Going gluten free is a crucial first step in improving your health, particularly if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. However, it may not be sufficient on its own. Autoimmune disease is a complex condition where your body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and immune system dysfunction.
In my experience treating my wife and mother with Hashimoto’s, I have come to realize the complexity of autoimmune disease treatment. That is why I have created a 10-day guide to help individuals with autoimmune conditions. The main goal of autoimmune disease treatment should be to reduce inflammation and immune system attack on your own tissues. If your approach does not target these aspects, then it may be ineffective.
While going gluten free is a positive step for many people, it may not be enough to fully address autoimmune disease. This is because gluten sensitivity can lead to inflammation in certain individuals. Therefore, it is essential to completely eliminate gluten from your diet to reduce the risk of immune system activation and autoimmunity.
Additionally, individuals with autoimmune diseases may also have other gut imbalances such as SIBO, dysbiosis, gut infections, and yeast overgrowth. These issues require specific treatment beyond just eliminating gluten from the diet. It is important to identify and address these gut imbalances to achieve optimal health.
Furthermore, stress can significantly impact immune function and inflammation levels in the body. Chronic stress, even at low levels, can have a detrimental effect on gut health and overall well-being. It is crucial to manage stress effectively through practices like meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
Moreover, certain foods like milk, rice, corn, sesame, and gluten-free oats may cross-react with gluten and cause inflammation in some individuals. Avoiding these foods, at least temporarily, can be necessary to reduce inflammation and promote healing in autoimmune conditions.
In conclusion, while going gluten free is a positive step towards managing autoimmune disease, it is important to consider other factors such as gut imbalances, stress levels, and dietary triggers. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, individuals can improve their health and well-being in the long term.
