Digestive distress? Bloating? Fatigue? Auto-immune disorder? Autoimmune diseases now affect over 25 million people in the United States alone, and include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. All of these conditions are linked to one biochemical process: an over-reactive immune response also known as systemic inflammation in the body, where your body attacks its own tissues.

By now many of us know the dangers of aluminum exposure. Research has uncovered direct links between aluminum levels in the body and Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, brittle bones, autism (in utero exposure), infertility, and generalized permanent damage to the central nervous system. Aluminum is an estrogen mimicker which imbalances the hormones indirectly leading to hypothyroidism, endometriosis, and many other health issues. Some aluminum facts.

There is a group of plants known as nightshades which should be avoided by anyone who has inflammation in the body, particularly in the joints. It is wise to completely avoid all nightshades if you have an autoimmune condition of any kind. Nightshades are some of the most commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, and even some very common herbs and spices.

Non-dairy milks are a wonderful way to feed your body nutrient-dense, delicious and healthy substitutes for inflammatory dairy. However, relying on store bought brands can sometimes introduce toxic additives into your system, such as carageenan. Carageenan is not only in non-dairy milks, it is found in protein powders, condensed milk, cottage cheese, coconut water, many brands of ice cream (both dairy and non-dairy) and vitamins. This ubiquitous ingredient is extracted from Irish Moss and used as a stabilizer for various foods.