Our immune system is supposed to protect us from dangerous foreign substances. But for millions of people, the opposite is true. Instead of destroying harmful microorganisms, for people with autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks its own host (this is known as autoimmunity). Over 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified. Generally, they fall into two categories: systemic (causing damage to many organs) and localized (causing damage to a single organ or tissue). Some of the more common autoimmune diseases are:

• Systemic autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis (joints, lungs, skin), lupus (skin, joints, kidneys, heart, brain, red blood cells, other tissues), scleroderma (skin, intestines, lungs), and Guillain-Barre syndrome (nervous system).
• Localized autoimmune diseases: Type 1 diabetes (pancreas), Crohn's disease (intestines), ulcerative colitis (intestines), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (thyroid), Grave's disease (thyroid), and Addison's disease (adrenal glands).

Who is At Risk?

It's estimated that up to 5% of the world's population has some form of autoimmune disease. About 75% of sufferers are women. Though the immune system is the focus of intense study, no one knows the exact cause of autoimmune disease. Current research suggests the cause may lie in a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Can Autoimmune Disease Be Cured?

Unfortunately there are no known cures for autoimmune disease. Many people experience occasional flare-ups with dormant periods in between. Others may see their symptoms get worse with time. Treatment of autoimmune disease must be tailored to the individual patient's condition and needs. However, most patients will benefit from therapeutic lifestyle changes such as:

• A healthier diet. Saturated fats have been shown to incite the body's inflammatory response. Lowering your intake of saturated fat may help reduce the inflammatory response. Additionally, getting proper nutrition will give you more energy and help you to deal with your symptoms more effectively.
• Regular exercise. Low- to moderate-intensity exercise can reduce the amount of fat in your body, which research suggests may incite the inflammatory response.
• Herbs and supplements, such as curcumin, hops, and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, may support a healthy immune response. (Note: Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any supplements you are taking.)
• Alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and acupressure have been shown to increase endorphins and may help you cope more effectively with your symptoms.

Since the exact causes of autoimmune disease are unknown and disease progression can vary from one individual to another, it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that meets your unique needs.