Our immune system is a brigade that keeps away illnesses and diseases. There are countless bacteria and viruses that loathe around us, and if not for the immune system, we would be falling sick every short while. While controlling the unhealthy bacteria in the environment may be beyond our control, we can strengthen our immune system to withstand and put up a fight against these viruses.

The environment that surrounds us is full of elements that can help us lead a healthy life and disrupt the normal functioning of the same. However, when such elements attack our body, the body has its security personnel that ensures that these malicious agents cannot gain entry into the system.

The human body, though vulnerable, is quite capable of protecting itself. The nature that nurtures us has elements in it that are known to cause damage, which can be short-term or can last a lifetime. The body’s immune system is credited with protecting the body from outside agents, and this ensures that we don’t fall prey to diseases that aim at disrupting our body’s functioning.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and leaves you with symptoms that linger for long periods. Autoimmune diseases are not caused by any organ, but due to an overactive immune system that fails to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy cells. An autoimmune disease can change how organs work and can also cause abnormal growth of any organ.

Autoimmune diseases strike the body when the immune system goes rogue and starts attacking the healthy cells. This affects the functioning of certain organs and even their structure. The symptoms of autoimmune diseases tend to overlap with that of other common diseases. This makes it difficult for doctors to pinpoint what exactly ails the patient.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease has serious complications in the later stages. It attacks kidneys and produces Nephritis. Efficiency of kidneys reduces and toxins and other wastes accumulate in the blood. One may suffer from hematuria or blood in urine. Hypertension and swelling in lower legs set in. Untreated it can lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).