Autoimmune diseases are often linked to psychological stress as their main cause, but diet seems to play a very important role for some varieties, both in for prevention and treatment.

Marginal deficiencies, either due to dietary intake or due to metabolic disorders, can exacerbate cases of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune disorders. Lupus, for example, is due to chronic inflammation caused by the body and can affect many body systems, including joints, skin, blood vessels, cells, and internal organs. Women are affected 10 times more than men, due to the particular metabolic profile and hormonal changes during their life. Many deficiencies are central to the development of lupus. Some of these deficiencies are:

1. Vitamin D. Reduced exposure to the sun can reduce the productivity of processes create vitamin D, which is essential for both the immune system and skeletal health. With autoimmune diseases, dysfunction in the biological action of this vitamin is common. Therefore, if a person has lupus they need a higher concentration in their blood.
2. Calcium. Reduced intake of calcium-rich foods or absorption deficiencies caused by certain medications can reduce calcium intake and absorption and lead to osteoporosis.
3. Adequate intake of folic acid and vitamin 12 is very important. Deficiencies can lead to anemia and reduced production of red cells. Autoimmune gastritis is also associated with this.
4. Iron deficiency leads to anemia and this can affect one’s immune system
5. Deficiency in omega 3 fats enhances inflammation due to over-activity of the immune system. Using Ω3 or eating ‘good fats’ helps with this.
6. Probiotics. It is generally true that probiotics help both metabolism and digestive immunity. If lupus is present in an organism, the balance of microorganisms in the intestinal flora is disturbed. The absorption of many vitamins is also affected by the intestinal flora.

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics, MSc in Botany-Biology and MSc in Horticulture & Viticulture.