The Mediterranean Diet and Autoimmune Diseases
- Jeannine Love
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A recent study published in the Nutrients journal examined the impact of the Mediterranean diet on autoimmune disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s disease. Autoimmune diseases have become more prevalent and are often underdiagnosed. It's even common for some people to have more than one autoimmune disease.
The Mediterranean Diet and Autoimmune Diseases
The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olives, as well as moderate intake of fish, poultry, and wine. The primary fat source is Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is rich in bioactive compounds, mainly phenols, so it’s very nutritious.
The standard Western diet, however, is high in red meat, processed foods, and refined sugar. Studies indicate that a diet low in plant foods and high in processed foods, large amounts of fats, animal proteins, and refined sugar can lead to oxidative stress, which causes chronic inflammation. Chronic or systemic inflammation contributes to various health issues, including autoimmune diseases. So, if you have an autoimmune disease, it’s important to reduce systemic inflammation in your body and increase antioxidants. Following the Mediterranean diet may be an important step in feeling better. So, let’s look at the research.
The Research
Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet can lessen inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria that exerts anti-inflammatory effects.
Some studies have reported the benefits of various mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet on different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic widespread arthritis, and spondylarthritis, as well as autoimmune thyroiditis. Also, research has shown that consuming oily fish rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as various fruits and vegetables can alleviate the effects of certain autoimmune diseases. In a recent clinical trial, it showed that PUFA supplementation could suppress the levels of inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that help regulate inflammation, immune responses, and other cellular activities), which can have a positive impact on rheumatoid arthritis.
Lastly, the Mediterranean diet is high in fiber, and research has shown that fiber enhances the production of healthy gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have anti-inflammatory properties.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet is high in fiber and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, thereby benefiting people with autoimmune diseases. It may also protect against the development of autoimmunity and other diseases, but more research is needed.
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