An increase in autoimmune diseases is linked to the Western diet, according to researchers at the Francis Crick Institute London.

New data shows that over the past 40 years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases globally.

Dr Brooke Goldner, an expert in autoimmune diseases, told ABC13 that researchers are studying whether genetics has anything to do with the increase in cases. They discovered that heredity wasn’t the cause – it was the food. The spread of the Western diet is consistent with the spread of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and more.

She goes on to say that the high prevalence of meat, dairy, processed foods and fast food is leading to an increase in these diseases around the world.

For example, she says, the Middle East is currently dealing with inflammatory bowel disease, which they have never dealt with before.

Dr. Goldner, who specializes in these diseases, says the best way to treat them, or keep them at bay, involves diet.

“Just like you’ve chosen the right fuel for your car, we need to choose the right fuel for your body or your body won’t function properly,” says Goldner.

Adding more nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits will help you in the long run. Start slow by adding a green leafy smoothie daily and start there, says Goldner. She has free recipes and information on how to cure autoimmune diseases in humans website.