Anirban Das

An increase in healthcare over the past century has dramatically reduced morbidity rates and increased the average lifespan of humans. We have fought and conquered previously deadly infections such as the flu and SARS. However, this modernization has brought with it a new problem of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease to name a few are on the rise. Unlike infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases do not arise from a germ. Instead, these diseases occur when our immune system begins to make antibodies and destroy healthy cells. Autoimmune diseases can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, weakness.

Many factors can which can lead to autoimmune diseases on the rise. While scientists have been busy trying to identify the reasons, there has been a gradual increase in the number of cases of these diseases over the past decade.

Here are some of the theories behind this sharp increase:

• Evolution
  Evolution is a brutal process, leaving only the strongest to survive. Through exposure to so many infectious diseases, we have developed genetic modifications to escape harmful pathogens over time that are prone to autoimmune diseases. And this diversity varies with the change of geographical location, for example, Eurasians are more resistant to certain diseases like staph infections, but they are also more prone to allergies and asthma.
  It is believed that as evolution continues there would be more of these genetic changes and possibly more autoimmune diseases. This is because our immune system can build defenses but cannot prevent infections.
• Environmental factors
  It's not just about excessive exposure to germs. Less exposure can also increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. With growing awareness, humans have created more sterile environments around them, especially in developed countries. countries are not exposed to enough bacteria (good and bad) and are therefore more likely to act. This is called the "hygienic hypothesis" of autoimmune diseases.