The sci-fi actress discusses how the autoimmune disease has affected her diet and lifestyle.

Actress Zoe Saldana recently revealed that she suffers from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, just as her mother and sister do. The diagnosis has led the Guardians of the Galaxy actress to implement some major changes to her diet. In an interview with The Edit, while elaborating on the disease, she explains, “‘Your body doesn’t have the energy it needs to filter toxins, causing it to believe that it has an infection, so it’s always inflamed. You create antibodies that attack your glands, so you have to eat clean.’

So what is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis exactly? It’s an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s tissues to attack the thyroid gland, usually leading to hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid gland is not able to make enough hormones your body needs to properly control your metabolism, heart rate and how fast your body burns the calories from the food you eat. Hence, the fatigue.

The 38-year-old and her husband have completely given up dairy and gluten, a tough transition for these self-admitted foodies. “I had a great time in my 20s. Then your doctor says you’re losing calcium in your bones,” the actress said. “What the f*** is that?! I would hear those conversations with my mom and grandma, thinking I’d never get there. I’m going to live forever! But all of a sudden it hits you. I s*** you not, it’s from night to day.”

Despite the massive change in lifestyle, Saldana has a promising future. The sci-fi queen is extremely excited for the debut of her new film, Star Trek Beyond, and she’s also set to star in three Avatar movies. Diagnosis or not, it seems like nothing’s going to hold her back.