Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, affecting millions of people worldwide. From Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis, these conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. If you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition, you may have been told that there’s no cure and that medication is your only option. However, through a real food approach using the AIP diet you can support your body’s natural healing processes and begin to regain control of your health.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune conditions are complex, and their exact causes are still being studied. However, research suggests that several key factors contribute to their development:

Genetics – While genetics play a role, they do not determine your destiny. Environmental factors and diet heavily influence whether those genes get expressed as illness.

Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability) – A damaged gut lining allows harmful substances like toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.

Chronic Inflammation – Systemic inflammation is at the root of autoimmunity.

Nutrient Deficiencies – Many individuals with autoimmune diseases have deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play critical roles in immune regulation.

Stress and Hormonal Imbalances – Chronic stress disrupts immune function and can contribute to autoimmune flare-ups.

Different Types of Autoimmune Conditions

There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, each affecting different tissues and systems in the body. Some of the most common include:

• ·       Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
• ·       Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• ·       Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to neurological symptoms.
• ·       Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis – inflammation and overproduction of skin cells, often leading to joint involvement.
• ·       Celiac Disease – An autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine.
• ·       Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE) – can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
• ·       Type 1 Diabetes – attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

·       Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where the immune system attacks the digestive tract.

Understanding the type of autoimmune condition you have can help guide your approach to diet and lifestyle changes.

The Gut-Autoimmune Connection

The gut plays a central role in immune function, as nearly 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). A healthy gut acts as a barrier, selectively allowing beneficial nutrients to pass through while keeping harmful invaders out. However, when the gut lining becomes compromised (leaky gut) undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Over time, this chronic immune activation can lead to the development or exacerbation of autoimmune conditions.

Several factors contribute to gut dysfunction and increased intestinal permeability:

Poor Diet – Processed foods, refined sugars, gluten, and industrial seed oils promote inflammation.

Gut Dysbiosis – An imbalance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria can weaken the intestinal barrier.

Chronic Stress – Stress alters gut motility, reduces digestive enzyme production, and impairs immune regulation.

Toxins and Medications – Pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics, and NSAIDs can damage the gut lining.

Healing the gut is a critical step in managing autoimmunity. By removing inflammatory foods, incorporating gut-healing nutrients (such as collagen, bone broth (get yours here), and fermented foods), and reducing stress, many people experience significant relief from autoimmune symptoms.

The Standard Western Diet and Autoimmune Disease

The Standard Western Diet (also known as the Standard American Diet, or SAD) is a major driver of inflammation and autoimmune dysfunction. This diet is characterized by multiple pro-inflammatory substances including

• ·       Highly processed foods containing artificial additives, preservatives, and emulsifiers that can disrupt gut health and contribute to leaky gut.
• ·       Refined sugars and carbohydrates fuel inflammation, promotes gut dysbiosis, and contributes to insulin resistance.
• ·       Industrial seed oils like soybean, corn, and canola are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which promote inflammation.
• ·       Gluten and grains have been shown to increase intestinal permeability, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions to autoimmunity.
• ·       Dairy products can further contribute to systemic inflammation and digestive issues.

Over time, this diet leads to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, gut dysfunction, and an overactive immune response—key drivers of autoimmune disease. Replacing these inflammatory foods with nutrient-dense, whole foods is essential for healing and long-term health.

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)

The AIP diet is a structured, science-based approach designed to remove inflammatory triggers while nourishing the body. It focuses on:

Eliminating inflammatory foods, such as:

• ·       Grains and gluten
• ·       Dairy
• ·       Legumes
• ·       Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes)
• ·       Processed foods, refined sugar, and seed oils
• ·       Nuts, seeds, and eggs

Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, including:

• ·       Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and organ meats
• ·       Fresh vegetables (except nightshades)
• ·       Healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado
• ·       Bone broth and fermented foods for gut health
• ·       Herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory properties

By following this approach, many individuals see dramatic improvements in energy levels, pain reduction, digestive health, and overall well-being.

Lifestyle Factors for Autoimmune Wellness

Diet is foundational, but lifestyle factors also play a crucial role in managing autoimmunity. Supporting your health holistically includes:

• ·       Prioritizing quality sleep.
• ·       Managing stress
• ·       Incorporating gentle movement
• ·       Optimizing vitamin d levels.

Healing is Possible

If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disease, know that healing is possible. By addressing root causes, focusing on a nutrient-dense diet like AIP, and making lifestyle adjustments, you can take back control of your health.

At Paleo on the Go, we make it easy to follow an AIP-friendly diet with our chef-crafted, fully compliant meals. No more guesswork or hours in the kitchen—just real, healing food delivered to your door.

Explore our AIP meal options and begin feeling your best today!