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Autoimmune Disorders: What You Need to Know

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, March 4th 2026 at 1:48 GMT by Entertainment Weekly
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UKRAINE

What are Autoimmune Disorders?

In a healthy immune system, the body's defenses identify and attack foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and organs. This misdirected attack can affect virtually any part of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms and chronic health issues. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, each with unique characteristics and severity. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and Crohn's disease. Chmerkovskiy's specific diagnosis remains undisclosed, but the term "rare" suggests it falls outside these frequently discussed conditions.

Why the Rise in Autoimmune Diseases?

For decades, autoimmune disease rates have been steadily climbing. While historically considered relatively uncommon, they now affect an estimated 5-8% of the U.S. population - upwards of 24 million Americans. This increase is a significant cause for concern amongst medical professionals. Multiple theories attempt to explain this trend, and it's likely a combination of factors at play.

• The Hygiene Hypothesis: This proposes that reduced exposure to common infections in early childhood - due to improved sanitation and widespread antibiotic use - may prevent the immune system from "learning" to distinguish between harmless and harmful substances, increasing the risk of autoimmunity.
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins like pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals is another suspected contributor. These substances can trigger inflammation and disrupt immune function.
• Western Diet: The modern Western diet, characterized by high levels of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, may promote chronic inflammation and gut dysbiosis - an imbalance in the gut microbiome - both of which are linked to autoimmune disease.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of several autoimmune disorders. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune regulation.
• Genetic Predisposition: While not directly caused by genes, individuals with a family history of autoimmune disease are at a higher risk, suggesting a genetic component.

Diagnosing Autoimmune Disorders: A Challenging Process

Diagnosing autoimmune disorders can be notoriously difficult. Symptoms are often vague and non-specific, mimicking those of other conditions. Moreover, many autoimmune diseases share overlapping symptoms, making accurate diagnosis challenging. The process often involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests (to detect autoantibodies and inflammatory markers), and imaging studies. As Chmerkovskiy's initial misdiagnosis suggests - initially thought to be a food allergy - it can take time and multiple rounds of testing to pinpoint the underlying cause.

Living with an Autoimmune Disease

There is currently no cure for most autoimmune diseases. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and suppressing the immune system to prevent further damage. This often involves medications like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, and getting regular exercise, can also play a vital role in improving quality of life.

Val Chmerkovskiy's Advocacy

Chmerkovskiy's openness about his diagnosis is a powerful step towards destigmatizing autoimmune diseases and encouraging proactive health management. His commitment to using his platform to raise awareness will undoubtedly reach a large audience and inspire others to prioritize their well-being. The support from his wife, Jenna Johnson, highlights the importance of a strong support system for those navigating chronic illness.

As Dancing with the Stars prepares for its 33rd season, fans will undoubtedly be cheering on Chmerkovskiy, not only as a talented dancer but also as an advocate for a cause impacting millions. His story serves as a reminder that autoimmune diseases are complex, often invisible illnesses that require understanding, research, and - above all - early detection and proactive management.