The Link Between Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease

The Link Between Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis, are on the rise. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. But what drives this dysfunction? Increasingly, research points to one major culprit: chronic inflammation.

Inflammation is the immune system’s natural defense against infection and injury. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage tissues, confuse immune signaling, and set the stage for autoimmune attacks.

How Inflammation Fuels Autoimmunity

1. Gut Barrier Breakdown (Leaky Gut)
Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. When the intestinal lining becomes compromised, bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream, triggering chronic immune activation and inflammation (Fasano, 2012).

2. Molecular Mimicry
Some foods, pathogens, or toxins contain proteins that resemble human tissue. Chronic inflammation can cause the immune system to attack these proteins and inadvertently target the body’s own cells in the process (Vojdani, 2015).

3. Dysregulated Cytokine Response
Inflammation is regulated by cytokines, immune signaling molecules. In autoimmune disease, inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha become overactive, perpetuating tissue damage and systemic symptoms (Mauri & Bosma, 2012).

4. Impaired Detoxification and Toxin Load
Toxins from processed foods, pesticides, heavy metals, and plastics can accumulate and burden the liver. When detox pathways are impaired, inflammation increases and immune dysfunction worsens.

Common Signs of Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Risk

• Joint or muscle pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog or memory issues
• Bloating or food sensitivities
• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Hormonal imbalances or irregular cycles

Healing Starts with Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

The first step in calming autoimmunity is reducing the root cause: inflammation. This means eliminating inflammatory foods and adding nutrients that repair the gut, support the immune system, and lower oxidative stress.

Foods to Eliminate
• Processed sugar and refined carbs
• Gluten and conventional dairy
• Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn)
• Artificial additives and preservatives

Foods to Add
• Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and berries
• Wild-caught fish and plant-based omega-3s
• Fermented foods and prebiotic fiber
• Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and rosemary
• Bone broth, zinc-rich seeds, and collagen for gut repair

The ASTR Diet: Targeting Autoimmunity at the Root

The ASTR Diet, created by Dr. Joseph Jacobs, goes beyond symptom management. It is designed to:

• Heal the gut lining
• Lower inflammation and oxidative stress
• Detox the body safely
• Restore nutrient balance and immune regulation
• Support hormonal and mitochondrial health

By combining anti-inflammatory nutrition, intermittent fasting, and detoxification strategies, the ASTR Diet helps reverse the triggers that fuel autoimmune disease naturally.

Learn how to begin your healing journey with Eat to Heal by Dr. Joseph Jacobs: Available on Amazon

References: Fasano A. (2012). Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol.
Vojdani A. (2015). Molecular mimicry as a mechanism for food immune reactivities and autoimmunity. Altern Ther Health Med.
Mauri C & Bosma A. (2012). Immune regulatory function of B cells. Annual Review of Immunology.