The immune system protects the body against microorganisms. However, sometimes it can mistakenly attack its own defense cells. Autoimmune diseases are diseases that occur in this way. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Immune system cells attack the joints, causing pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints. If rheumatoid arthritis is not treated, it can cause permanent joint damage.
Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients eat a Mediterranean Diet style diet low in saturated fat, improving the symptoms of the disease and reducing inflammation. It was found to reduce . In Mediterranean Diet style nutrition; Chicken, fish and lean red meat, plenty of vegetables, fresh fruits, olive oil, whole grains, nuts and oilseeds have an important place. In a study conducted at the University of Catania, Italy, natural cold-pressed olive oil was added to the diet of mice with joint injuries. Mice that added cold-pressed olive oil to their diet and mice that did not were followed for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the rates of lubricant, which protects the structure of the cartilages in the joint fluid and provides lubricating properties, were significantly higher in those to whom cold-pressed olive oil was added.
In addition, it is very important that these patients receive sufficient energy, protein and calcium requirements. Chronic inflammation caused by the disease can increase people's weight loss, muscle breakdown and protein needs.
Omega 3
In many studies, tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring, trout and Many benefits of fish rich in omega 3, such as geranium, are mentioned. Regular consumption of omega 3 is also necessary for reducing general inflammation, reducing joint pain and strengthening the immune system. It is also known that omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) reduce the risk of heart diseases caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
For adequate omega 3 intake, care should be taken to consume fish at least twice a week. In addition, walnuts, purslane and flax seeds are other good sources of omega 3 and can be easily used in meals or salads.
Iron and folic acid
Anemia may occur in 60% of patients as a result of inflammation and the use of non-steroidal drugs. Therefore, it is rich in iron; lean red meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals and rich in folic acid; It is important to include liver, spinach, mushrooms, legumes, green leafy vegetables and oilseeds in the diet. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in folic acid and a good source of antioxidants. These foods help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by strengthening the immune system with their antioxidant properties.
Additionally, since vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, you should also consume vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, fresh peppers, parsley, rose hips, green leafy vegetables) in addition to these foods. Consumption is also important.
Calcium and vitamin D
Corticosteroids given for rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult for your body to absorb calcium, which can lead to weakening of bones and increased risk of osteoporosis. For this reason, patients with rheumatoid arthritis should not neglect the consumption of calcium-rich foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. Fat-free and semi-fat dairy products should be preferred over full-fat products as they contain more calcium. Vitamin D not only strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis by increasing calcium absorption, but also plays a role in increasing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in its deficiency. Studies have found that women who get enough vitamin D are less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. Although the best source of vitamin D is the sun, fish, dairy products and egg yolks are also important sources of vitamin D. >
TURMERIC
Research proves that turmeric strengthens the immune system and is anti-inflammatory. The blood-purifying spice turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory agent thanks to the curcumin in it. A study conducted in 2006 showed that turmeric is beneficial for joint arthritis. Turns out it reduces inflammation. According to a study conducted in 2009, it was observed that people with osteoarthritis knee pain who consumed turmeric reduced their pain more than those who took 800 mg of ibuprofen daily.
CITRUS
For one study, people with osteoarthritis knee pain took a daily dose of citrus peel extract for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, a decrease in knee pain was noted thanks to the bioflavonoid nobiletin. Nobiletin is found mostly in the white part of the orange, especially this part should be consumed.
GARLIC
Research shows that garlic is important for swollen joints. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Allicin in garlic ensures the slow development of microorganisms that cause arthritis symptoms.
BRUSSELS SPROUT
Poor in sodium, which helps the production of red blood cells. It is a vegetable rich in folate and vitamin C. Brussels sprouts do not contain cholesterol. In this respect, it is recommended for rheumatoid arthritis patients to consume them.
LUPUS DISEASE
In this disease, autoimmune antibodies attach themselves to body tissues and destroy the joints, blood cells, lungs, kidneys and It affects the nerves.
