Abstract Summary/Description
Dietary approaches to autoimmune diseases: prevention, treatment, and protocol development Nadia Varigina, Amanda McCloskey, Desiree Wanders Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University Abstract:Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body's tissues, resulting in inflammation, tissue damage, and systemic complications. Autoimmune diseases are the third most prevalent disease group in the US. Common conditions include autoimmune thyroid diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel diseases. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role, external factors like nutrition also contribute to their development and progression. Current treatments focus primarily on symptom management through immunosuppressive therapies, often neglecting the potential of dietary interventions. Emerging evidence highlights the role of nutrition in managing autoimmune diseases. The Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are promising. Additionally, bioactive compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, resveratrol, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects. Despite these promising findings, the lack of standardized dietary guidelines and inconsistencies in research quality remain substantial challenges. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are pivotal in bridging the gap between emerging research and practical, evidence-based dietary strategies. Their specialized expertise is indispensable for developing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy (MNT) guidelines and integrating these approaches into multidisciplinary care plans. This narrative review consolidates current evidence on the relationship between nutrition and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing the critical role of RDs in managing these complex diseases to enhance patient outcomes. This review aims to provide a foundation for creating an MNT protocol for autoimmune disease management to be implemented by RDs to deliver personalized and effective care to their clients and patients with autoimmune conditions.
