Autoimmune diseaseis a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.
The immune system normally protects against germs such as bacteria and viruses. When it notices foreign invaders, it sends an army of war cells to attack them.
Normally, the immune system knows the difference between foreign cells and its own cells.
A autoimmune diseaseThe immune system perceives part of the body - such as joints or skin - as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells.
Some common items of autoimmune diseases it only targets one organ. For example; Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases such as lupus affect the whole body.
Why does the immune system attack the body?
Doctors don't know what causes the immune system to misfire. Still some people more than others autoimmune disease may be prone.
Women, autoimmune diseasesIt is affected by about 2-1 percent compared to men - 6.4 percent of women and 2.7 percent of men. Usually the disease begins in a woman's adolescence years (ages 14 to 44).
Some common items of autoimmune diseases it is more common in some ethnic groups. Lupus, for example, affects African-Americans more.
Some, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus autoimmune diseases occurs in families. Every family member does not necessarily have the same disease, but autoimmune disease will be prone.
Autoimmune diseasesWith increasing prevalence, researchers suspect environmental factors such as infections, and consider exposure to chemicals or solvents to be influential.
Modern food is another element of doubt. Eating high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods is linked to inflammation, which can trigger an immune response. However, this has not been proven.
Another theory is called the hygiene hypothesis. Due to vaccines and antiseptics, today's children are not exposed to many microbes. Since they do not meet the microbe, the immune system can overreact to harmless substances.
Most Common Autoimmune Diseases
There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Here are the most common ones ...
Type 1 diabetes
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetesdestroys the insulin-producing cells of the immune system and pancreas.
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, as well as the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerve organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is when the immune system attacks the joints. This attack causes redness, warmth, pain, and stiffness in the joints.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which affects people as they age, RA can manifest itself in the early 30s.
Psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis
Skin cells normally grow and shed when they are no longer needed. Psoriasis causes skin cells to proliferate too quickly. Extra cells accumulate and form red, scaly sores on the skin called flakes or plaques.
About 30 percent of people with psoriasis experience swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. This form of the disease is called psoriatic arthritis.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating that surrounds nerve cells. Damage to the myelin sheath affects the transmission of messages between the brain and the body.
This damage can lead to lethargy, weakness, balance problems, and walking problems. The disease occurs in various forms that progress at different rates.
Approximately 50 percent of people with MS need assistance with walking within 15 years after contracting the disease.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Doctors first in the 1800s lupus diseaseAlthough it has been described as a skin disease due to the rash it produces, it affects many organs, including the joints, kidneys, brain, and heart.
Joint pain, fatigue and rash are among the most common symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the gut. Each IBD type affects a different part of the GI system.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.
Ulcerative colitis only affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Addison's disease
Addison's disease affects the adrenal glands that produce cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Having too few of these hormones can affect the body's use and storage of carbohydrates and sugar.
Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and low blood sugar.
Graves disease
Graves' disease attacks the thyroid gland in the neck and causes it to produce most of the hormones. Thyroid hormones control the body's energy use or metabolism.
Too much of these hormones accelerates the body's activities, causing symptoms such as irritability, a rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance and weight loss.
A common symptom of this disease is swelling of the eyes, called exophthalmos. It affects 50% of Graves' patients.
Sjögren's syndrome
This is when it attacks the oily glands in the joints and also in the eyes and mouth. The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are joint pain, dry eyes, and dry mouth.
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hashimoto thyroiditisslows thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include weight gain, colds, fatigue, hair loss, and thyroid swelling (goiter).
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis affects the nerves that control muscles in the brain. When these nerves are broken, the signals do not direct the muscles to move.
The most common symptom is muscle weakness, which gets worse with activity and improves with rest. Generally, the muscles that control swallowing and facial movements are affected.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis happens when the immune system attacks blood vessels. Inflammation constricts arteries and veins and provides less blood flow from them.
Pernicious anemia
This condition is called the intrinsic factor, which causes the intestines from food. Vitamin B12It affects a protein that helps it absorb nutrients. Without this vitamin, enough red blood cells cannot be made in the body.
Pernicious anemia is more common in older adults. It affects 0,1 percent of people overall, but about 60 percent of people over 2.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease People with a diet cannot eat foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and other grain products. When gluten is in the gut, the immune system attacks it and causes inflammation.
Many people have a sensitivity to gluten, this is not an autoimmune disease but can have similar symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
Many autoimmune disease The early symptoms are very similar:
- Tiredness
Muscle pain
Swelling and redness
Low fever
Difficulty focusing
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
Hair loss
Skin rashes
Individual illnesses may also have their own unique symptoms. For example, type 1 diabetes causes excessive thirst, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
With autoimmune diseases like psoriasis or RA, symptoms first appear and then go away. The periods in which symptoms are seen are called "exacerbations". Periods in which symptoms disappear are called "remission".
