Eating Plan For People With Autoimmune Diseases

In addition to consulting with the specialist, if we suffer from an autoimmune disease, we should be the ones to see which diet is the best one.

The body is made up of various systems and organs. These fulfill specific functions and their operation depends largely on a good eating plan.

If we eat properly we are likely to have problems that can affect the immune system. This is responsible for protecting every corner of the body, allowing its balance.

What is the immune system in charge of?

The role of the immune system is to keep each structure free of infectious agents. This is achieved through various mechanisms.

The main one is specialized cells that originate from different parts of the body, especially the bone marrow. Among them we highlight:

• Mast cells.
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils.
• Neutrophils.
• Basophils.
• Macrophages

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases threaten the balance and well-being of the immune system. The body’s defenses attack healthy cells themselves when they should only fight those that are harmful.

This only happens in these types of diseases, although it is important to distinguish 2 types:

• Systemic (non-organ specific) autoimmune diseases : These occur when antibodies attack non-specific antigens on more than one organ.
• Local syndromes (specific organs) : can be endocrine, dermatological or hematological in nature, and involve a particular tissue.

Despite not knowing their origin or cause, these are attributed to genetic inheritance and, on the other hand, women are the most affected people. This is evidenced by a study published in the Cuban Journal of Biomedical Research.

Among the most recognized or common autoimmune diseases we find:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

• Type I diabetes.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Systemic sclerosis

Diet and autoimmune diseases

One of the most relevant factors in human life is food. When it is carried out properly, the chances of living fully increase.

With regard to autoimmune diseases, the role of diet becomes much more relevant than normal. Therefore, we are going to see an adequate eating plan that we can follow.

Despite the recommendations, this meal plan or any other is very likely to be specified by the doctor. Therefore, we must be attentive to the suggestions that it makes us.

Autoimmune feeding protocol

Those affected by any type of autoimmune disease can adopt the eating protocol.

It is already known that diet can be decisive when it comes to enhancing or not the problems in the body.

Thus, we could say that this is a kind of guide to improve the conditions of these diseases.

In general terms, the protocol is responsible for eliminating those foods harmful to autoimmune problems from the diet. In this way, the objective is to improve the conditions of the organism.

Steps of the feeding protocol

The steps that we expose you next have to be carried out calmly and discipline.

Go to the doctor

Autoimmune diseases require strict medical control. It never hurts to go to this one to avoid scares in the future (near or far).

Likewise, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, Crohn’s disease or lupus require specialist care, regardless of the symptoms.

Counteract stress

When the body is in calm stages, problems related to autoimmune diseases tend to decrease.

Based on this, it  is recommended to opt for different activities to counteract stress. Among those that can help us we find:

• Swimming.
• Cycling.
• Pilates.
• Yoga.

According to a study published in JAMA , stress can be one of the triggers of problems with autoimmune characteristics. Therefore, it is recommended to rest properly daily, among other things.

Control diet

Continuing with the theme of food and the importance it represents, a broad emphasis should be placed on the products included daily in the diet.

In the first place, we must try to maintain  a healthy eating rhythm that will contribute to the optimal maintenance of the intestine and reduce inflammation (the main characteristic of autoimmune diseases).

How does the autoimmune feeding protocol work?

Taking into account feeding as the main axis, the protocol works as follows.

Elimination of harmful food and products

Among the foods whose consumption we must reduce to the maximum or eliminate we find:

• Seeds and grains.
• Chocolate.
• Eggs.
• Vegetable oils.
• Dairy products.
• Vegetables.
• Alternative sweeteners.

It has been shown that the regular intake of artificial sweeteners alters the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota, which increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Likewise, it is essential to do without both tobacco and alcohol.

We will avoid consuming the mentioned foods for 20 days. After this time, we will include them little by little to see the reaction of the organism.

Improve habits to avoid autoimmune problems

Finally, do not forget that the eating plan will always depend on what is recommended by a trusted nutritionist or doctor. At the same time, it will be necessary to take care of lifestyle habits and avoid exposure to pollution to reduce the risk of the appearance of these diseases.