The best fruits for autoimmune conditions are generally berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries), citrus (oranges, lemons), and apples, due to their high antioxidants (like Vitamin C, polyphenols) and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat inflammation and support the immune system. However, moderation is key as fruit contains sugar, and some people on specific diets like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) may limit types or amounts, focusing on fresh, whole fruits.
Antioxidant foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables like berries, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, etc.), beans, tomatoes and beets.
All berries have anti-inflammatory benefits, but Smolen highlights raspberries as standouts. “They aid in the reduction of inflammation and contribute to immune health,” she says, adding that raspberries are high in vitamin C and anthocyanins.
If a flare-up occurs during pregnancy, it is treated with prednisone (a corticosteroid). If prednisone is ineffective, a medication that suppresses the immune system (immunosuppressant) may be used. If a flare-up occurs during pregnancy, it is treated with prednisone (a corticosteroid).
AIP Foods to Avoid
Inflammatory Foods
Exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors (aspects of where you live or work that impact your health) might trigger autoimmune diseases. Smoking and using other types of tobacco can cause many health issues, including potentially triggering autoimmune diseases.
Ways diet can help improve your condition
Today, more and more women with a range of autoimmune conditions are enjoying healthy pregnancies. However, they are still considered high-risk pregnancies. Autoimmune disorders are 5 times more common among women, and incidence tends to peak during reproductive years.
Here are some specialists who treat autoimmune diseases:
8 drinks to reduce inflammation
Dried dates, plums, and figs are also great foods to relieve joint pain. Packed with phenolic antioxidants and vitamins, dried fruits are a great source of nutrition with healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
6 foods to help fight inflammation
Most citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, and limes contain high levels of vitamin C, which is thought to help fight infection by increasing your white blood cells. Whether you eat them whole, or squeeze the juice onto your food, don't forget to add these tangy fruits to your regular diet.
Pineapple contains the proteolytic enzymes pancreatin and bromelain. They help reduce levels of circulating immune complexes (CICs) in the body. CICs are elevated in individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Enjoy these fruits while following AIP:
The cause is not fully understood, but in some cases it is thought that autoimmune diseases are triggered by exposure to microorganisms or other environmental causes, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to the disorder. A single organ or multiple organs and tissues may be affected.
Patients experiencing chronic fatigue related to autoimmune conditions often describe their symptoms as more than just feeling tired during the day. This is significant exhaustion that impacts quality of life and makes it difficult to function on a normal basis.
Most autoimmune disorders are not fatal. People can live full lives with a typical life expectancy. Your potential lifespan and your quality of life will depend, though, on getting the right kind of medical care. Many of these disorders can be managed with medication that alleviates symptoms.
Green tea
Green tea is a great supportive herb for autoimmune conditions as it contains catechins, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest green tea may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function, potentially benefiting autoimmune diseases.
Taking vitamin D is recommended because vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation and may help reduce autoimmune activity. Many people with autoimmune diseases are deficient in this vitamin, and I am one of them. Eat more foods with omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
While empirical support for herbal supplements use in autoimmune disease is limited, some patients report benefits, particularly with anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric.
Autoimmune conditions that may affect life expectancy:
Treatment for autoimmune disorders
Medications have also been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease. Two medications for the heart and blood pressure - procainamide and hydralazine – have been shown in some studies to interfere with immune cell function and may be responsible for symptoms seen in drug-induced lupus.