Functional medicine nutritionist Kathy Harrington will speak about the ways that diet impacts our immune system and what we can do to repair a compromised immune system and heal autoimmune disease at 7 p.m., March 22, in Bethlehem.

Harrington will explain the functional medicine approach to healing autoimmunity issues. Attendees will learn about the similarities between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, irritable bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, Lupus and discover the best diet to decrease inflammation and restore balance.

The immune system guards against bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and our own cells, but with an autoimmune disease, it mistakes part of the body, like the joints or skin, as foreign, and releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. This process can be reversed with proper nutrition.

Admission is free. Location: Best Western, 300 Gateway Dr., Bethlehem, PA. For reservations (recommended), call 610-419-3909.