How do diet and lifestyle choices influence the risk of developing autoimmune diseases?

Introduction

The influence of diet and lifestyle choices on the risk of developing autoimmune diseases has garnered significant attention in recent years. As autoimmune diseases continue to rise globally, understanding the role of environmental factors, particularly diet and lifestyle, is crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Key Insights

Western Diet and Autoimmunity:
- High-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt diets, typical of the Western diet, are associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. These dietary patterns promote obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are linked to autoimmune pathology through immunologic mechanisms involving T cells .
- High sodium intake, a component of the Western diet, has been shown to exacerbate autoimmune conditions by promoting pro-inflammatory T-helper cell responses and reducing regulatory T cell functions .
Energy Intake and Autoimmunity:
- Higher total energy intake, particularly from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and a higher risk of developing islet autoimmunity, which can lead to type 1 diabetes.
Mediterranean Diet and Autoimmunity:
- The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil, and low intake of red meat and processed foods, has protective effects against autoimmune diseases. This diet supports immune balance, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes anti-inflammatory responses.
Vitamin D and Autoimmunity:
- Low levels of Vitamin D are commonly associated with increased disease activity and progression in autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and alopecia areata. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects that may help in managing these diseases.
Obesity and Autoimmunity:
- Obesity, particularly during adolescence, is linked to a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, which can trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Autoimmunity:
- Patients with IBD have a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. The severity of IBD and the use of antibiotics are associated with an increased risk, while long-term use of aminosalicylates is linked to a reduced risk.

Conclusion

Diet and lifestyle choices significantly influence the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. The Western diet, characterized by high intake of fats, sugars, and salt, is associated with increased risk, while the Mediterranean diet offers protective benefits. High energy intake and obesity are also risk factors, whereas adequate Vitamin D levels and certain dietary interventions can mitigate the risk. Understanding these relationships can guide dietary and lifestyle modifications to prevent and manage autoimmune diseases effectively.

How do diet and lifestyle choices influence the risk of developing autoimmune diseases?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Dietary factors in rheumatic autoimmune diseases: a recipe for therapy?

Dietary factors, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, can influence the progression and manifestation of chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, suggesting potential for safe, cost-effective therapies.

Role of “Western Diet” in Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

The "Western diet" promotes obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, with T cells playing a central role in linking dietary influences to autoimmune pathology.

Dietary Intake and Body Mass Index Influence the Risk of Islet Autoimmunity in Genetically At-Risk Children: A Mediation Analysis Using the TEDDY Cohort.

Higher total energy intake is associated with higher BMI, which leads to an increased risk of developing islet autoimmunity, while a diet with a larger proportion of energy from protein directly affects the development of GADA autoantibodies.

The role of dietary sodium in autoimmune diseases: The salty truth.

High dietary salt intake may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases by promoting cellular shifts towards pro-inflammatory phenotypes and reversing regulatory T cell effects.

Environmental factors in autoimmune diseases and their role in multiple sclerosis

A typical Western diet, rich in saturated fat and salt, can significantly impact immune homeostasis and gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis.

Differential impact of environmental factors on systemic and localized autoimmunity

Low Vitamin D levels, diet, and lifestyle factors may contribute to or modulate autoimmune diseases, with potential therapeutic interventions focusing on diet and supplements.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases.

IBD patients have an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, with increased disease severity and current antibiotic use increasing the risk, while long-term aminosalicylate use reduces the risk.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: The Mediterranean Diet as a Protective Choice

The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy, can potentially protect against autoimmune thyroid disorders by promoting immune system function, gut microbiota composition, and redox homeostasis.

Nutritional Aspects of the Mosaic of Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases a Recipe for Therapy?

Dietary components like protein, carbohydrates, and fats may play a role in rheumatic diseases progression and prevention, suggesting potential for targeted therapies.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY HABITS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS.

Low intake of animal foods, mainly meat, is protective against thyroid autoimmunity and positively influences redox balance and potentially oxidative stress-related disorders.

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