Autoimmune Flare Management Protocol

Autoimmune flares are periods of higher inflammation, pain, fatigue and organ-specific symptoms. Common triggers include stress, infections, food triggers, overexertion, poor sleep and hormone changes. Acting early can shorten a flare. A short, strict elimination diet removes common inflammatory foods, followed by careful reintroduction to find your triggers. Short fasts and fasting-mimicking diets have early research for autoimmune inflammation. Omega-3 shifts the body toward less inflammatory signaling. Curcumin has arthritis trials showing pain relief similar to some NSAIDs, though it can cause stomach upset and interact with blood thinners. Boswellia has small arthritis trials. SPMs are a newer, less studied category. Gut support (glutamine, zinc carnosine, DGL) targets gut barrier problems that may feed inflammation. Low-dose naltrexone is used to reduce flares over the longer term, not for acute flares. Steroids are sometimes necessary for severe flares, and a short course can limit damage. Rest is part of the treatment: pushing through a flare can make it worse. Work with your rheumatologist for severe flares, and use flares to learn your triggers.