Sunday, April 26, 2009

What is Autoimmune Disease?

I have mentioned that I have an Autoimmune Disease (Graves' Disease). I would like to give a brief explanation about Autoimmune Disease. Graves' Disease is one of many Autoimmune Diseases that affect millions of people. Other Autoimmune diseases include Diabetes, Type 1; Lupus; Crohn's disease; Sarcoidosis, MS, and Rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to the Autoimmune Diseases that I listed, there are so many others. . . As mentioned in a book called The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, Autoimmune Disease is on the rise although it is not being properly funded in medical research.
What is Autoimmune Disease?
"Our bodies have an immune system that protects us from disease and infection. But if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks itself by mistake, and you can get sick. Autoimmune diseases can affect connective tissue in your body (the tissue which binds together body tissues and organs). Autoimmune disease can affect many parts of your body, like your nerves, muscles, endocrine system (system that directs your body’s hormones and other chemicals), and digestive system." The above information comes from the following website: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/autoimmune-diseases.cfm#1.


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