At AskDoctor.ai, we have created this content to provide you with valuable knowledge about autoimmune diseases and what foods to avoid for best symptom management. Our goal is to offer both information and inspiration—helping you understand the things that you should and should not eat if you or one of your loved ones has an autoimmune condition. You are not alone; through knowledge and community, we believe you can confidently navigate this journey.
Autoimmune conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and type 1 diabetes. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, fatigue, and digestive issues. Managing these conditions often requires more than just medication; diet plays a significant role in either alleviating or exacerbating symptoms.
For individuals with autoimmune conditions, making smart food choices is essential for minimizing inflammation, managing symptoms, and supporting overall health. Certain foods can trigger or worsen autoimmune responses, leading to flare-ups.
In this blog, we’ll explore the foods to avoid if you have an autoimmune condition.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is most commonly found in bread, pasta, baked goods, and cereals. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can trigger an immune response. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease.
Even for those without celiac disease, gluten may still contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, and joint pain. This is particularly relevant for individuals with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis.
Why Avoid Gluten?
- Increases inflammation: Gluten can promote chronic inflammation in the body, which is a major concern for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
- Damages gut health: Gluten can affect gut permeability, leading to leaky gut syndrome.
- Triggers autoimmune responses: Gluten can stimulate the immune system, causing flare-ups in conditions like celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Dairy Products
Dairy, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, is another food group that can worsen autoimmune symptoms for many individuals. This contains a protein called casein, which can be difficult for some people to digest and can promote inflammation. A meta-analysis suggested that dairy products may raise CRP (C-reactive protein), an inflammation marker, by 15-25% in those who are sensitive or intolerant to dairy.
Additionally, dairy products are often linked to gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Why Avoid Dairy?
- Casein and whey: These proteins can trigger an immune response and promote inflammation in susceptible individuals.
- Hormones and antibiotics: Dairy products often contain hormones and antibiotics that can disrupt the body’s natural balance.
- Gut irritation: For people with autoimmune conditions affecting the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, dairy can aggravate symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and cramping.
Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshades are a group of vegetables and fruits that include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and goji berries. These foods contain compounds called solanine and lectins, which can trigger inflammation and immune responses. Though not all people with autoimmune diseases are sensitive to nightshades, they are known to exacerbate symptoms in those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Why Avoid Nightshades?
- Solanine and lectins: These compounds can interfere with the digestive system and lead to inflammation and joint pain.
- Exacerbate joint pain: For those with autoimmune conditions that cause joint pain (like rheumatoid arthritis), nightshades can worsen discomfort and stiffness.
- Aggravate gut issues: Nightshades may irritate the gut lining and contribute to symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, sugary drinks, and candy, can have a profound impact on the immune system. These foods cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels can exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis, and may contribute to the development of other chronic diseases.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates (such as white bread, pastries, and sugary drinks) can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which in turn triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study found that insulin spikes increase by 25-30% after consuming foods high in refined sugars.
Why Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbs?
- Blood sugar spikes: Rapid increases in blood sugar can lead to inflammation, which can worsen autoimmune symptoms.
- Impaired immune function: Excessive sugar consumption can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate the immune system and increase inflammation.
- Gut health disruption: Refined carbs and sugar feed harmful bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to dysbiosis, a condition where the gut bacteria are out of balance, which can trigger autoimmune responses.
Processed Foods
Processed foods, including pre-packaged meals, canned soups, and junk food, are often high in additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. These foods can trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to manage autoimmune conditions. Additionally, many processed foods are high in sodium, which can lead to water retention, swelling, and increased blood pressure—issues that can complicate conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Why Avoid Processed Foods?
- Artificial additives and preservatives: These chemicals can promote inflammation and disrupt the balance of the immune system.
- High in unhealthy fats: Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids found in processed foods can increase inflammation in the body.
- Excess sodium: High sodium intake can worsen symptoms of autoimmune conditions, especially those related to kidney function or blood pressure.
Soy Products
Soy is a common ingredient in many plant-based foods, such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and edamame. While soy is considered a healthy alternative to animal-based protein, it can be problematic for people with autoimmune conditions. Soy contains compounds known as phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen in the body. These compounds can interfere with hormone regulation and potentially trigger autoimmune responses in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that up to 10-15% of individuals with autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, may experience worsened thyroid function or imbalances in hormone levels when consuming soy products.
Why Avoid Soy?
- Hormonal disruption: Soy’s phytoestrogens can affect hormone balance, which is critical in autoimmune diseases related to the thyroid or reproductive system.
- Lectins: Soybeans contain lectins, which can disrupt the gut lining and contribute to immune system activation.
- Thyroid function: For individuals with thyroid autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease, soy may interfere with thyroid hormone production and function.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, are often used to replace sugar in “sugar-free” foods and beverages. While these sweeteners may not raise blood sugar levels, they can still trigger autoimmune responses and disrupt gut health. Research suggests that artificial sweeteners may alter gut microbiota, leading to increased inflammation and a compromised immune system.
Why Avoid Artificial Sweeteners?
- Gut disruption: Artificial sweeteners can alter the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, promoting inflammation and increasing the risk of autoimmune flare-ups.
- Immune system impact: Some artificial sweeteners may activate the immune system, triggering inflammation and worsening symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
- Digestive issues: Artificial sweeteners can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which are common issues for those with autoimmune conditions affecting the digestive system.
Alcohol
While an occasional glass of wine or beer might seem harmless, alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune conditions, particularly those involving the liver, gut, or nervous system. Alcohol can interfere with the immune system and increase inflammation. It can also irritate the digestive tract, leading to gut permeability and worsening autoimmune symptoms, especially in individuals with conditions like Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune hepatitis.
Why Avoid Alcohol?
- Increases inflammation: Alcohol consumption can raise levels of inflammation in the body, which is problematic for autoimmune disease management.
- Affects gut health: Alcohol can irritate the gut lining, promoting leaky gut syndrome and triggering autoimmune responses.
- Compromises liver function: For people with autoimmune liver diseases, alcohol can worsen liver damage and interfere with detoxification.
Reddit User’s Story on How Keto did Wonders for Lupus
Reddit User OldYellowCake says that the keto diet has done wonders for their lupus. Their inflammation has reduced, their energy levels have improved, and their skin has gotten much clearer.
Plant-Based Diet To The Rescue
Reddit User Missmbb has rheumatoid arthritis. She had previously managed the condition with medication, experienced occasional flare-ups and persistent inflammation. However, after switching to a plant-based diet, the inflammation disappeared. A few months later, her doctor began reducing their medication, and she has not had a flare-up since making the dietary change.
Best Foods For Autoimmune Diseases
You can check out this YouTube video on the best food for autoimmune diseases to have comprehensive knowledge on the topic.
Empowering Autoimmune Health Through Diet
Managing autoimmune conditions requires a holistic approach, and diet plays a pivotal role in keeping symptoms in check. While everyone’s body is different, avoiding the foods mentioned above can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve overall health for individuals with autoimmune diseases. Focusing on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can make a significant difference in how the body responds to autoimmune challenges.
Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes, as they can help guide you in selecting the right foods for your specific condition and needs.
References
Research Gate
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
National Library of Medicine
Reddit Lupus Community
Reddit Plant Based Community
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