I’m Pavithra KB, nutritionist at The Kenko Life.
Autoimmune conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. These conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease, can lead to chronic inflammation, pain, and tissue damage. While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, nutrition plays a significant role in managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
The goal of nutritional therapy for autoimmune diseases is to reduce inflammation, support the gut, balance the immune system, and optimize overall health. Research suggests that certain foods may irritate autoimmune symptoms, while others can help soothe them.
Key Principles of Nutritional Therapy:
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of autoimmune conditions. To combat this, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce symptoms and promote healing. These foods are typically high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
Anti-inflammatory foods:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids- fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Fruits and Vegetables: spinach, kale, blueberries, strawberries and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower
- Turmeric and Ginger
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil
- Support Gut Health
The gut plays a critical role in autoimmune diseases, particularly in conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Many autoimmune diseases are linked to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to leaky gut.
Include:
- Probiotics foods : Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha.
- Prebiotic Foods: garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains such as oats, barley, and brown rice.
- Bone Broth: Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glutamine, which can help repair the gut lining and reduce gut permeability.
- Eliminate Triggering Foods
Certain foods which trigger inflammation and increase symptoms in individuals with autoimmune conditions should be avoided.
Examples of foods:
- Gluten
- Dairy:
- Refined Sugars and Processed Foods
- Nightshades: Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes
- Incorporating Nutrient-Dense Foods
As it can help support immune function, repair damaged tissues, and combat the oxidative stress caused by chronic inflammation.
Key nutrients to include:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Autoimmune Protocol Diet
This diet is a more restrictive approach aimed at reducing inflammation and identifying potential food triggers for individuals with autoimmune diseases. It is the elimination and reintroduction process to help individuals understand foods that may be causing flare-ups. This diet eliminates inflammatory foods like grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugars, and nightshades while focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods such as:
- High-quality meats and fish
- Vegetables (except nightshades)
- Fruits (except for citrus)
- Healthy fats (e.g., groundnut oil, olive oil)
- Bone broth and fermented foods
