Autoimmune diseases are caused by the pathological activity of immune cells against healthy cells. A malfunction occurs whereby the person’s own tissues begin to be perceived as something foreign. This failure is lifelong, so the person needs ongoing supportive therapy.
Autoimmune diseases are often also called systemic diseases because they affect an entire body system or the whole body.
For example, there are joint and endocrine diseases, autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin, gastrointestinal system, respiratory and cardiovascular system, etc.
And the most common pathologies are:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- Crohn’s disease;
- multiple sclerosis;
- psoriasis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- vasculitis;
- hemolytic anemia;
- myasthenia gravis.
These diseases can develop at any age, but statistically, they most often occur in the period of maximum activity and ability to work.
The risk group includes:
- Women of childbearing age (and medicine has never determined what this pattern is related to).
- Those who have a hereditary predisposition to such diseases (mainly multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus). That is if parents suffered from these diseases, the likelihood that they will occur in children increases.
- Those who work in harmful production, when the body is constantly exposed to toxic substances.
General rules of nutrition in autoimmune diseases
Depending on what kind of pathology the patient has, a certain type of diet is chosen. But there are also general rules that help support the body in a comprehensive way.
What should I do before going on a special diet?
Before dieting, as well as before any other treatment, you need to undergo an examination. This will help to assess the condition of the body and understand which particular systems or organs need urgent support.
One of the main organs that will definitely need support is the intestines. Scientific studies tell us that there is a direct correlation between the intestines and inflammation. When bacteria grow in the intestines, inflammatory diseases begin to develop.
What is the basis for nutrition in autoimmune diseases?
The autoimmune disease diet should exclude foods that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and provoke inflammation in it. At the same time, the list can include ingredients that are rich in nutrients and help the body replenish losses.
What are these substances and where do we get them?
- Micronutrients (especially selenium, magnesium and zinc): nuts, seeds, beans, peas, liver;
- Vitamin A: fish oil, carrots, apricots, parsley, sweet potatoes (yams);
- Vitamin K2: chicken (goose) liver pâté, egg yolks, cottage cheese
- Iron: Beef, spinach, tofu;
- Vitamin D: salmon, tuna, cod, mushrooms, parsley, goat milk;
- Fibre: Peas, beans, uncooked rice, olives, fresh vegetables.
What foods are recommended to limit?
- Certain grains, particularly wheat, oats, and rice.
- Vegetables belonging to the nightshade group (potato, tomato, eggplant, pepper).
- Dairy products.
- Alcohol.
- Products with complex composition and flavor enhancers.
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners.
It is impossible to cure autoimmune diseases with these dietary rules. But at the same time, following them greatly weakens the immune system’s response to its own cells, and in some cases prevents it altogether.