It is estimated that there are 23.5-50 million people in the United States suffering with an autoimmune disease. In each case, the immune system gets its wires crossed and turns on healthy tissue instead of infectious agents.

Human genetics hasn’t altered, so something must be changing in the outside world that is increasing our predisposition to autoimmune disease.

Changes in diet are occurring , as we’ve adopted western-style diets and are consuming more fast food. Fast food diets lack certain important ingredients, such as fiber. Evidence suggests that this alteration affects a person’s micro biome-the collection of micro-organisms that we have in our gut and which play a key role in controlling various bodily functions.

You may say, like I do, but that’s not the way I eat! I’ve always tried to eat healthy, raw fruits and veggies and whole-grains. Home-cooked meals, not fast-food. Something else plays a part, but for future generations and the hope of avoiding an autoimmune disorder it doesn’t hurt to try to eat healthy!