Unfortunately, autoimmune illnesses have been exponentially growing and statistics shows that more than 50 million American citizens are suffering from some type of autoimmune disease, as noted on Mind Body Green.
An autoimmune disorder happens when the body’s immunity starts to attack the body because it goes into overdrive and sees everything as a threat to your health. Hence, by trying to defend you from this “fake” threat; it harms healthy tissues and cells, resulting in ache, discomfort, and other complications.
Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, diabetes, Celiac disease, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and IBS. However, although these are distinct conditions, as seen on Healthy Holistic Living, they usually have the same triggers and so, avoiding them as much as you can will help you decrease the symptoms and the chances for flare-ups.
5 Avoidable Autoimmune Disease Triggers
- Gluten
Even though Celiac disease sufferers are advised to avoid gluten-rich foods, gluten can also be bad for people who have problems with other autoimmune diseases; therefore, to protect your health, opt for gluten-free foods, regardless of the autoimmune disease in question.
- Dairy
As a result of molecular mimicry, the casein present in dairy may act as gluten in the body and thus, lead to flare-ups. Therefore, opt for plant-based options.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is your enemy if you suffer from some autoimmune disease because of the presence of dairy, unhealthy fat, refined sugar, and possible artificial ingredients. Therefore, replace it with dairy-free options, raw cacao, dark chocolate or carob products. And, whenever you are in need of some sweetness, root veggies and fruits are the healthiest and safest solution.
- Sugar
Processed sugar and artificial sweeteners are not good for anyone, not just for people diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Namely, these substances are known to encourage inflammation in the body and worsen autoimmune disorder symptoms. Therefore, when in need of some sweetness, go with natural sources such as organic honey and fruits like dates and root veggies.
- Quinoa
Even though it does not contain gluten and even though it is abundant in protein, when consumed in excessive amounts, it may cause immunity flare-ups. Make sure you consume it only occasionally and whenever possible, choose other gluten-free products.
Possible Reasons for Autoimmune Disorder Flare-Ups
Poor stress management can have a destructive impact on your overall health, including the immunity. Often times, chronic stress may be the underlying cause for an autoimmune disease. Adequate social support, regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and smiling and laughing are considered to be among the top methods to reduce the stress in your life.
As you may already know, most of your immunity is settled in the microbiome or a complex gut eco system comprised of trillions of bacteria colonies and this system is known to regulate not just the immune system, but the hormones, brain, and genetic expression too. Hence, ongoing yeast, fungal or parasitic infections are often associated with autoimmune disorders such as MS and Parkinson’s.
Constantly being surrounded by toxins definitely plays its role in autoimmune health problems, for example, autoimmune thyroiditis.
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