Autoimmune Diseases: A Serious Health Concern For All 20-Somethings

Triggers

All autoimmune diseases are related and begin in the gut where approximately seventy-five percent of the immune system resides. After developing one autoimmune disease, it is very common to receive another diagnosis of a separate autoimmune disease later in life. Although doctors do not know what causes them, certain factors may trigger a flare, such as a poor diet, lack of sleep, too much stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and even genetics. A person who has a family history of autoimmunity is at an increased risk of developing a condition themselves.

How They Occur

The immune system is designed to protect the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The innate system is the part of the immune system the body is born with. It protects the body by releasing white blood cells that attack harmful agents while the acquired immune system is what develops after a baby is born. It launches attacks via T-cells and B-cells. Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks its own cells instead of foreign invaders.