When should you see a doctor?
Autoimmune disease If you have symptoms, you should see a doctor. It is better to go to a specialist depending on the type of illness you have.
Rheumatologists treat joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome.
Gastroenterologists treat GI tract diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
Endocrinologists treat the condition of the glands, including Graves' and Addison's disease.
Dermatologists treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Tests that diagnose autoimmune diseases
Most autoimmune disease There is no single test that can diagnose you. Your doctor will use various tests and evaluation of symptoms to diagnose you.
Antinuclear antibody test (ANA) symptoms are autoimmune disease It is the first test used on the signalers. A positive result means you probably have one of these diseases but does not confirm exactly which one you have.
Other tests, some autoimmune diseasesalso searches for specific autoantibodies produced. Your doctor may also do tests to check the inflammation these diseases cause in the body.
How are autoimmune diseases treated?
Autoimmune diseases It is incurable but can control an overactive immune response and reduce inflammation.
Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise will also help you feel better.
Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP Diet)
Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP)inflammation, pain, lupusinflammatory bowel disease (IBD) celiac disease and other symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
AIP dietMany people who have followed up report a reduction in common symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as fatigue, bowel or joint pain.
What is the AIP Diet?
A healthy immune system is designed to produce antibodies that attack foreign or harmful cells in our body.
In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system produces antibodies that attack healthy cells and tissues instead of fighting infections.
This can result in a range of symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, brain fog, tissue and nerve damage.
Autoimmune diseases are thought to be caused by various factors such as genetic predisposition, infection, stress, inflammation, and drug use.
Also, some research suggests that damage to the gut barrier in susceptible individuals may trigger the development of some autoimmune diseases. leaky gut It may cause increased intestinal permeability, also known as ".
Some foods are thought to increase intestinal permeability. AIP dietfocuses on eliminating these foods and replacing them with health-promoting, nutrient-dense foods that are thought to help heal the gut, and reduce inflammation and symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune dietfood types, both allowed and avoided, and the stages that make up it. paleo dietwhat is similar but a harder version. AIP diet It consists of two main stages.
Elimination stage
The first stage is an elimination stage that involves the removal of food and drugs that are thought to cause gut inflammation, imbalances between the levels of good and bad bacteria in the gut, or an immune response.
At this stage, foods such as grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshades, eggs and dairy products are completely avoided.
Certain medications such as tobacco, alcohol, coffee, oils, food additives, refined and processed sugars, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should also be avoided.
Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and high-dose aspirin.
On the other hand, this phase encourages the consumption of fresh, nutrient-dense foods, minimally processed meats, fermented foods and bone broth. It also emphasizes the improvement of lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, and physical activity.
The length of the elimination phase changes as the person continues the diet until a noticeable reduction in symptoms. On average, most people maintain this phase for 30-90 days, while others may notice improvements as early as the first 3 weeks.
Re-entry phase
When there is significant relief in symptoms, the reintroduction phase can begin. At this stage, foods that should be avoided are incorporated into the diet gradually and one by one, depending on the tolerance of the person.
The purpose of this phase is to determine which foods are causing the person's symptoms.
At this stage, the food should be added to the refeed individually and a period of 5-7 days should elapse before a different food can be added.
This time allows enough time for the person to recognize whether any of their symptoms have reappeared before continuing the reentry process.
How is the Re-Entry Phase Implemented?
Your autoimmune diet A step-by-step approach that can be applied to reintroduce avoided foods into the body during the elimination phase.
My name is 1
Choose a food to reintroduce. Plan to consume this food several times a day on the day of the test, then do not consume it completely for 5-6 days.
My name is 2
Eat a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon of food, and wait 15 minutes to see if a reaction occurs.
My name is 3
If you experience any symptoms, end the test and avoid eating this food. If you have no symptoms, eat a slightly larger serving of the same food and watch how you feel for 2-3 hours.
My name is 4
If you experience any symptoms during this time, finish the test and avoid this food. If no symptoms occur, eat a normal portion of the same food and avoid 5-6 days without adding other foods again.
My name is 5
If you do not experience any symptoms for 5-6 days, you can reintroduce the tested food into your diet and repeat this 5-step re-entry process with a new food.
Autoimmune Nutrition
AIP dietThere are strict rules about what foods should be eaten or avoided during the elimination phase.
Foods to avoid
Cereals
Rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, etc. Food derived from these, such as pasta, bread, and cereals
pulse
Lentils, beans, peas, peanuts, etc.
Solanaceae
Eggplant, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
egg
Whole eggs, egg whites, or foods containing these ingredients
Dairy products
Milk of cows, goats or sheep, as well as foods such as cream, cheese, butter or oil derived from these milk; Milk-based protein powders or other supplements should also be avoided.
