Autoimmune conditions are chronic illnesses that result from the immune system attacking healthy cells in the body, mistaking them for foreign invaders.

These conditions can vary in severity and affect almost any part of the body, including joints, muscles, and organs. Autoimmune conditions affect millions of people worldwide, and while there is no known cure, managing the symptoms can help people live a better quality of life.

One way people try to manage autoimmune conditions is through changes in diet. But can changing your diet really help manage autoimmune conditions? Let’s take a closer look.

What are autoimmune conditions?

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues as if they are harmful.

The body’s immune system is designed to protect us from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, but in autoimmune conditions, the immune system cannot distinguish between healthy and harmful cells. This attack on healthy cells can lead to inflammation, pain, and damage to organs and tissues.

There are over 80 known autoimmune conditions, including:.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Psoriasis
Type 1 diabetes
Graves’ disease

While the exact cause of autoimmune conditions is unknown, genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors are believed to play a role.

How can changing your diet help manage autoimmune conditions?

While changing your diet cannot cure autoimmune conditions, certain dietary changes may help manage symptoms and improve overall health. Here are some ways changing your diet may help:.

Reducing inflammation

Inflammation is a common symptom of many autoimmune conditions and can lead to pain, swelling, and damage to tissues and organs. Certain foods can trigger inflammation in the body, while others can help reduce it.

Foods that can help reduce inflammation include:.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation
Olive oil, which contains a compound called oleocanthal that can help reduce inflammation
Nuts and seeds, which are high in anti-inflammatory compounds like alpha-linolenic acid

On the other hand, some foods can trigger inflammation in the body and may exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. These foods include:.

Sugar, which can trigger inflammation in the body
Processed foods, which are high in preservatives, additives, and other inflammatory ingredients
Trans fats, which are common in processed and fried foods and can cause inflammation in the body
Alcohol, which can increase inflammation and worsen autoimmune symptoms

Improving gut health

The gut plays a crucial role in immune function, and a healthy gut can help manage autoimmune symptoms. Certain foods can promote gut health, while others can harm it. Foods that can improve gut health include:.

Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, which contain beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and reduce inflammation
High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote healthy digestion
Bone broth, which is rich in collagen and other nutrients that help heal and support the gut lining

On the other hand, some foods can harm gut health and exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. These foods include:.

Sugar, which can feed harmful bacteria in the gut and promote inflammation
Processed foods, which often contain harmful additives and preservatives that can promote inflammation and damage the gut lining
Gluten, which can be difficult to digest and may cause gut inflammation in some people
Dairy, which can be difficult to digest and may cause gut inflammation in some people

Reducing allergies and sensitivities

Many people with autoimmune conditions also have food allergies or sensitivities, which can exacerbate symptoms. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Common trigger foods include:.

Gluten, which can cause inflammation and trigger autoimmune symptoms in some people
Dairy, which can cause inflammation and trigger autoimmune symptoms in some people
Processed foods, which often contain additives and preservatives that can trigger allergies and sensitivities
Sugar, which can disrupt the immune system and trigger allergies and sensitivities
Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, which can trigger inflammation in some people

What types of diets may be helpful for autoimmune conditions?

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for autoimmune conditions, certain types of diets may be helpful in managing symptoms and improving overall health. Here are a few examples:.

Paleo diet

The paleo diet is a high-protein, low-carb diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

This diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods, which may be triggers for autoimmune symptoms in some people. However, some people with autoimmune conditions may find the high meat intake of the paleo diet exacerbates inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory diet

The anti-inflammatory diet is a plant-based diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This diet also includes fatty fish, like salmon and sardines, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

The anti-inflammatory diet eliminates processed foods, sugar, and trans fats, which can trigger inflammation in the body.

AIP diet

The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is a strict elimination diet designed to identify trigger foods for autoimmune symptoms.

This diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, nightshade vegetables, sugar, and processed foods for a period of time and then slowly reintroduces them to identify triggers. The AIP diet also emphasizes nutrient-dense foods like organ meats, bone broth, and fermented foods to support gut health.

Conclusion

Autoimmune conditions are chronic illnesses that can impact people’s lives significantly. While changing your diet cannot cure autoimmune conditions, it can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

By reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and identifying trigger foods, people with autoimmune conditions may find relief from their symptoms. Speak to a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.