NUTRITION IN LUPU
Patients experience weight gain due to the corticosteroid drugs they use, and weight control will be beneficial for their quality of life.
Since lupus patients have a 5 times higher risk of developing atherosclerosis than healthy people, blood cholesterol levels should be controlled and a balanced diet should be followed in this regard.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements are beneficial in lupus. Vitamin D support is also beneficial in lupus.
Things to consider to reduce autoimmunity, strengthen our immune system and protect our cells;
Stay away from white flour and all kinds of foods produced with it
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Staying away from sugar and sweeteners
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We meet our fat needs with shellfish. We include nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, etc.) and real seeds (olives, sunflower, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) and soy.
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Include natural anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger and turmeric in our diet. add
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Drinking plenty of water
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
The immune system can destroy the intestinal wall, causing diarrhea, sudden bowel movements, rectal bleeding, fever, abdominal pain and weight loss. There are variants such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colon disease (Ulcer Colitis).
People with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease should generally do the following:
Divide your daily food into 5-6 portions and eat every 2 portions. -Eat every 3 hours. Smaller portions will help ease the burden on the digestive system and digest food better.
Reduce fat intake. Oils increase the movements of the intestines and cause cramp-like pain. Reducing oils, butter, condensed oils and margarines, cream, as well as desserts and cream biscuits will allow you to reduce fat intake.
Reduce simple sugars. They are found in honey, desserts, cakes and concentrated fruit juices. They cause diarrhea or increase the possibility of diarrhea.
Do not consume or reduce milk and dairy products. Milk and dairy products (milk, cream and processed cheese, full-fat or low-fat yoghurts, to a lesser extent) may aggravate the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. You should avoid these during the exacerbation period, and then add dairy products to your diet, gradually increasing them according to your tolerance.
Avoid meals with additives and semi-processed products.
Avoid salty and spicy meals.
Avoid artificial sweeteners, especially sorbitol. Sweeteners cause diarrhea or increase the likelihood of diarrhea.
Avoid nuts, peanuts and seeds.
Avoid fatty and fried foods. These cause gas and diarrhea.
Foods with high fiber content; Limit your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. These may worsen symptoms. During a stroke, it is necessary to avoid oat flakes and corn flakes, as well as salads, vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber (especially cabbage, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, plums, grapes and apricots). Fruits and vegetables should be peeled, seeded and cooked before eating. (e.g. apple compote is suitable)
Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Numerous experimental studies have investigated whether supplements are beneficial for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. There are. Some examples:
Fish or flaxseed oils have been shown to help fight inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases when taken in the diet or as a supplement.
Complex carbohydrates (e.g. psyllium), which are not digested by the small intestine, have been shown to help fight inflammation in the large intestine. They can stimulate bacteria in the intestine to produce short-chain fatty acids. This helps the large intestine mucosa (the layer covering the inside) to heal itself.
L-glutamate is believed to nourish the inner surface of the small intestine and is beneficial for healing at the beginning of Crohn's disease.
Probiotics. (e.g. lactobacillus preparations and yoghurt made with live culture). “Good” bacteria help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Homemade yoghurt can be really useful in healing the intestine.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
In this disease, the immune system attacks the nerve cells. It causes blindness, pain, loss of balance, weakness and muscle contractions.
SALT SHOULD BE REDUCED
Corziton retains salt on the kidney. In addition to its effect, it also has the effect of removing potassium from the body. Potassium losses occur in individuals receiving cortisone treatment. Excretion of potassium in the body causes muscle weakness and negative effects on the contractile function of the heart. While reducing salt consumption, you need to increase your consumption of vegetables and fruits in your diet.
CALCIUM
The use of cortisone reduces the absorption of calcium from the intestine. And it causes osteoporosis. Therefore, regular bone mineral measurements should be performed. Include calcium in your diet
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