Nutrition in autoimmune diseases

In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body's organs and tissues. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases; type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are some of them.^[1]

Treatment depends on the disease; the aim is usually to suppress the immune system and ease inflammation. For some diseases, treatment may be lifelong.^[1]

The role of nutrition also differs by disease. In celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the treatment itself; in conditions such as arthritis, there is no special diet that makes the disease go away.^{[3, 5]}

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine. It is triggered by foods that contain gluten.^[2]

With celiac disease, a gluten-free diet needs to be followed for life. A gluten-free diet can ease symptoms and help the damage in the intestine heal.^[3]

Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including durum and spelt), barley, rye and triticale. It is also in the breads, pasta, breakfast cereals and malt products made from these grains, and it can be hidden in processed foods in additives such as colorings, flavorings, starches and thickeners.^[3]

A dietitian can help you learn how to avoid gluten when shopping, at home and when eating out, and help you set up a balanced eating plan that meets your needs.^[3]

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease that can lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The thyroid uses iodine to make hormones, and people with Hashimoto's may be sensitive to the harmful effects of iodine. Foods very rich in iodine such as seaweed, iodine supplements and some medications that contain iodine can cause hypothyroidism or make it worse.^[4]

Researchers are studying how vitamin D and selenium affect Hashimoto's disease, but there are no specific recommendations at this time.^[4]

If you are thinking about cutting out a whole food group, it is a good idea to see a dietitian so you don't miss out on important nutrients. Talk to your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.^[5]

There is no special diet or “miracle food” that makes arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions go away. Everyone can benefit from a healthy, balanced diet to protect their overall health.^[5]

People with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from eating more omega-3 fats; however, this effect is limited compared with drug treatment.^[5]

There is no clear evidence that acidic foods or foods from the nightshade family make arthritis worse. Cutting foods out of your diet, on the other hand, can lead to other health problems.^[5]

First, we look together at your diagnosis, the medications you take, your eating pattern and any test results you have. Your doctor manages the treatment of autoimmune diseases; nutrition is one part that supports that treatment.

Working from a functional medicine perspective, we put supporting your gut health first and set up a nutrition protocol tailored to you. If a food needs to come out, we run the elimination diet in a planned way with professional follow-up and make sure your diet stays balanced. We also review supplements alongside the medications you take. Sessions can be face to face or online.