What counts as an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. There are over 100 known autoimmune conditions including celiac disease, lupus, MS, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and APS. They affect roughly 1 in 5 Americans, disproportionately women.

Why do these diseases cluster together?

Autoimmune diseases share genetic risk factors and immune-system pathways. A patient with one autoimmune disease has a significantly elevated risk of developing another — celiac and Hashimoto's, lupus and APS, type 1 diabetes and Addison's are common combinations.

Does diet matter for autoimmune disease?

Diet is not a cure, but inflammation, gut health, and food triggers play documented roles in flare frequency and severity for many autoimmune conditions. Allergen-safe, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory food removes a major source of immune provocation.

Autoimmune Hub

One immune system. Many overlapping diagnoses.

Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto's, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis — autoimmune disease affects roughly 1 in 5 Americans. We build food the whole autoimmune family can trust.

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Conditions We Cover

Autoimmune doesn't travel alone

Celiac Disease

Autoimmune reaction to gluten — strict GF diet is the only treatment.

APS & Lupus

Antiphospholipid syndrome and SLE — clotting and multi-organ inflammation.

Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease — diet plays a major role in symptom management.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Most common autoimmune thyroid disease — often co-occurs with celiac.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Immune attack on the central nervous system — gut-brain axis is active research.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Autoimmune joint inflammation — anti-inflammatory food choices matter.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells — frequently co-occurs with celiac.

Sjögren's Syndrome

Affects glands — high overlap with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis

Skin and joint inflammation with strong gut-immune component.

FAQ

Autoimmune nutrition: frequently asked questions

Notable Voices

Public figures living with autoimmune disease

Venus Williams

Tennis champion · Sjögren's syndrome

Diagnosed with Sjögren's in 2011; transitioned to a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet to manage symptoms and continued competing at the highest level.

Coverage

Selma Blair

Actress · Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Public advocate for MS research and disability visibility since her diagnosis; her documentary 'Introducing, Selma Blair' brought MS to mainstream audiences.

National MS Society

Shannen Doherty

Actress · Crohn's & cancer survivor

Spoke openly about Crohn's disease and her cancer journey, advocating for early screening and patient autonomy.

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Pearl Jam's Mike McCready

Guitarist · Crohn's disease advocate

Founded a benefit concert series for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation; long-time IBD awareness advocate.

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Gigi Hadid

Model · Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Has spoken openly about managing Hashimoto's, helping normalize autoimmune thyroid disease in young women.

Coverage

Christina Applegate

Actress · Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Diagnosed with MS in 2021; now one of the most prominent voices in adult-onset MS awareness.

National MS Society

Notable figures listed for educational and awareness purposes based on their own public statements and advocacy. No endorsement of Sentinel Biosystems or Lucian's Food is implied.

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