Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system starts treating the body as the enemy. It starts turning on internal organs, causing inflammation. Autoimmune conditions affect approximately 5% of people, and females are generally at higher risk. The most common autoimmune diseases are Type 1 diabetes and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, but there are almost 100 known autoimmune conditions. Other conditions include Rheumatoid Arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis.
The current theory is that a person is genetically pre-disposed towards a particular disease, and when they are exposed to certain environmental conditions, this triggers an unnecessary immune response. However, scientists have not determined what causes autoimmunity, and there is no cure for these conditions. Studies suggest that the environment plays a significant role in both the onset and management of autoimmunity. In particular, our diet can improve or worsen an autoimmune condition.
The interaction between food and autoimmune conditions is complex. However, there is an association between the quality of our diet and the successful management of these conditions. For example, saturated fatty acids may contribute to an increase in inflammatory cytokines, which is a key player in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated (but not cured) by stopping the body from reacting through inflammation. Certain foods have an anti-inflammatory effect. For example, foods higher in resveratrol may help to settle a hyper-responsive immune system.
Nutritional deficiencies often occur during the management of autoimmune diseases. For example, symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as chronic diarrhea and food restrictions (i.e. dairy, gluten-free) can lead to a lack of micronutrients. In people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is medically necessary. However, it does increase the risk of developing a nutritional deficiency in fibre, folate, wholegrains, and vitamin D. Studies show that these deficiencies are an inherent risk of a gluten-free diet due to the restrictions of foods containing these nutrients. Therefore, taking supplements can ensure that all nutritional needs are met.
Specific combinations of nutrients can also support the management of autoimmune conditions. For example, studies show that people suffering from lupus can benefit from a sufficient daily intake of vitamins A and D along with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies show that using a prescribed vitamin D supplement can reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease through the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines.
Lack of vitamin D is linked to multiple illnesses and diseases. Vitamin D supplements are often recommended due to the difficulties in getting enough dietary vitamin D or sunlight exposure when an autoimmune disease is present. This can be the result of dietary restrictions or the impact of chronic fatigue or pain that interferes with outdoor physical activities. Another reason is the belief that certain foods trigger a flare-up in an autoimmune condition. For example, it is common for a person with an inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) to avoid certain foods, thinking that these foods are making their symptoms worse. Studies show there is no simple explanation for the connection between food and symptoms. However, avoiding foods due to misleading beliefs can lead unnecessarily to a lack of vitamin D.
Whilst diet is an important factor in successfully managing an autoimmune disease, it is also a complex process of determining which foods work best for you. Depending on the autoimmune condition, taking a supplement may help to ensure your nutritional needs are fully met. It is important to highlight that merely taking a supplement does not automatically fix your health problems. However, it can help to support your body’s resources. Always seek professional healthcare advice before starting any supplement to ensure it is appropriate for your health profile.
