A Plant-based diet helps boost the immune system and  prevent  autoimmune diseases

Plant-based foods are beneficial to the immune system and help prevent autoimmune diseases.

 

Autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, lupus, psoriasis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In these and other autoimmune conditions, immune cells attack healthy tissues—the “self”—leading to damage and symptoms in affected body systems.  This can manifest in a range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, brain fog, and tissue and nerve damage. 

 

In susceptible individuals, damage to the gut barrier can lead to increased intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut,” which may trigger the development of certain autoimmune diseases.

 

Research shows that diet, along with genetic propensity, infection, stress, inflammation, toxin exposure and medication use, can play a role in the development, strength and behavior of the immune system.(Source) A whole-food, plant-based diet is beneficial in several key areas associated with autoimmunity.

 

The current standard for dietary recommendations for addressing autoimmunity focuses on removing foods with the potential to cause symptoms.  These potentially offending foods include processed foods, meats, dairy products, eggs, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, grains, many vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. (Source)  Suspect foods are then reintroduced individually after symptoms have subsided to determine what can be safely consumed versus what should be avoided.

 

One small study showed that people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experienced more relief following a gluten-free plant-based diet than those in a non-plant-based control group.(Source)  

 

Because these elimination diets can feel very restrictive, it’s advised to work with a knowledgeable physician, dietician or nutritionist to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need for optimal health.  

 

• Supporting research: 

  • Current Evidence on the Efficacy of Gluten-Free Diets in Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis, Type 1 Diabetes and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

  • Gluten-free vegan diet induces decreased LDL and oxidized LDL levels and raised atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized study

  • A vegan diet changes the intestinal flora

  • Anti-gliadin antibodies in non-celiac gluten sensitivity

  • Antioxidants in vegan diet and rheumatic disorders 

  • A fasting and vegetarian diet treatment trial on chronic inflammatory disorders 

  • Pilot study on which foods should be avoided by patients with psoriasis 

  • Dietary non-fermentable fiber prevents autoimmune neurological disease by changing gut metabolic and immune status 

  • An update on diet and nutritional factors in systemic lupus erythematosus management

  • Phytochemicals as Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Animal Models of Prevalent Inflammatory Diseases

  • Immunomodulatory Effects of Diet and Nutrients in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Systematic Review

  • T Cell Metabolism: A New Perspective on Th17/Treg Cell Imbalance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 

  • Diet and nutritional aspects in systemic lupus erythematosus

  • A concise review of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and the importance of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on the autoimmunity and dietary management of HT patients.Points that need more investigation

  • The importance of nutritional factors and dietary management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis 

  • The Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Drug-Naive Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study

  • Celiac Disease and Glandular Autoimmunity 

  • Metabolic disorders and nutritional status in autoimmune thyroid diseases