Health Tip: Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

When the body begins to attack itself

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(HealthDay News) -- An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly begins to attack itself. More commonly known autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

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Here is more information about autoimmune diseases, courtesy of the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center:

• Autoimmune diseases affect more women than men, and tend to run in families.
• Symptoms may come and go, with no symptoms for a while, then a sudden, severe attack called a "flare-up."
• Symptoms and severity can vary greatly from disease to disease.
• Medication can help control symptoms, as can reducing stress. Meditation and self-hypnosis also have helped some people.
• People with an autoimmune disease should practice healthy habits including getting regular exercise, eating a proper diet, and getting plenty of sleep.

-- Diana Kohnle