Autoimmune diseases are increasingly common. About 50 million Americans are suffering from a least one kind. (1)
If you have an autoimmune disease, it means that your body is basically attacking itself. Your immune system goes into overdrive and sees everything as a threat. Trying to protect you from this perceived danger, it starts fighting and attacking its own tissues and cells, mistaking them as hazards. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and all kinds of issues depending on the autoimmune condition you have.
Take a closer look at autoimmune diseases, their causes, and how to manage symptoms in the video above. Let’s cut out damaging inflammation to help calm the immune system.
Despite the wide range of different autoimmune diseases though, they all tend to have the same kinds of triggers. (2) If you avoid these common triggers, you can avoid flare-ups and reduce your symptoms.
5 Autoimmune Disease Triggers You Can Avoid
-
Sugar:
Processed sugar is a common offender for anyone’s health. It leads to inflammation and can trigger autoimmune symptoms. Use organic honey and eat dates, fruits, and root veggies for sweetness.
-
Quinoa.
Though it is gluten-free and a trendy protein-rich pseudo grain, in large amounts, it can actually provoke your immune system. Limit your quinoa consumption and stick to other gluten-free products instead.
-
Gluten.
Gluten is a well-known offender of health. People with Celiac disease know to stay away from it, however, it is destructive to anyone with any other autoimmune condition as well. Switch to gluten-free to stay safe.
-
Dairy.
Due to molecular mimicry, casein in dairy can act like gluten in your body. It can cause your immune system to go haywire and trigger your symptoms. Switch to plant-based alternatives.
-
Milk chocolate.
It may be yummy, but all the refined sugar, dairy, unhealthy fats, and possible artificial ingredients make milk chocolate the enemy. Switch to dairy-free, extra dark chocolate, raw cacao, and carob products. If you need sweetness, fruit and root veggies are your best options.
If you avoid these triggers, you can reduce your risks of an autoimmune flare-up.
Do you have an autoimmune condition? What are your triggers? How do you make sure to avoid your triggers, reduce your symptoms, and avoid flare-ups? Share your experiences and tips in the comments, we would love to hear from you.
