We call this return of friendly fire, autoimmune disease. Several hypotheses for the cause of autoimmunity have been postulated, including viral or bacterial infections, stress and genetic susceptibility. Some of these infectious organisms thought to play a role in the development of autoimmune disorders include mycobacterium tuberculosis, chlamydia, salmonella and yersinia. The adenovirus type 2 is thought to cause the immune system to become confused and attack itself. This virus initiates amino acid sequences that are very similar to the myelin proteins that surround our nerves.
Many factors have to be in place for the immune system to become disrupted.
Our genetic makeup and a weakened immune system due to stress, poor diet or exposure to environmental toxins all play a hand in whether or not our immunity is affected. Our body is designed to protect us, not cause harm. Only in the face of complete confusion will the immune system turn on the body. Poor nutrition plays the most important role in keeping our defense system operating in peak order. Nature offers us her bounty we only have to reach for it.