Autoimmune Disease Diet: Foods To Eat And Avoid

The immune system is ideally designed to protect your body against foreign pathogens that can lead to infections. Now imagine when the same immune system starts to attack healthy cells and tissues in your body by mistake - how do you think that will fair? This is what happens when you suffer from an autoimmune disease, wherein proteins known as autoantibodies target the body's own healthy tissues by mistake, commanding the body to attack them. 

While there is no cure for any form of autoimmune conditions, besides managing the symptoms with medication, one can also tailor their diet to avoid complications. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Raj Vardhan, OSD Chairman, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital and Noida International University, discussed the foods autoimmune disease patients can eat and avoid. But before we delve into that, let’s take a look at the most common types of autoimmune diseases and their symptoms. 

Also Read: Recognising the Red Flags: 20 Signs You Have an Autoimmune Disease

Types Of Autoimmune Diseases And Their Symptoms

Here are some common types of autoimmune diseases and their symptoms:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily attacks the joints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 1.8 crore people were living with RA in 2019. Of these about 70% were women, of whom 55% are older than 55 years. Common symptoms include symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

This autoimmune disease is said to be the most common type of lupus, which can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is an autoimmune condition that affects the brain and the spinal cord, leading to several symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas makes little to no insulin, a hormone needed to turn food into energy and control blood sugar levels. Common symptoms include frequent thirst and urination, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and blurry vision. 

Celiac Disease 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects digestive health. It is caused by foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, cereal, rye, beer, soy sauce. 

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake, leading to symptoms, such as an enlarged thyroid gland, tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness.

Psoriasis 

This autoimmune disease is a skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches and can also affect the joints in some cases. 

Role Of Diet For Autoimmune Disease Patients

According to Dr Vardhan, a person suffering from an autoimmune disease must be very conscious about their diet and must avoid foods that cause body inflammation. 

An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts and seeds, may therefore help reduce inflammation in the body, which may benefit those who suffer from RA. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which is similar to the paleo diet, aims to do the same, that is cut down foods that may cause inflammation. 

According to the Medical News Today, the AIP diet focuses on foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients. These include foods, such as vegetables, seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, olive or avocado oils, and more. 

Also Read: More Than 50% People With Autoimmune Disease Experience Depression And Anxiety: Study

Foods To Eat And Avoid

Dr Vardhan discusses the foods that an autoimmune disease patient should add and avoid to their diet. 

Foods to eat:

• Fruits and veggies that will help gain essential vitamins and minerals and boost the immune system
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• Fibre-rich foods such as whole grain, oats, fruits and vegetables; those with celiac disease should avoid wheat products that contain gluten
• Lean proteins
• Herbs
• Probiotics 

Foods to avoid:

• Sugary foods
• Processed dairy products
• Eliminate gluten from your diet, especially if you have sensitivities
• Highly refined oils
• Caffeine 
• Alcohol
• Excessive meat consumption 

Conclusion

People with autoimmune disease need to follow strict guidelines to keep their symptoms under control as there is no cure for the condition. Pay attention to what you eat and make sure you avoid foods that trigger symptoms. Visit a doctor or healthcare professional for any concerns and doubts.