Artichoke (above) encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while avocados, nuts and seeds, and berries reduce inflammation. photos: Pixabay About 23.5 million Americans, including my husband, and millions more people worldwide, suffer from an autoimmune condition - and their numbers are growing, though researchers don't know why. You have probably heard of the most common autoimmune diseases - including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus