In autoimmune diseases, the immune system that should protect the body attacks it instead. In this case, it causes inflammation and scarring, which eventually leaves skin thickened, muscles weakened and organs damaged.

No one really knows what causes scleroderma, although it is a thought that certain genes may be involved in the changes that occur around the body as the disease develops.

There are many forms of scleroderma, but the main two are localized scleroderma, which affects just the skin, and systemic sclerosis, which also affects the internal organs.

Initially, the skin becomes puffy, making even the simplest tasks very difficult. Later, skin thickening makes joints tight and uncomfortable. Regular moisturizing and finger exercises may help keep the skin in good condition and the joints supple. Small deposits of calcium may appear under the skin, small red spots may appear and the skin can also be itchy. Swallowing problems are relatively common and occur because the muscles in the gullet become thickened and stiff. Acid reflux also occurs, causing the gullet to become inflamed, which also makes swallowing very painful. When other parts of the intestines are affected, diarrhea, bloating or constipation is often the result. Leakage of bowel motions can be a problem, too. Help and treatment are available to overcome these problems.

Poor blood supply to the lungs and inflammation means the lungs may not function to their full capacity. In addition to reporting any breathing problems, patients should have regular tests of their lung capacity and performance to determine whether treatment is necessary to help their breathing. Similarly, the heart can be put under pressure because of poor blood flow and fibrosis. Regular heart tests are performed to determine whether the heart is under too much strain. If this is the case, treatment can be given. Raynaud's disease can be a problem for many of those with scleroderma. This causes spasms of the small blood vessels in response to cold, a change of temperature or stress, leading to pain and loss of sensation in the fingers.

Patients with scleroderma are also at risk of developing high blood pressure, so it's important this is checked regularly. They should also be encouraged to eat a healthy diet, not to smoke and to take regular exercise within their capabilities to help keep blood pressure under control.

Scleroderma generally starts before the age of 50 and women are more commonly affected than men.

Each person with scleroderma is affected in a different way and there's no cure for scleroderma, but there are ways of overcoming the problems it can bring. In terms of raw food diet or liefstyle, it's important to have plenty of selenium and vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation. Taking regular exercise and not smoking also protect the heart.

The following 6 Follow-Ups are a Great way to Combat Scleroderma —

1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against infection and enhances immunity. Vitamin C works by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fight off infection. It also works by increasing the production of antibodies and in particular, raises levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin C sources include citrus fruits, potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple.

2. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is important to a healthy immune system. One function of vitamin E is that it enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. In fact, research shows that people who eat vitamin E rich foods tend to have a higher immunity. Vitamin E rich foods are seeds, vegetable oils and grains.

3. Beta-carotene: Beta Carotene enhances the functioning of your immune system. Beta Carotene works by increasing the number of infection fighting cells, natural killer cells and helper T cells. Foods rich in beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro and fresh thyme. To enhance the availability of the beta-carotene in these foods, they should be eaten raw or lightly steamed. Getting the recommended 5-10 a day of fruits and vegetables will approximately provide you with 3-6 milligrams of beta-carotene.

4. Zinc: Zinc helps to prevent a weakened immune system. Studies have shown that a zinc deficiency can impair a number of white blood cells and platelets (blood cells involved in clotting), and can increase susceptibility to infection. Excessive zinc intake, however, may impair immunity and increase infections. Get an adequate amount of zinc in your diet by eating zinc rich foods such as oysters, liver, lean beef, pork, turkey, lamb, lentils, pumpkin and sesame seeds, garbanzo beans and yogurt.

5. Garlic: Garlic is known for its cold-fighting abilities. It increases the potency of two important cells of the immune system: T-lymphocytes and macrophages. The immune-boosting properties of garlic appear to be due to its sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin and sulfides. You can eat it raw or cooked, so start adding it to your favorite foods today!

6. Omega-3 fats: The all important omega-3 fats are essential immune boosters, as they work by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. These fats also help strengthen cell membranes, thereby speeding up healing and strengthening resistance to infection in the body. Omega-3 fats can be found in foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), flax oil and flaxseeds, omega-3 eggs, nuts and seeds. To boost omega-3 in your diet, try adding ground flaxseed to yogurt, baked goods, cereals or smoothies or use unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil as a salad dressing. See ‘Opt for Omega-3’ for more information.

Immune Drainers: Some foods or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors can make a person more susceptible to colds and flus. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar junk foods, as they can decrease the activity of the immune system. It is also best to avoid too much caffeine (pop, coffee, tea, chocolate) as caffeine can undermine your body's immune system and act as a diuretic, which will deplete your body of water. Also, don't smoke! Smoking can impair your resistance as well as injure the respiratory tract, which makes you more susceptible to the flu.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari