Strange as it seems, your body can actually attack itself. Well, your body doesn't go crazy with a knife and start attacking in that manner, however, part of your body can. That part is the immune system. When the immune system goes haywire, goes on some crazy metabolic rampage, and turns a supposedly healthy functioning immune system into a victim, so to speak, we call it an auto-immune disorder.

An auto-immune disorder could be likened to the body becoming allergic to its own parts, its own tissues. It's like it suddenly has amnesia, and forgets about what its own tissue is, and what an enemy is.

Auto-immune disorders are so abundant, that a vast number of our population has one of the many forms. In my research, I discovered 174 different auto-immune disorders. Forty-eight were classified as research-conclusive, whereas the rest were considered "suspect." Auto-immune disorders range from psoriasis, to rheumatoid arthritis, to lupus, auto-immune thyroid disease, blood disorders and even certain cancer.

The question that lingers in my mind is "why?" Why would the immune system mistake healthy tissue as an enemy? The body is always striving for normalcy. The makeup is specifically to protect itself. So why would it become confused, erratic and go on the "fritz?"

We can contribute to auto-immune disease by several lifestyle choices. We don't choose to have a system in disarray, but we make choices that set the stage for it to happen. What are those choices?

Our diet for one. Hydrogenated and other trans-fats interfere with immune function, while healthy fats (the ones we were previously advised to avoid), support healthy immune function. Sugar suppresses normal immune behavior, as does alcohol (a refined sugar).

Good hormonal health is a prerequisite for good immune health. But if our life is subject to stress, poor diet, inadequate sleep, environmental toxins, and other factors, we suffer from hormonal imbalances that span many functions in the body. Hormones control hundreds of metabolic activities that are intricately connected to the forces mentioned above, and play a role in the immune system.

There are many substances that have an impact on immune health. Vitamins A, C and D are particularly critical to healthy immune fitness. Most people, when they consume those vitamins, consume the chemical versions, which not only are not as effective in supporting immune strength, but can contribute to its breakdown. Certain medications have been shown to set the stage for immune dysfunction as well.

Life-stress is also an immune suppressant. We all have stress, but if we fall short of the elements needed to support us during stressful times, we will fall victim to this crazed immune mechanism.

Fortunately, there is much that can be done to support healthy immune function. Acupuncture, herbs, good nutrition and resolution of bodily burdens that underscore healthy immune function are all excellent choices for immune restoration. Learn more by attending our upcoming health class, Battling Auto-Immune Disease Naturally, from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 20 in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.