Base Nutrients That Fight With Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders damage your immune system, which results in your immune system attacking your healthy cells. This leads to a variety of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, an autoimmune disorder cannot be cured. However, there are many treatments available to ease pain and reduce the effects of the disorder. One easy way to manage an autoimmune disease is to incorporate helpful foods and natural remedies into your diet. Here are five nutrients that can help you manage your autoimmune disorder:
Iron
The intestines absorb a large portion of the body’s stored iron, so iron deficiency is often linked to autoimmune disorders. Leaky gut syndrome or a damaged gut lining often results in the intestines struggling to absorb iron and other nutrients. Therefore, it frequently leads to autoimmune problems.
The average person should consume about 10 mg of iron every day. Some common sources of iron include beef or chicken liver, oysters, canned sardines, cooked turkey, spinach, lentils, and beans. You can also take iron supplements in a tablet form, which are available over-the-counter.
Vitamin A
Some autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, are linked to a deficiency in vitamin A. Some researchers suggest that vitamin A can calm down the immune system and reduce harsh immune responses. The recommended vitamin A intake is 900 micrograms per day for men and 700 micrograms per day for women.
The best sources of vitamin A are fish, shellfish, and liver. Vegetarians can increase their vitamin A intake with carrots and sweet potatoes, which both contain carotenoids. Carotenoids can be converted by the body into vitamin A. Most multivitamins also include most or all of your recommended vitamin A intake.
RELATED ARTICLE: 15 Signs You May Have Iron Deficiency And What To Do About It
Vitamin D
According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D may help prevent some autoimmune disorders, especially rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Many people with autoimmune disorders have high levels of Th17 cells. Th17 cells cause inflammation in the body, and higher levels of these cells results in more inflammation. Vitamin D can reduce inflammation caused by Th17 cells.
The easiest way to increase your vitamin D intake with food is to consume dairy and animal fats. Some brands of foods like cereal and orange juice contain added vitamin D. When you spend time in the sun, the UV rays can provide your body with vitamin D.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those found in fish oil, have great anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to manage the symptoms of several autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers from the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia observed people who took fish oil supplements and people who didn’t. They discovered that people who take fish oil supplements are less likely to feel joint pain or take anti-inflammatory drugs. Other studies have shown that people who consume fish oil have a better grip strength and become fatigued less easily.
The specific amount of omega-3 fatty acids you should consume will vary depending on your age, gender, and health. The average person should consume 500 mg of fish oil per day or two servings of oily fish per week. This will provide you with enough omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation.
Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits, and it may help fight autoimmune disorders. The active ingredient in green tea, ECGC, has great anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce Th17’s inflammatory effects, which greatly reduces pain and inflammation in people with autoimmune disorders. Many scientists recommend drinking one cup of green tea per day, as it has a variety of health benefits.
Taking a supplement or adding a few foods to your diet is an easy way to fight an autoimmune disorder. Iron, vitamins A and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and green tea all can reduce inflammation and help heal the disorder. Living with an autoimmune problem is tiring, stressful, and painful, but some natural remedies can improve your quality of life.
