Autoimmunity and Nutrition
One of the immune system’s most important jobs is to distinguish between the body’s own tissues and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents. To defend us, it deploys specialized white blood cells (lymphocytes) and produces antibodies designed to target and eliminate these threats.
However, this system isn’t foolproof. When the immune system fails to properly differentiate between “self” and “non‑self,” it may mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues—a process known as autoimmunity. In autoimmune diseases, lymphocytes and antibodies target healthy organs and cells as though they were foreign.
More than 78 clinically recognized autoimmune diseases have been identified, and the list continues to grow. Some are widely known—Type 1 Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Juvenile Arthritis. Others are less familiar, such as Crohn’s disease, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Pemphigus, Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, Sarcoidosis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Temporal Arteritis, and several autoimmune skin disorders.
Collectively, these conditions affect over 15 million Americans, with women disproportionately represented. The physical, emotional, and financial impact on individuals and society is substantial.
Why Autoimmunity Happens
Researchers have identified many mechanisms that may contribute to immune system malfunction. These include:
- Drug and hormone interactions
- Genetic predisposition
- Cross‑reactivity between immune responses to bacteria/viruses and human tissues
- Nutritional imbalances—either deficiencies or excesses of specific dietary components
The connection between nutrition and immunity has become a major focus of modern research. Recent studies show a strong relationship between overall nutritional status and immune function.
Example: Mineral Deficiencies
Deficiencies in minerals such as iron and zinc are known to impair immune function in both animals and humans. One explanation is that these minerals are essential for metalloenzymes involved in nucleic acid synthesis and cell replication—processes critical for immune cell function.
How Diet Influences Autoimmunity
Two major nutritional factors influence autoimmune activity:
- Carbohydrates and cell identification
- Essential fatty acids and immune response intensity
Let’s break these down.
1. Target Recognition: Carbohydrates as Cellular “Barcodes”
Every cell displays identification molecules on its surface—like biological barcodes—made from various carbohydrates. These molecules help the immune system recognize which cells belong in the body.
When the diet lacks a variety of carbohydrates, cells may produce faulty identification markers. This can confuse the immune system, leading to mistaken attacks on healthy tissues.
Key carbohydrates used in these “barcodes” include:
glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, and several derivatives.
The problem:
- Glucose is abundant in modern diets.
- Other essential carbohydrates are scarce, especially in highly refined foods.
- These missing carbohydrates are naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
2. Intensity Modulation: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
The strength of the immune response is regulated by hormone‑like compounds called prostaglandins. The body produces two main types:
- Type 1 prostaglandins – increase immune activity
- Type 2 prostaglandins – reduce immune activity
A healthy immune system depends on a balance between the two.
Where EFAs Come In
Prostaglandins are made exclusively from Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs):
- Omega‑6 EFAs → used to make pro‑inflammatory prostaglandins
- Omega‑3 EFAs → used to make anti‑inflammatory prostaglandins
Modern diets contain far too many omega‑6 fats and far too few omega‑3s.
Typical omega‑6 : omega‑3 ratios:
- United States: ~12:1
- Australia: ~18:1
- Ideal ratio: ~2:1
When the ratio exceeds 2:1, the immune system becomes overactive. At 10:1 or higher, it essentially operates without brakes—contributing to the rise in autoimmune conditions.
Correcting the Omega Imbalance
To restore balance:
- Reduce intake of omega‑6‑rich oils and fats
- Increase omega‑3 intake through foods or supplements
Omega‑3 sources include:
- Flax seeds (rich in ALA)
- Cold‑water fish: sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring
- Fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA
ALA vs. EPA/DHA
- ALA (alpha‑linolenic acid) is the plant‑based omega‑3 found in flax and some supplements.
- EPA and DHA are the more active omega‑3s found in fish and fish oil.
- The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA—but many people have a reduced ability to do so.
Without adequate EPA and DHA, the body cannot produce enough anti‑inflammatory prostaglandins to calm an overactive immune system.
Think of EPA and DHA as “seed money” for restoring immune balance.
How Long Does Improvement Take?
Correcting autoimmune activity is not immediate.
- It takes about 6 weeks to replenish EPA and DHA stores.
- Lymphocytes (immune cells) already produced can live 6 months to 2 years.
- Noticeable improvement may take 6 months, with potential remission taking up to 2 years.
During this time, it’s important to avoid foods that:
- Trigger immune responses
- Spike blood sugar (high‑glycemic foods), since high glucose increases pro‑inflammatory prostaglandins
Additional Resources
The following materials are available on the Longevity Institute website (under “Downloads”):
- List of immune‑offending foods
- Information on hyperglycemia and glycemic index
- Essential fatty acid content of various foods
- This full article
(Gerald T. Keusch, 2003)