Wellness coach Ram Verma recently listed 5 diseases that are “slowly destroying our body” on a podcast. Speaking to Raj Shamani, he named “Thyroid, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Diabetes 1, Lupus,” underlining how these conditions often progress silently.. But what exactly happens inside the body when an autoimmune disease develops? And how much control do we really have?. To break it down, Dr Natasha Negalur More, Consultant Rheumatology at KIMS Hospitals, explains that autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.. “Autoimmune conditions often begin quietly,” says Dr More. “The symptoms may be mild or non-specific at first, which is why people frequently ignore or misinterpret them.”. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Early warning signs people overlook. According to Dr More, one of the most common but overlooked symptoms is persistent fatigue.. “Many patients report constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest,” she explains. “Unexplained joint stiffness, body aches, dry skin, hair thinning, recurrent rashes, or unusual sensitivity to cold are also early clues.”. She adds that symptoms vary depending on the condition:. “In autoimmune thyroid disorders, you may notice weight fluctuations, mood changes and low energy.”. “In type 1 diabetes, increased thirst, frequent urination and sudden weight loss can appear.”. “Rheumatoid arthritis often begins with morning stiffness in small joints.”. “Since these symptoms develop gradually, people delay seeking medical evaluation,” Dr More says. “Early diagnosis can significantly reduce long-term damage.”. Story continues below this ad. How these diseases slowly affect the body. Autoimmune diseases are driven by chronic inflammation, which damages tissues over time.. “Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and, if untreated, deformity,” Dr More explains. “Lupus is more systemic — it can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and even internal organs.”. She adds, “Psoriasis is commonly seen as a skin condition, but it is actually an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can also involve the joints. Autoimmune thyroid disease disrupts metabolism and hormone balance. In type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar over time damages blood vessels and nerves.”. The common thread? “Persistent immune activation,” says Dr More. “Inflammation is not just a symptom — it is the underlying driver of tissue damage.”. View this post on Instagram. The role of lifestyle and diet. “Genetics loads the gun, but environment often pulls the trigger,” Dr More explains. “Chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, and diets high in ultra-processed foods can aggravate inflammation.”. Story continues below this ad. She stresses that wh
