What foods should you avoid if you have IgG4?

October 15, 2025 •

5 min read

While there is no definitive cure-all diet for Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), some studies suggest certain foods may increase IgG4 antibody levels or contribute to inflammation. This guide explores what foods you should avoid if you have IgG4 and offers dietary strategies to support your health and well-being.

Quick Summary

Diet plays a supportive role in managing IgG4-related disease, with some foods potentially exacerbating inflammation. Limiting processed foods, sugary items, high-fat content, and specific triggers like dairy and gluten may be beneficial for individuals with IgG4-RD, though modifications should be personalized based on the organs affected.

Key Points

Consult a professional: Always consult your healthcare team or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes for IgG4-RD.
Reduce refined carbs and sugar: Limit intake of refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks, and sweetened beverages to help reduce overall inflammation.
Avoid processed and fried foods: Limit intake of processed and fried foods, which often contain additives and unhealthy fats that can promote inflammation.
Consider dairy, eggs, and gluten: Some studies associate higher IgG4 levels with dairy, eggs, and gluten-containing cereals, but personalize your approach and test for personal triggers.
Tailor your diet to organ involvement: Patients with pancreatic involvement may need to limit high-fat foods, while those with kidney issues should manage protein and sodium intake.
Embrace anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish into your diet to combat inflammation.
Keep a food journal: Tracking your food intake and symptoms can help you identify your own specific dietary triggers.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD) is a complex and rare immune-mediated condition characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in various organs throughout the body. While treatment typically involves immunosuppressive medication, many patients seek complementary ways to manage their symptoms, and diet is a common area of focus. A supportive diet can help reduce overall inflammation, support organ health, and manage medication side effects. However, it is crucial to remember that dietary changes are not a substitute for medical treatment and should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Understanding the Role of Diet in IgG4-RD

Research into the link between diet and IgG4-RD is ongoing, and findings are not conclusive. However, some studies point towards a connection between food antigens and increased IgG4 antibody responses. The goal of a supportive diet for IgG4-RD is often to reduce systemic inflammation, which is a hallmark of the disease. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is a common recommendation, but recent research has also highlighted specific food groups that may be associated with elevated IgG4 levels in some individuals. This provides a starting point for potential elimination diets, which can be explored under professional medical guidance.

Common Foods to Consider Limiting or Avoiding

Based on general anti-inflammatory principles and specific IgG4 research, several food categories are frequently recommended for limitation or avoidance. Monitoring your personal reaction to these foods is key.

Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars: White bread, sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, and desserts are considered pro-inflammatory and should be reduced. A Japanese study also found a correlation between high carbohydrate intake and elevated IgG4 concentrations in the blood.
Processed and Fried Foods: These items often contain unhealthy fats and additives that can trigger inflammation. This includes pre-packaged meals, fast food, and deep-fried items.
Dairy Products: Certain studies have identified a link between dairy intake, especially cow's milk and casein, and higher IgG4 levels. For some individuals, limiting dairy may help ease symptoms, though this is not universal.
Eggs: Egg whites and yolks have also been associated with high IgG4 values in research studies. A food-guided exclusion diet that removed eggs helped reduce IgG4 blood concentrations in one study, though it wasn't specific to IgG4-RD patients.
Gluten-Containing Grains: Grains like wheat, barley, and spelt have shown higher IgG4 responses in some patients. While not a definitive link, some people with inflammatory conditions see benefit from reducing or eliminating gluten.
Red and Processed Meats: High intake of red meat and processed meats can contribute to inflammation in the body. Reducing these in favor of lean protein sources is often advised.
Dried Fruits: In some studies, dried fruits were listed among the foods associated with higher IgG4 values.

Tailored Dietary Considerations for Specific Organ Involvement

The specific dietary recommendations can vary greatly depending on which organs are affected by IgG4-RD.

Pancreatic Involvement (IgG4-Related Pancreatitis)

If the pancreas is affected, nutritional management is particularly important. Patients may have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, requiring adjustments to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Limit High-Fat Foods: A high-fat diet has been shown to worsen pancreatitis in mouse models. High-fat foods like fried items, full-fat dairy, and fatty meats should be limited, especially if they cause gastrointestinal distress.
Increase Lean Protein: A high-protein diet including fish, chicken, beans, and tofu is often recommended to support overall health.
Consider Enzyme Replacement: Your doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzyme replacement to aid digestion.

