Dr. Brooke Goldner’s Hyper-Nourishment Protocol for Autoimmune Recovery
Dr. Brooke Goldner graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with honors in leukemia and neurology research, completed the Temple University School of Medicine, served as chief resident at UCLA-Harbor, and holds a certification in plant-based nutrition from Cornell. She is the only autoimmune professor in the Cornell University Plant-Based Nutrition Certification program and the founder of GoodbyeLupus.com, as well as the creator of the Hyper-Nourishment protocol for autoimmune recovery.
What makes her special: she is not just a doctor recommending this approach, but a patient herself. At age 16, Dr. Goldner was told she had only a few months to live due to lupus nephritis that had attacked her kidneys—she was told she would never be able to have children and would likely be in a wheelchair by the age of 40. When she met her future husband, Thomas Tadlock, he suggested a high-raw vegan diet. According to her recollection, she noticed a positive difference in just a few days.
Core of the Protocol: Omega-3 vs. Omega-6 Imbalance
At the heart of the Hyper-Nourishment protocol lies the balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fundamental components that affect inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. The protocol intentionally floods the body with Omega-3-rich foods such as flax and chia seeds, while minimizing and eventually eliminating the intake of Omega-6-rich foods such as processed oils and animal products.
- The Role of Omega-3s: They are a crucial component of the cell lipid membrane. If there is not enough Omega-3 in the body, cell walls become rigid, less elastic, and less permeable—which creates a problem because nutrients must enter cells and toxins must exit them.
- The Omega-6 Problem: The modern Western diet is saturated with Omega-6 fats (from oils, meat, eggs), which saturates the enzymes responsible for fat breakdown. Omega-3s then have no chance to be processed.
- The Solution: By drastically reducing Omega-6 and replenishing Omega-3 (flax, chia), the enzymes can finally get to work—and the anti-inflammatory process begins.
6 Steps of the Hyper-Nourishment Protocol
- Maximum hydration: Minimum 96 oz (about 2.8 liters) of water daily, ideally up to 3 liters. Water is essential for cellular recovery and nutrient transport. It can be incorporated into a large green smoothie (3L).
- Green smoothie every day: Minimum 64–96 oz (2–3L) of green smoothie daily, made from raw leafy greens and fruit. This is the foundation of the protocol—the easiest way to consume a massive dose of nutrients.
- Raw food dominates: Minimum 450g (1 pound) of raw vegetables daily, especially dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. Cooking reduces the availability of certain phytonutrients. During the healing phase: 80–100% raw.
- Omega-3 / Omega-6 balance: Half a cup of ground flax or chia seeds daily. Simultaneously, eliminate all Omega-6-rich foods (animal products, oils, processed foods). This is the scientific core of the protocol.
- Elimination of toxic triggers: Completely remove processed foods, sugars, all oils except cold-pressed flaxseed oil, dairy products, meat, eggs, and fish. Even "healthy" gluten-free flours are forbidden during the healing phase.
- Mindset and stress management: Positive attitude, overcoming self-sabotage, and health anxiety. Dr. Goldner (as a psychiatrist) emphasizes that mindset is crucial—stress and negative emotions worsen inflammation.
Practical Application – Daily Nutrition
During the healing phase, the protocol requires adding 450 grams of raw vegetables, 96 ounces of water, and half a cup of ground flax or chia seeds to the diet every day.
The smoothie should be about 75% greens—kale, spinach, and chard packed tightly into a blender, then water or plant milk is added. Omega-3 fatty acids from chia or flax seeds are essential for cells to function optimally, repair damage, and create an anti-inflammatory immune system. Fruit such as banana, mango, or pineapple is added for flavor.
Crucial Tip for Seeds: If the blender is powerful (like a Vitamix), it will break down all seeds and there is no need for prior grinding. If it is weaker, the seeds should be ground in a coffee grinder immediately before consumption—because Omega-3s are sensitive and begin to degrade as soon as they are exposed to air.
Recipe for the Hyper-Nourishing Green Smoothie (For 1 Day)
- Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, chard): ~450g (~75% of content)
- Fruit (banana, mango, pineapple – to taste): enough to improve flavor
- Ground flax or chia seeds: ½ cup (about 80g)
- Water or plant milk: as needed for consistency
- Cold-pressed flaxseed oil (optional): 1–2 tablespoons
Blend for longer than 3 minutes to completely break down the seeds and make the Omega-3 fats bioavailable.
Recommended green vegetables: Kale, Spinach, Chard, Dandelion, Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Celery, Cucumber.
What to Avoid vs. What Is Allowed During Healing
Completely Forbidden:
- All meat (red, white, fish, seafood)
- Dairy products (all types)
- Eggs
- All oils except cold-pressed flaxseed
- Processed foods (including "healthy" ones)
- Refined sugars and sweeteners
- Flours of any kind (even gluten-free)
- Fatty seeds (except flax, chia, hemp)
- Walnuts (abundant in Omega-6)
Allowed During Healing:
- All raw leafy and cruciferous vegetables
- All raw fruit
- Flax and chia seeds (ground)
- Hemp seeds
- Cold-pressed flaxseed oil
- Herbs and spices in unlimited quantities
- Water (minimum 3L daily)
- Probiotics
Clinical Case Study (MS and Related Cases)
One female patient eliminated all meat, sugars, processed foods, and oils except cold-pressed flaxseed oil, and began consuming larger amounts of greens like kale and spinach—estimating about 11 cups daily. Her daily schedule included two 32oz green smoothies, and a kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts salad for lunch and dinner. Her symptoms—including neuropathy, joint stiffness, pain, fatigue, and photosensitivity—receded within 14 days.
Two Programs Offered by Dr. Goldner
- 28-day Rapid Recovery Program: Utilizes the Hyper-Nourishing nutritional protocol to put the body into repair mode immediately by using an aggressive anti-inflammatory diet alongside emotional support. Everything is done at home using supermarket food, with daily support and exclusive daily access to Dr. Goldner through her personal phone for 28 days.
Important Disclaimer: Dr. Goldner and her organization GoodbyeLupus strictly emphasize that they do not practice medicine with clients, do not prescribe medications or any medical treatment, and do not change existing therapies. All services are strictly limited to guiding clients through the hyper-nutritive dietary program.
Conclusion
The scientific community demands rigorous, peer-reviewed research to determine the effectiveness of the diet in treating autoimmune conditions, and individual success cases cannot be the only proof. Spontaneous remission in autoimmune diseases is a known phenomenon and cannot be completely ruled out.
In short—the protocol is grounded in plant-based nutrition science and anti-inflammatory biology, has some scientific backing in the form of published case studies, but large randomized studies are still lacking. As a supplement to conventional medical therapy (never as a replacement), it can be a valuable tool for patients with MS and other autoimmune diseases.
