Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against infection and disease. When functioning correctly, it can help to protect you from a wide variety of illnesses. However, in some cases, the immune system can become dysregulated, leading to a condition known as an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune Diseases Often Cause Fatigue

This hypothesis has been challenged, but it’s the most general theory behind autoimmune diseases. With an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, mistaking them for foreign invaders. Autoimmune diseases usually lead to various symptoms, including inflammation, pain, and fatigue. There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but with the right treatment plan, many people can manage their symptoms and live relatively everyday lives.

The first step in treating autoimmune diseases is to identify the trigger. In some cases, this may be a specific food or environmental trigger. Once the trigger has been identified, removing it from your diet or environment is essential. This can be a challenge, but it is necessary for managing your condition. Additionally, you may need to take medications to help control your symptoms and prevent further damage to your body. Sometimes, those medications will cause nutrient depletions that clinical nutritionists can address to correct the imbalances.

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body and are often chronic conditions requiring lifelong management. There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but there are treatments that can help to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. The autoimmune protocol is a diet that eliminates foods known to trigger inflammation. By following the autoimmune protocol, people with autoimmune diseases can improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Many autoimmune diseases can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, and lupus. While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. People with autoimmune disorders can lead entire and fulfilling lives with proper diagnosis and treatment.

It’s estimated that up to 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. While the exact cause of these conditions is unknown, it’s thought that diet may play a role. Here are the five most common autoimmune diseases and some dietary tips for managing them.

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition that results in an underactive thyroid. It’s thought that gluten may trigger the disease, so people with Hashimoto’s are often advised to avoid wheat products. Those with celiac disease must also avoid gluten, as it can damage the intestines. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is recommended for both conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. Research has shown that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of RA. Fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all excellent sources of omega-3s.

Lupus is another inflammatory disorder that can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and rashes. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for lupus, but many sufferers find that avoiding processed foods is beneficial.