Kidney Involvement

Advanced kidney issues may require specific dietary modifications to manage mineral and nutrient levels.

Moderate Protein Intake: Excessive protein may need to be limited.
Control Sodium: Avoid high-sodium and processed foods.
Monitor Minerals: In advanced stages, restrictions on potassium and phosphorus may be necessary.

Salivary Gland Involvement

Dry mouth and difficulty chewing can be side effects of salivary gland involvement.

Use Sauces and Gravies: Adding moisture to food can make it easier to swallow.
Sip Liquids with Meals: Drinking plenty of fluids can help with chewing and swallowing.
Try Smoothies: Nutrient-dense smoothies can help maintain adequate nutrition when solid foods are difficult to eat.

Comparison of Food Groups: Potential Impact on IgG4-RD


Food Group	Examples	Potential Impact on Inflammation/IgG4 Levels
Refined Carbs & Sugars	White bread, cookies, soda	Can contribute to inflammation; Japanese study linked high carb intake to elevated IgG4 levels.
Processed & Fried Foods	Fast food, deli meats, packaged snacks	Generally pro-inflammatory due to unhealthy fats and additives.
Dairy	Milk, cheese, yogurt	Associated with higher IgG4 levels in some studies; consider limitation, especially full-fat varieties.
Eggs	Egg whites, egg yolks	High IgG4 responses observed in some studies; can be a trigger for some individuals.
Gluten-Containing Grains	Wheat, barley, spelt	Associated with increased IgG4 responses in some patients; potential trigger.
High-Fat Foods	Fatty meats, full-fat dairy	May worsen pancreatitis, a common IgG4-RD complication.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods	Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish	Can help reduce overall inflammation and support immune function.

The Elimination and Reintroduction Process

For some, an IgG4 antibody-guided elimination diet may provide symptom relief, especially in cases of chronic pain. This involves removing foods that show high IgG4 antibody responses in a blood test and reintroducing them one by one to monitor for adverse effects. It is important to note that IgG4 food sensitivity tests are controversial and should be used under a doctor's supervision. Keeping a food and symptom journal is a less expensive and equally valuable tool for identifying personal triggers.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Managing IgG4-RD with diet is a personalized journey. Significant dietary changes should only be made in consultation with your medical team, including a registered dietitian. They can help you create a safe and balanced nutritional plan that addresses your specific organ involvement, potential nutrient deficiencies, and overall health needs. Never attempt to manage this condition with diet alone.

Conclusion

While a specific, universally applicable list of what foods you should avoid if you have IgG4 does not exist, focusing on a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet is a beneficial strategy. By limiting pro-inflammatory and processed foods, and considering a temporary exclusion of common triggers like dairy and gluten under medical supervision, individuals may find relief from some symptoms. Always collaborate with your healthcare team for a personalized and safe approach to dietary management.

Learn more about IgG4-RD and its management from authoritative sources like the IgG4ward Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no solid evidence that a particular diet can cure or fundamentally alter the course of IgG4-RD. Dietary changes are a supportive measure to manage symptoms alongside standard medical treatment, not a replacement for it.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is generally recommended. Personalized adjustments are often necessary, especially depending on which organs are affected.

The role and reliability of food-specific IgG4 tests are controversial, and there is no consensus on their use. It is more practical to work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to identify potential triggers using a food journal and elimination diet.

If you have pancreatic involvement, a low-fat, high-protein diet is often recommended. You should avoid greasy or fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy. Pancreatic enzyme replacement may also be necessary.

While some studies have explored the effect of probiotics alongside diet elimination for managing IgG4 responses in allergic diseases, there is limited evidence on their specific impact on IgG4-RD. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your regimen.

Some research suggests that certain foods, like dairy, eggs, and specific cereals, might trigger increased IgG4 antibody levels in some individuals, which could potentially activate inflammatory processes. However, this is not a universal trigger for all patients, and the link is still under investigation.

It is crucial to work with your healthcare team to ensure you maintain balanced nutrition. Start by keeping a detailed food and symptom diary to track potential triggers. Then, under professional guidance, you can systematically remove potential trigger foods and reintroduce them to see if symptoms improve.

If IgG4-RD affects your salivary glands, you can use strategies like using sauces and gravies, sipping liquids with meals, and incorporating smoothies to help with chewing and swallowing.