Autoimmune Diseases and Their 13 Known Triggers

4. Gluten

Even if you don't have celiac disease or a milder form of gluten intolerance, this common ingredient can still trigger autoimmune disease in some people. Gluten is often blamed for chronic inflammation, which is one of the primary causes of autoimmune diseases. Also, gluten can contribute to the bacterial imbalances in the digestive tract that lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome, making it an even bigger risk. While you don't necessarily need to go gluten-free, reducing the amount you consume can help to lower your risk for triggering an autoimmune flare. There are plenty of delicious gluten-free options available now, so this is a relatively easy change to work into your diet.