Researchers have identified 80-100 different autoimmune diseases and suspect at least 40 additional diseases, including diabetes, of having an autoimmune basis. Research into these diseases also has supplied evidence to link diet with disease incidence or progression. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Assn. (AARDA), 50 million Americans suffer from some type of autoimmune disease.
Improving immunity is not just preventing and treating colds and flu. The American diet falls short on a number of nutrients, including many vitamins and minerals such as C, D, E, and zinc.