Autoimmune Diseases and Their 13 Known Triggers

7. Dairy

Like gluten, dairy is a good food to avoid if you are concerned about autoimmune diseases. Milk, cheese, and butter are all common triggers, thanks to a protein found in dairy products known as casein. This protein causes inflammation, which leads to autoimmune issues. Alternatives like almond or soy milk may be a better way to go, and some companies even make casein-free butter and cheeses. As researchers learn more about what causes diseases, more healthy substitutions are becoming available at the grocery store. Talk to your physician about whether dairy is a potential trigger for you, and try to avoid it whenever possible.