Diet & CREST Syndrome

CREST syndrome is a type of scleroderma, a condition that causes a hardening of the connective tissue of various parts of the body. CREST syndrome primarily affects the skin, but it may also affect the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the body mistakenly attacks its healthy tissue. Certain changes to your diet may address this faulty immune response and if your digestive system has been affected, you will have some other nutritional considerations. If you have any questions about your diet, talk to a doctor or dietitian knowledgeable about this condition.

Autoimmune Disease and Food Allergies

Mark Hyman, M.D., a physician who advocates for the role of nutrition in health, explains that food allergies may contribute to autoimmune conditions in two ways. First, when you eat the offending food, inflammation occurs in the same way it would if your body perceived a harmful substance; the inflammation can worsen symptoms. Second, he explains that the attack your immune system launches on the food might also contribute to the mistaken attack on your healthy tissue. He suggests getting tested for food allergies; you can also experiment with an elimination diet, where you cut out the most common food allergens, along with other items you suspect are a problem, and add them back in one at a time at set intervals to see if any seem to worsen your condition. Get professional guidance on performing the diet properly.
The most common allergens are gluten, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts and soy. If you get tested for food allergies and you do not come up being allergic to gluten, consider eliminating it anyway as some people can have a sensitivity, rather than an outright allergy.

Considerations for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

In recent years, the potential health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been coming to light. Making sure to include them in your diet may offer benefits for an autoimmune disease such as scleroderma, according to an article published in the December 2002 issue of ‘’The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.’’ It reports that these fats combat inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory chemical and mediating the actions of other substances involved in the inflammatory process. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to alter the actions of the immune system that result in the destruction of healthy tissue. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fish, flax seed, hemp seed and walnuts; you can also find many foods fortified with these fats. Do not use supplements without asking your doctor beforehand.

Omega-3/Omega-6 Balance

To reap the full benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, however, you must limit your intake of omega-6 fatty acids. An article published in the June 2008 issue of ‘’Experimental Biology and Medicine,’’ reports the average Western diet -- high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids – are a contributing factor to autoimmune diseases and many other conditions. Oils rich in omega-6 include sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil and corn oil. Continuing to eat a diet high in these fats will cancel out the benefits of including more omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.

Other Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Besides eliminating food allergens and achieving a better balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, you can combat inflammation in other ways. Reduce your intake of items that cause large spikes in insulin such as sugar and white bread and other refined carbohydrates. Cut back on saturated fats and trans fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables; they contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Dealing with Digestive Issues

If your digestive tract has been affected, the Scleroderma Foundation suggests limiting foods and drinks that promote acid reflux. Foods and drinks that increase acid production include alcohol, carbonated beverages, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, tomatoes and onions. Limit high-fat foods; they take longer to digest and the longer a food sits in your stomach, the more likely you are to experience reflux. If you experience constipation, aim for 25 grams to 35 grams of fiber in your diet daily; good choices include whole grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes.