5 Common Triggers of Autoimmune Disease Most People Don’t Even Think About

The number of people suffering from some kind of an autoimmune disease is unfortunately on the rise, with around 50 million Americans affected.

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Healthline explains:

“An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.

The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them.

Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells.

In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body — like your joints or skin — as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases, like lupus, affect the whole body.”

Autoimmune diseases can be of various kinds, such as diabetes, psoriasis, lupus, Celiac disease, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Yet, all of these types usually have the same triggers, so in order to soothe the symptom and avoid flare-ups, make sure you avoid the following ones:

Gluten- It is destructive especially in the case of a celiac disease, so make sure you avoid this popular offender and focus on gluten-free foods.

Sugar- Processed sugar causes inflammation in the body and leads to autoimmune symptoms, so replace it with dates, honey, or fruits.

Dairy-  As a result of its molecular mimicry, casein in dairy can act like gluten in the body, triggering numerous symptoms and weakening the immune system.

Milk chocolate- Milk chocolate is rich in refined sugar, dairy, unhealthy fats, and possible artificial ingredients, so make sure you limit their consumption and turn to root veggies, and fruits.

Quinoa- Quinoa can provoke the immune system even though it is can free of gluten, so make sure you stay away from it and consume other gluten-free products instead.

Therefore, by avoiding these common triggers, you will lower the risk of autoimmune flare-ups and support your overall health.