Facts Regarding Auto Immune Diseases

By Virginia Schmidt


The body of human beings runs on some of the most comprehensive systems. Specialization is necessary to allow a medical expert concentrate on certain parts of the human body. When specializing in specific areas a medical expert gains deeper understanding of illnesses and conditions associated with that part. Auto immune diseases are caused by the body mistaking certain parts for foreign cells thereby launching attacks against them.

A properly functioning body is usually able to tell the difference between foreign cells or organisms and body cells. Knowing the difference, they only attack the foreign matter. When one is suffering from autoimmune disease, their body mistakes joints, skin and other parts of the body for foreign organisms/substances and attacks them. This is achieved through the release of antibodies to attack the healthy cells.

Some types of these diseases attack the entire body while some target specific organs. For instance Lupus affects the entire body while Type 1 Diabetes specifically targets the pancreas. The cause of these illnesses is not known although they tend to run in families. It is also speculated that exposure to certain chemicals, infections, and diets might trigger or contribute to the condition.

Men are less susceptible to autoimmune illnesses than women as revealed by several researches. It is revealed that women in childbearing age are the most affected. Another contributing factor is race. With race it clear that some people of certain race show high susceptibility level than others. Some families have specific illnesses running in them but not everybody gets infected. Individuals from such families have higher susceptibility than other.

A diet that contains high levels of fat and sugar is speculated to be a major contributor. Another causative factor is processed foods since they cause inflammation. Many scientific explanations have been put forward to explain the cause of these diseases. The hygiene hypothesis is one of the theories put forward.

Under hygiene theory scientists speculate that advancement in the medicine field has resulted in development of several vaccines and antiseptic. They think that are a result of preventive measures put in place children are exposed to less germs. It is thought that less exposure to germs could make the immune system over sensitive. This means that it could react even to harmless substances.

Statistics indicate that there are over 80 varying types of illnesses in which the body attacks itself. These include multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, and celiac disease. Others include vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Note that similar symptoms may be manifested for a wide range of diseases.

One should pay attention to muscle aches, swelling, and fatigue among other recurrent symptoms. They may be a cause. One should get help early to avoid excessive suffering. Better management methods have been developed over time. Prevention is the best approach, and it should be comprised of eating a balanced and healthy diet and regular exercising. However, it is also important to know that there is no cure for these diseases.




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