Certain foods are believed to reduce inflammation and help people with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and others. Foods to eat if you have an autoimmune disease include:

• All vegetables except nightshade vegetables. Vegetables from the squash family (butternut, pumpkin, zucchini) are recommended to control inflammation because they contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Tubers such as yams, sweet potatoes, taro, Jerusalem artichokes
• Fresh fruit
• Seafood, poultry, and other minimally processed meats
• Fermented and probiotic foods, especially non-dairy fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut. If you cannot eat probiotic-rich foods, a probiotic supplement may help.
• Vegetable oils that are minimally processed such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil
• Herbs and spices not derived from seeds
• Balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar (no-added-sugar vinegars)
• Natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup
• Bone broth
• Green tea and black tea (in moderation)

Lesson Summary

Individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet should focus on minimizing inflammation in the body. Foods that are recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases include:

• All vegetables except nightshade vegetables
• Vegetables from the squash family (butternut, pumpkin, zucchini) due to their omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants content
• Tubers like yams, sweet potatoes, taro, Jerusalem artichokes
• Fresh fruits
• Seafood, poultry, and other minimally processed meats
• Fermented and probiotic foods, particularly non-dairy options like kimchi, kombucha, pickles, and sauerkraut
• If consuming probiotic foods is challenging, a probiotic supplement can be beneficial
• Minimally processed vegetable oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil
• Herbs and spices that are not seed-based
• Balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and apple cider vinegar without added sugar
• Natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup
• Bone broth
• Green tea and black tea in moderation