Brian Bentow: Can Food Alone Reverse Autoimmune Disease?

A Journey from Crohn's Diagnosis to Culinary Innovation

In 2015, entrepreneur Brian Bentow received a life-altering diagnosis: Crohn's disease. Faced with the prospect of lifelong medication, he chose a different path—one that led him to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet and, ultimately, to founding a company dedicated to making healing foods accessible and delicious.

The Turning Point: Embracing the AIP Diet

After his diagnosis, Bentow was prescribed Entyvio, a common medication for Crohn's disease. However, recalling a negative experience with anti-inflammatories during college, he sought alternative solutions. This quest led him to Dr. Garcia, a functional medicine practitioner who introduced him to the AIP diet—a regimen eliminating potential trigger foods like dairy, gluten, nightshades, seed oils, and food additives.

"Once I was 100% compliant with the diet, the results were dramatic and almost immediate," Bentow recalls. Within two months, his symptoms resolved, and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein decreased by over 90%. His gastroenterologist, astonished by the improvement without medication, admitted, "If you had these results and you were on the medication, I would be ecstatic."

Scientific Support for Dietary Intervention

Bentow's experience aligns with emerging research on dietary approaches to autoimmune diseases. A 2017 study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases examined the efficacy of the AIP diet in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found that 73% of participants achieved clinical remission by week six, with improvements in endoscopic inflammation and quality of life .PMC+7PMC+7ctv.veeva.com+7Chris Kresser+1PMC+1

These findings suggest that, for some individuals, dietary modifications can play a significant role in managing autoimmune conditions.

From Personal Healing to Public Mission: Founding Get Saucy

Despite his success with the AIP diet, Bentow faced challenges in maintaining the restrictive regimen, particularly when it came to flavor and convenience. Determined to make the diet more sustainable, he partnered with chef Suhan, a culinary expert with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and dietary-specific cooking.

Together, they developed a line of sauces free from common allergens and compliant with the AIP diet. Their first creation, a nightshade-free tikka masala, evoked powerful memories for Bentow: "It took me back to my first date with my wife at my favorite Indian restaurant."

This collaboration led to the founding of Get Saucy, a company dedicated to providing flavorful, allergy-friendly sauces to those on restrictive diets.

Expanding Access: Collaborations and Future Plans

Get Saucy's mission extends beyond individual consumers. The company has garnered interest from hotels, senior living facilities, and meal delivery services seeking to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. At the Future Food Tech conference, the executive chef of the Marriott Marquis Hotel expressed enthusiasm for having Get Saucy's products on hand to better serve guests with food allergies.

Looking ahead, Get Saucy plans to expand its product line to include tomato-free marinara sauce, taco seasoning, Thai curry sauce, barbecue sauce, and salsa verde. The goal is to offer a diverse array of global flavors that cater to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Conclusion: A Personal Journey Inspiring Broader Change

Brian Bentow's journey from a Crohn's disease diagnosis to founding Get Saucy underscores the potential of dietary interventions in managing autoimmune conditions. His story illustrates how personal challenges can inspire solutions that benefit a broader community.

Key Takeaways:

• The AIP diet may offer symptom relief for individuals with autoimmune diseases like Crohn's.

• Scientific studies support the efficacy of dietary interventions in managing inflammation and improving quality of life.

• Flavorful, compliant food options can make restrictive diets more sustainable.

• Collaborations between culinary experts and health-focused entrepreneurs can lead to innovative solutions for dietary challenges.

  
  

If you're considering dietary changes to manage an autoimmune condition, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Explore resources and communities dedicated to the AIP diet for support and inspiration.