Nuts and seeds
All nuts and seeds and the flour, butter or oils produced therefrom; It also includes cocoa and seed-based spices such as coriander, cumin, anise, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, and nutmeg.
Cane or beet sugar, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, and barley malt syrup; desserts, soda, confectionery, frozen desserts and chocolate that may also contain these ingredients
Food additives and artificial sweeteners
Trans fats, food dyes, emulsifiers and thickeners and artificial sweeteners such as stevia, mannitol and xylitol
Some common items of AIP protocolsrecommends avoiding all fruits, both fresh and dried, during the elimination phase. Some allow 1-2 grams of fructose per day to be included, which means about 10-40 servings of fruit per day.
Although not specified in the AIP protocols, some are in the elimination phase Spirulina or a chlorella suggests avoiding algae such as algae because it can stimulate the immune response.
What to Eat?
Vegetables
Various vegetables other than nightshades and seaweed to avoid
Fresh fruit
Variety of fresh fruits in moderation
Tubers
Sweet potatoes and artichokes
Minimally processed meat
Wild game, fish, seafood, offal and poultry; Feeds should be obtained from wild, grass-fed or pasture-raised animals whenever possible.
Non-dairy fermented foods such as kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles and kefir; probiotic supplements can also be consumed.
Minimally processed vegetable oils
Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
Herbs and spices
It can be consumed as long as they are not derived from seed.
Vinegar
Balsamic, cider, and red wine vinegar, as long as they don't contain added sugar
Natural sweeteners
Maple syrup and honey, in moderation
Certain teas
3-4 cups of green and black tea a day
Bone juice
Although allowed, some protocols also recommend reducing consumption of coconut-based foods, as well as salt, saturated and omega 6 fats, natural sugars such as honey or maple syrup.
Is an autoimmune diet effective?
AIP dietAlthough research on the disease is limited, some evidence suggests it may reduce inflammation and symptoms of some autoimmune diseases.
May help heal leaky gut
People with autoimmune diseases often have permeable gut, and experts think there may be a link between the inflammation they experience and the permeability of their gut.
A healthy gut typically has a low permeability. This allows it to act as a good barrier, preventing food and waste residues from leaking into the bloodstream.
But a leaky or leaky gut can get foreign particles into the bloodstream, possibly causing inflammation.
In parallel, there is growing evidence that food can affect the immunity and function of the gut and, in some cases, reduce the degree of inflammation.
Although scientific evidence is limited at this time, few studies have reported AIP dietsuggests that among a group of people with certain autoimmune disorders may help reduce inflammation or the symptoms caused by it.
May reduce inflammation and symptoms of some autoimmune disorders
Until today, AIP diet It was tested on a small group of people and showed seemingly positive results.
For example, in an 15-week study in 11 people with IBD AIP dietAt the end of the study, participants reported significantly less IBD-related symptoms. However, no significant changes in inflammatory markers were observed.
In another study, a disease affecting the thyroid gland autoimmune disorder one Hashimoto thyroiditis 16 women with the disease, for 10 weeks AIP dietfollowed. At the end of the study, inflammation and disease-related symptoms decreased by 29% and 68%, respectively.
Participants also reported significant improvements in their quality of life, although there were no significant differences in thyroid function measurements.
Although promising, studies are small and scarce. Also, to date, it has only been performed on a small group of people with autoimmune disorders. Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Negative Aspects of the Autoimmune Diet
AIP diet great elimination diet which makes it very restrictive and difficult to track for some, especially during the elimination phase.
The elimination phase of this diet can increase the risk of social isolation by making it difficult for people to eat in social settings such as a restaurant or a friend's house.
It's also worth noting that this diet has no guarantee that it will reduce inflammation or symptoms associated with the disease in all people with autoimmune disorders.
However, those who experience a reduction in symptoms following this diet may be hesitant to go into the reintroduction phase because they fear it may bring symptoms back.
This poses a great risk to the person, as staying in the elimination phase will make it difficult to meet daily nutritional requirements. Therefore, staying too long at this stage increases the risk of developing nutrient deficiencies and results in deterioration of health over time.
Therefore, the re-entry phase is very important and should not be skipped.
Should You Try an Autoimmune Diet?
AIP dietIt is designed to help reduce inflammation, pain, or other symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases.
Therefore, it may work best for people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, IBD, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but their symptoms can be controlled. AIP dietaims to control symptoms by helping determine which foods may trigger which symptoms.
Evidence for the effectiveness of this diet is currently limited to people with IBD and Hashimoto's disease. People with other autoimmune diseases may also benefit from it.
The diet has few downsides, especially when done under the supervision of a dietitian or other medical professional.
Before trying the AIP diet, you should definitely seek professional support.
More than 80 different autoimmune disease there is. Those with autoimmune diseases can write us a comment.
