IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune system is the body's defense system. Protecting us from foreign particles that enter our body. The Immune System is the name of a collection of molecules, Cells and organs whose complex interactions form an efficient system that is usually able to protect an individual from both outside invaders and its own altered internal cells.
This combination of components is the product of millions of years of evolution, which has selected those Organisms that are best able to prevent their destruction by Micro-organisms or tumors.
Perhaps an unknown fact concerning the Immune System is that it works best when it doesn't have to work at all. Thus if the infectious organism is unable to enter an individual's body, for whatever reason, no immune response need be mounted and the person is healthy.
Two body features which are not normally associated with the Immune System also serve important functions: the Skin, and the Mucosa. While it seems elementary, the importance of Skin in resisting infection cannot be overemphasized. It is the location at which most Micro-organisms are stopped. To appreciate its importance, it is worthwhile to consider the relative frequency of lesions forming on healthy intact skin, as compared to infections at locations where the skin has been broken.
The less effective, but close cousin of the skin is the Mucosa: the tissue which covers our eyes, alimentary and genital & urinary tracts. As the higher frequency of mucosal infections indicate, it is not quite as effective at resisting the myriad of challengers to which it is subjected. Since this tissue is easier to penetrate than normal skin, it possesses a number of means to dissuade the frequent microscopic interlopers. Tears and aaliva, as well as other mucus secretions act to wash away many potential invaders, and many also contain chemical elements which are
effective in killing microbes.
This combination of components is the product of millions of years of evolution, which has selected those Organisms that are best able to prevent their destruction by Micro-organisms or tumors.
Perhaps an unknown fact concerning the Immune System is that it works best when it doesn't have to work at all. Thus if the infectious organism is unable to enter an individual's body, for whatever reason, no immune response need be mounted and the person is healthy.
Two body features which are not normally associated with the Immune System also serve important functions: the Skin, and the Mucosa. While it seems elementary, the importance of Skin in resisting infection cannot be overemphasized. It is the location at which most Micro-organisms are stopped. To appreciate its importance, it is worthwhile to consider the relative frequency of lesions forming on healthy intact skin, as compared to infections at locations where the skin has been broken.
The less effective, but close cousin of the skin is the Mucosa: the tissue which covers our eyes, alimentary and genital & urinary tracts. As the higher frequency of mucosal infections indicate, it is not quite as effective at resisting the myriad of challengers to which it is subjected. Since this tissue is easier to penetrate than normal skin, it possesses a number of means to dissuade the frequent microscopic interlopers. Tears and aaliva, as well as other mucus secretions act to wash away many potential invaders, and many also contain chemical elements which are
effective in killing microbes.
There are several cells that serve the Immune system: B Cells and T Cells.
T-Cells are responsible for destroying infected or cancerous cells, and for coordinating all acquired immune responses. Thus, T-Cell immunity is generally called cellular immunity.
B-Cells are the generators of humeral immunity, so called because it consists of soluble proteins found in the "Humors" (Blood).
Most of us take our immune system for granted until we're sick.
Because our bodies have an amazing ability to adapt and get by, chronic illness rarely happens overnight unless some unusual event pushes you over the edge—the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead, it happens over time and we don’t feel sick until it’s too late. Once your body is overwhelmed and falls into this downward spiral, it usually takes enormous efforts to begin to “spiral up.”
Because being sick is so common in our society, many people "perceive" they are healthy even though they get occasional colds, flu, headaches, fatigue, arthritis and allergies. But the facts are, chronic pain or sickness is not "normal" or you could be unhealthy even without experiencing any symptoms at all.
The good news is that you can prevent sickness and enjoy optimum health if you provide your body (immune system) with the right tools. By providing your body (immune system) with proper nutrition and eliminating the toxins in your body that harm your health, it can virtually heal, repair, regenerate, and restore optimal health without the use of expensive or harmful drugs.
You can boost your immune system, but you must take responsibility for your own health by treating the cause of the sickness and not just the symptoms. It may include many lifestyle changes, but I am sure you will agree, our journey to optimal health is worth it!
T-Cells are responsible for destroying infected or cancerous cells, and for coordinating all acquired immune responses. Thus, T-Cell immunity is generally called cellular immunity.
B-Cells are the generators of humeral immunity, so called because it consists of soluble proteins found in the "Humors" (Blood).
Most of us take our immune system for granted until we're sick.
Because our bodies have an amazing ability to adapt and get by, chronic illness rarely happens overnight unless some unusual event pushes you over the edge—the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead, it happens over time and we don’t feel sick until it’s too late. Once your body is overwhelmed and falls into this downward spiral, it usually takes enormous efforts to begin to “spiral up.”
Because being sick is so common in our society, many people "perceive" they are healthy even though they get occasional colds, flu, headaches, fatigue, arthritis and allergies. But the facts are, chronic pain or sickness is not "normal" or you could be unhealthy even without experiencing any symptoms at all.
The good news is that you can prevent sickness and enjoy optimum health if you provide your body (immune system) with the right tools. By providing your body (immune system) with proper nutrition and eliminating the toxins in your body that harm your health, it can virtually heal, repair, regenerate, and restore optimal health without the use of expensive or harmful drugs.
You can boost your immune system, but you must take responsibility for your own health by treating the cause of the sickness and not just the symptoms. It may include many lifestyle changes, but I am sure you will agree, our journey to optimal health is worth it!