Marla Ahlgrimm | Autoimmune Diseases

The human body contains an amazing series of cells and organs that defend against foreign invaders, including germs and bacteria. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, the immune system isn’t always reliable. Here, the retired pharmacist and women’s health entrepreneur answers questions about autoimmune disorders, which affect women more than men.

Q: What are autoimmune diseases?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are more than 80 types of condition considered autoimmune diseases. These happen when the body can no longer make the distinction between normal germs and bacteria and those that cause disease.


Q: Why are autoimmune diseases so widespread?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Autoimmune diseases, in various forms, affect more than 23.5 million men and women in the United States. They are considered the number one cause of disability and death. Fortunately, many of the worst are quite rare while others, including Hashimoto’s disease, affect a significant chunk of the population.