salads, and smoothies. The options are endless.

Restock Your Pantry

To set yourself up for success, fill your kitchen with Brewer Diet approved ingredients like olive oil, herbs and spices, citrus fruits, vegetables, plant-proteins, and gluten-free grains.

Implement Slowly

Dont completely eliminate all restricted foods at once. Slowly phase them out over time for an easier adjustment. If you slip up, just get back on track at your next meal.

Track Your Triggers

Keep a symptom journal to identify personal food triggers. After a few weeks slowly reintroduce eliminated foods one by one while monitoring flare-ups.

Join an HS Community

Connect with others living with HS for recipes, tips, and support. Having a community makes sticking to the diet much more achievable.

Troubleshooting the Brewer Diet for HS

Making big dietary changes can present challenges at first. Here are some common Brewer Diet problems and solutions:

Problem: Constantly Hungry

Solution: Make sure each meal has a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full. Enhance dishes with oils, nuts/seeds, avocado. Snack frequently on fruits, veggies, and proteins.

Problem: Missing Favorite Foods

Solution: Find creative substitutions for your cravings. For example, make dairy-free ice cream from bananas or gluten-free pizza crust with cauliflower. Use approved ingredients to recreate old favorites.

Problem: Eating Out is Difficult

Solution: Research menus online and call restaurants ahead. Stick to simple meals like salads with protein or roasted vegetables and fish. BYO Brewer Diet approved dressings.

Problem: Produce Goes Bad Too Quickly

Solution: Shop 2-3 times per week and only buy what you know youll use. Prep and freeze fruits and veggies to extend shelf life. Store greens in air tight containers.

Problem: Family Members Wont Change Diet

Solution: Cook Brewer Diet dishes that work for everyone like roasted chicken and vegetables. Make your restricted side dishes separately. Meal prep your special food if needed.

Problem: Dont Like Most Approved Foods

Solution: Challenge yourself to try one new produce item, protein, grain, etc each week to expand your palate. Add lots of herbs, spices, sauces, and dips to liven up dishes.

Is the Brewer Diet Safe Long-Term?

The Brewer Diet meal plan for HS follows principles of an overall healthy and balanced diet. By eliminating inflammatory foods, focusing on anti-inflammatory whole foods, and emphasizing plant-based eating, the Brewer Diet aligns with general dietary advice for improving health.

However, severely restricting entire food groups long-term may increase risk for nutritional deficiencies. Work with a registered dietitian knowledgeable about HS to ensure you are meeting all your nutritional needs, especially with prolonged elimination diets.

Use the Brewer Diet as an opportunity to identify your personal HS triggers. After 4-6 weeks, slowly reintroduce foods in moderation while monitoring symptoms. This way you can create your own customized, HS-friendly diet that is realistic and sustainable lifelong.

Sample Weekly Meal Plan

Here is an example weekly meal plan following the Brewer Diet protocol to give you recipe ideas and shopping lists to get started:

Week 1

Monday

• Breakfast: Pear cinnamon oatmeal with almond milk, flaxseed, and toasted walnuts. Tea.
• Lunch: Green salad with chickpeas, avocado, cucumber, carrot, tomato, balsamic vinaigrette. Iced tea.
• Dinner: Tofu vegetable stir fry with brown rice. Ginger tea.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.