Nutrition

An Autoimmune Diet

January 10, 2020

By: Dr. Angela DeRosa, DO, MBA, CPE

Treatment for autoimmune disorders doesn’t only happen at the doctor, it happens in the kitchen! Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s, Celiac Disease and Multiple Sclerosis attack your body’s good cells, often leading to chronic inflammation. Switching to an anti-inflammatory diet can improve your symptoms and improve your overall health.  

Anti-inflammatory foods:      

  • tomatoes
  • olive oil      
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards       
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts     
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges 

Foods that cause inflammation:

  • refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries     
  • French fries and other fried foods    
  • soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages    
  • red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)   
  • margarine, shortening, and lard 

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/autoimmune-disease-why-is-my-immune-system-attacking-itself

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation