Autoimmune diseases are medical conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, even though its primary function is to protect against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Normally, the immune system detects foreign cells and mobilizes immune defenses to combat them, distinguishing them from the body’s own healthy cells.
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system misidentifies parts of the body—such as joints or skin—as foreign, failing to recognize them as self. This leads to the production of proteins known as antibodies that attack healthy cells.
These diseases vary in scope: some target a single organ, like type 1 diabetes, which attacks the pancreas, while others are systemic, such as lupus. The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, but certain populations appear more susceptible. Statistics show that women are affected at a rate of 6.4% compared to 2.7% of men, typically emerging between ages 14 and 44.
Some autoimmune diseases have a hereditary component, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, meaning there is a genetic predisposition within families, though the specific type may differ. Researchers also suspect that environmental factors—like infections, exposure to chemicals or solvents—may trigger these conditions. Additionally, Western diets high in fats, sugars, and processed foods may contribute to inflammation that stimulates immune responses, though this is not conclusively proven. The “hygiene hypothesis” also suggests that reduced exposure to microbes may weaken the immune system’s response to harmless foreign substances.
The main causes of autoimmune diseases remain largely unknown, likely involving a combination of nutrition, infections, and chemical exposures, requiring further research.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common include:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells, disrupting blood sugar regulation and potentially harming blood vessels and vital organs.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Immune attacks on the joints cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and redness, often appearing before age 30.
- Psoriasis: Rapid skin cell proliferation leads to red, scaly patches, sometimes affecting joints as well.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Damage to the protective myelin sheath around nerves disrupts nerve signal transmission, causing numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Symptoms progress differently, often requiring mobility assistance within 15 years of onset.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Affects skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart, with common symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes.
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease (affecting any part of the digestive tract) and ulcerative colitis (affecting the large intestine) cause intestinal inflammation.
- Addison’s Disease: Impacts adrenal glands that produce hormones regulating stress response and hydration, leading to issues with nutrient and energy use.
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