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Health and the Immune System
Health Topics on this page
The Immune Army
Have you ever wondered how your immune system works? An understanding of its vital role can be a good thing to have. It may seem a lot to take in at first, but I hope you will read on as it is a fascinating subject and could pay dividends to your health in the long run.
We have two types of immunity; one known as “passive immunity” which we are born with and get from our mother, and the second type is known as “acquired immunity”, which we develop ourselves as a result of initial exposure to some new virus or bacteria. Once acquired, this immunity stays with us, enabling us to defend ourselves should the same virus or bacteria attack us again.
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and is, in effect, a one way drainage system. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels which extends to all parts of the body. They contain a fluid known as lymph which contains only white blood cells. Valves in this one way system allow it to flow in only one direction – away from the body’s extremities.
The immune system can be described as the main defence system for the health of our bodies. The purpose of the immune system is to identify the body's enemies and destroy them. They include defective body cells (as in cancer) as well as foreign agents such as virus's and bacteria.
The main gateways into the body are the skin, digestive system and the lungs. Within the digestive system is the "gut-associated immune system" which is programmed to allow digested food particles, such as amino acids, fatty acids and other nutrients, to pass through the gut wall into the bloodstream.
Incompletely digested food can result in immune reactions and eventually allergies, especially if large food molecules pass into the bloodstream. The nasal passages help to prevent unwanted agents from entering the lungs. Healthy strong mucous membranes are therefore the first line of defence against these types of invaders.
The Immune ArmyIf invaders get inside the body, the immune system has an army of special cells to deal with them. These cells differ in how they function and where in the immune system they are. For example: Some 3 types operate in the blood (B-cells, T-cells and macrophages) collectively called white cells. When a B-cell comes into contact with an invader it grows larger and divides into several cells which secrete antibodies that latch on to the invader.
Antibodies cannot destroy bacteria and viruses but they do give them a hard time. They stop bacteria producing toxins, and they prevent viruses from entering body cells. Since a virus cannot reproduce unless it enters the body, and takes over the cells' control centre, anti-bodies are a real setback for viruses.
Antibodies also call up more lethal cells such as T-cells to deal with invaders. T Cells are made from the thymus gland at the top of the chest. There are three kinds: T-helpers, T-suppressors and NKs (natural killers). NK cells produce toxins that can destroy the invader. T-helpers help to activate B-cells to produce antigens, while T-suppressors turn off the reactions when the battle with the invaders is won.
Normally there are twice as many T-helpers as T-suppressors. In AIDS, the HIV virus selectively destroys T-helpers, resulting in too many T-suppressors which depress the immune system, leaving the sufferer susceptible to other infections. Macrophages finish off the battle by completely engulfing and digesting the invader that has been identified by T- and B-cells.
The Immune battlegroundAt any time there are a small number of immune cells roaming the body. Many of them have only a short life: T-cells for example, live for about 4 days. When an invader is identified, new troops are produced in the bone marrow and thymus and posted to forts such as lymph nodes, the tonsils, appendix, and spleen.
Lymphatic vessels drain into these forts, bringing in invaders to be destroyed. That is why lymph nodes, for example, in the neck. armpits and groin, become inflamed during an infection. This means they are doing their job to regain health.
Since the lymphatic system does not have a pump, lymphatic fluid is moved along by muscle movement - so physical exercise is important for lymphatic drainage.
Immune Boosting NutrientsYour immune strength is totally dependent on your intake of healthy vitamins and minerals. Deficiency in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, Folic acid, Vitamin C and E suppress immunity, as do deficiencies in Iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins B1 B2 and B5 have mild immune-boosting effects compared with B6.
The production of Anti-bodies, so vital to defeat infections, depends upon B6, as does T-cell production. B12 and folic acid also both appear essential for proper B-cell and T-cell function. B6 along with folic acid and zinc are all needed for the rapid production of new immune cells to engage an army.
Since nutrients work in harmony rather than isolation, it is a good idea to take a good high-strength multivitamin and mineral supplement. The combination of nutrients even at modest levels can boost immunity very effectively.
A research study published in The Lancet took a group of 96 healthy elderly people and gave some a supplement of this kind and others a placebo. Those on the supplement suffered fewer infections, had a stronger immune system as measured by blood test determination of immune factors and were in better general health than those given a placebo.
The Immune Power DietThe ideal immune boosting diet is no different in essence from the ideal health diet for anyone. Since immune cells are produced rapidly during an infection, sufficient protein in the diet is essential. However too much suppresses immunity, probably by using up available B6.
Diets high in saturated fats suppress immunity and clog up the lymphatic vessels; but essential fats, found in cold pressed seed oils, boost health and immunity. Therefore a well balanced protein, low fat diet, with fats obtained from sources such as seeds and nuts, together with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is the way to eat for maximum immunity.
During a viral infection that increases mucus production, it is best to avoid meat, dairy produce and eggs. Also avoid any food that you think you may be allergic to. Great foods to shorten the life of a virus are all vegetables, especially carrots, large salads, beetroot and their tops, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and bean sprouts.
Fruit is particularly beneficial, especially water melon, oranges and kiwi fruit plus ground seeds, lentils, beans, whole grains such as brown rice, and fish. All foods should be eaten as raw as possible, avoiding frying which introduces free radicals.
Working with the immune systemAlternative therapies, especially nutritional therapy and naturopathy, works with the immune system to tackle disease and illness. Unfortunately medical science and the pharmaceutical industry seems to be intent on developing some new type of man made “wonder drug” or “magic bullet” to tackle symptoms.
This is especially so when it comes to cancer, a chronic disease of the immune system. An increasing number of people are now beginning to realise that each and every attempt to create such a “wonder” drug has resulted in only minimal success at best.
Each new drug developed for cancer is hailed as making new inroads into treatment, but it often fails in its initial promise, and the number of deaths from cancer hardly change at all year on year. These drugs are also extremely expensive and a cash-starved NHS often cannot afford to supply them to cancer patients.
Mother Nature knows bestMother Nature already has the answer to many diseases, but this appears to be totally disregarded by the research and development sections of drug companies, and ignored up until now by medical science.
It has been proved many times that by helping the immune system to work more effectively, cancer cells and tissue can be eradicated successfully without destroying healthy cells and healthy tissue.
One is left to wonder whether more interest would be taken by orthodox medical science if treatments such as B17 therapy and Essiac therapy, which works with the immune system, could be patented and marketed with the same profits as the far less successful and more harmful man made drugs and therapies.
Further reading
Human Anatomy and Biology Guide
A diagnosis of cancer?
How to overcome colds and flu quickly and naturally when they strike
This excellent site by a physician explores how nutrition is key to wellbeing
An anti-cancer diet for health is explained here
How A Chemical Found In Broccoli Can Help Prevent Cancer Cells From Spreading By As Much As 90% By far, one of the most exciting developments that has taken place in the nutrition and health world
A Kernel of hope Many people believe that eating apricot kernels, a food source rich in a vitamin called B17, can protect against and even help to cure cancer.
Essiac is a herbal recipe discovered more than seventy years ago by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse. Essiac is the name given to the remedy which is her name written backwards.
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