ARE YOU WHAT YOU EAT? DIET’S ROLE IN AUTOIMMUNITY

Abstract

Nutrition is a large component that contributes to the health of an individual and has often been said to be a factor in many diseases, where a change in diet can either lead to disease or help to manage an individual’s disease-related symptoms. There is a generalized belief that reducing 'junk’ food and sugars is helpful for our body but what about when your body is attacking itself? This study identifies the pathways in which three autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and vitiligo, function and how their symptoms can be managed using the diets which are commonly named as beneficial. These diets include the Paleo diet, gluten-free diet, and raw food diet. Overall, some diets were found to be better than others for each disorder, but individuals should be aware that dietary requirements can differ based on each individual.