How to Prevent Autoimmune Diseases

Last Updated: July 21, 2022 References

While there are many autoimmune diseases that are hereditary or unforeseeable, some of them may be avoided by being proactive. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and lupus may be prevented by eliminating risk factors. The general improvement of your health can also help prevent autoimmune disease by making your body stronger and more resilient.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Eliminating Risk Factors

1
Quit smoking to reduce your risk of developing a disease. Smoking can greatly increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If you are a smoker, ask your doctor about the best way for you to quit. They may recommend:^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Nicotine replacement therapy, which may come in the form of gum, patches, inhalers, sprays, or lozenges.
- Prescription medication to help with withdrawals, such as Zyban or Chantix.
- Behavioural therapy, where a counselor will help you find strategies to stop smoking.
2
Avoid exposure to environmental pollutants that may cause you harm. The development of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can be linked to environmental pollutants, particularly asbestos and silica. Always wear protective equipment like a mask and gloves while working with harsh chemicals. Whenever possible, avoid construction sites or other areas where you may be exposed to asbestos, silica, or other possible contaminants.^{[3]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Harsh chemicals may include pesticides or strong solvents like paint thinner.
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3
Try a gluten-free diet if you show signs of a gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the small intestine as a reaction to gluten. The development of the disease may be attributed to the consumption of gluten despite an intolerance for it. If you suspect you have a gluten intolerance, try removing it from your diet by avoiding wheat products, reading product labels carefully, and shopping for gluten-free food items.^{[4]
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Research source}
- Celiac disease can cause fatigue and chronic diarrhea.
- A gluten intolerance may results in symptoms like tiredness and stomachaches.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Improving Your Health

1
Lose weight if you are overweight to help prevent autoimmune disease. Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher chance of developing autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} Ask your doctor about the best way to lose weight safely and effectively. Eat healthy, nutritious foods and start a regular exercise program to control or reduce your weight.^{[6]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 3 or more times a week.
- Moderate exercise could include walking, jogging, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, or swimming.
- Avoid processed, fatty, or sugary foods that are associated with unhealthy weight gain.
2
Increase your vitamin D intake through moderate sun intake and diet. A vitamin D deficiency can increase your risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. Get more vitamin D by getting 5-10 minutes of moderate sun exposure 2-3 times a week. ^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To add more vitamin D to your diet, eat fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel once or twice a week.^{[8]
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Research source}
- Vitamin D can also be found in fish liver oils.
- Ask your doctor if vitamin D supplements would be right for you.
3
Take action to relieve stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system and make you vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as lupus.^{[9]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Avoid undue stressors and take the time to do things that make you feel less anxious. If your stress feels overwhelming, discuss it with your doctor and look into counselling or therapy to help you feel more balanced.^{[10]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Activities like writing in a journal, doing yoga, cooking, jogging, or dancing may help you feel more relaxed.
4
Visit your doctor regularly to diagnose of any autoimmune diseases. Early detection and treatment is your best bet at slowing and managing an autoimmune disease. Visit your doctor at least once a year for a full check up. If you have any concerns about you health, contact them immediately.^{[11]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
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- Your doctor will give you a full examination and run blood tests or whatever else is necessary to identify autoimmune conditions.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is vitamin D deficiency common?

David Nazarian, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.

David Nazarian, MD

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

Expert Answer

Yes! Many people are deficient in vitamin D because we just don't get to spend enough time in the sun each day. However, spending just 15 minutes out in the sun each day will improve your vitamin D intake.