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ROAD TO WELLNESS
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FEATURED ARTICLE: What is the Immune System?
The immune system is a remarkably complex, vast and sophisticated network of organs, tissues, cells and chemicals that work together to recognize, identify and rid the body of germs. This elaborate defense system has the ability to recognize millions of different germs and can produce substances or weapons to match up with and wipe out each one of them. The main organs of the immune system are the bone marrow, thymus gland, spleen, and lymph nodes.
Who are the Invaders?
The germs or invaders, which the immune system fends off are bacteria, fungi, protozoa(which are parasites), and viruses chemicals which are physical and environmental toxins.
What Can Go Wrong?
• Allergies: When the immune system becomes overly sensitive to a normally harmless substance such as animal dander, pollen, or ragweed. This kind of antigen is called allergen • Autoimmune Diseases: Sometimes our immune system loses its ability to identify "self". It can then think "self" is "foreign" and attack itself. The result is an autoimmune disease. Some examples of autoimmune diseases are: diabetes (some types), ulcerative colitis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and possibly multiple sclerosis • Immunodeficiency Diseases: Sometimes the immune system is so weakened that it cannot fight off diseases. Immune deficiencies can be the result of certain drugs or diseases How Does the Immune System Identify Invaders? For the immune system to be able to identify invaders, it has to be able to tell the difference between what belongs to the body and what doesn't. Every part of our body has on it a particular marker, like a fingerprint, which our immune system identifies as "self". This maker is known as our HLA type - human leucocyte antigen. All other substances do not have this particular maker and so are identified as "foreign", and thus need to be attacked and destroyed. The foreign substance that causes activation of the immune system is called antigens. An antigen can be bacteria, virus, or other foreign substance.
How the Immune System Works
Let us follow a cold virus to see just how the immune system functions. The cold virus has made its way past the first line of defense - the skin, hairs in the nostrils, cilia (hairs) in the lungs, mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and lungs, tears in the eyes and saliva in the mouth. If the virus gets past these defenses, it will attack the lining of the respiratory tract. The virus multiples in the respiratory tract cells and from there spreads to other parts of the body via the blood stream and lymphatic system. The infected cells produce a substance called interferon which alerts healthy cells in the vicinity that there is a virus in their midst and helps protect these cells from viral infection. Meanwhile the body's army of white cells is on constant patrol. The first white cells to arrive at the site are the macrophages. First, the macrophages tag the invader so that the T-cells (a type of lymphocyte) can identify it. After tagging it, they release chemicals that attract more white cells to the site. Then, they surround the virus and eat it up. The macrophages also secrete a hormone called interleukin 1, which causes a fever. A fever is an inhospitable environment for germs so is part of the body's defense mechanism. Now the lymphocytes come into action - they are the most important part of the immune system. There are three types of lymphocytes - T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. These are also subsets of T and B-cells. The first lymphocyte onto the scene is the T-helper cells (also called T4-cells). They send chemical signals to other T and B-cells to send them into action and orchestrate an organized attack on the virus. T-killer cells in response to a message from T-helpers migrate from the lymph tissue to the site of the invasion where they attach onto cells infected with the virus. T-killers then secret a chemical that kills the virus before it has a chance to multiply. T-helper also sends a message to activate the B-cells to help defend the body from invaders. B-cells rest inactive in the lymph system until called into action is T-helpers. When B-cells receive the signal they start to divide into two types of cells. One type is the B-plasma cell, which produce antibodies. Antibodies are special proteins called immunoglobulins or gammaglobulins. Antibodies are very specific and will match the antigen on only one specific germ, similar to a lock and key. Antibodies help eliminate germ in many ways. They clump germs together so they are easier to remove, they can kill germs directly, they can coat and neutralize poisonous substances (toxins) or they can attract other white cells to the scene. Within a few weeks of being exposed to a virus, antibodies specific to that virus begin to circulate in your blood and lymph system. They stay in your body for many years to help against future infection by that same kind of virus. The other B-cells become B-memory cells (there are also T-memory cells). The first time a virus enters your body it can take up to a week for your immune system to start to destroy it. If the same virus appears again in the future, the B-memory cells will remember it, enabling the body to produce a much faster and more vigorous immune attack than the first time. Another kind of lymphocyte are the natural killer cells. They recognize invaders and act independently. They kill germs through direct contact by producing a poison called a cytotoxin. When the infection is under control, the T-helpers trigger T-suppressor cells. Suppressors tell B-cells and T-cells to slow and stop what they are doing so the immune system can return to its normal state. Another kind of white cells are the granulocytes which include neutrophils, basophils, and esinopils. These are the most common immune cells in your body. These are the cells that cause redness and swelling when you have a cut, scrape or infection. They are the main constituents of pus. When there is an infection their numbers increase rapidly which is referred to as a "high white count". How Can I Boost My System?
What we eat is very important. There is a myriad of nutrients, over 50 in total that we know of, that are needed for good health. We need the macro-nutrients-carbohydrates for fuel and energy, protein for tissue building, maintenance and repair, and fat for carrying the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and as a constituent of all hormones and cells. We also need the micro-nutrients, which are all of the vitamins and minerals. These play complex roles in all the chemical pathways in our bodies, helping our bodies function well, maintaining the delicate balance of our bodies and maintaining our immune systems. There are also substances such as phytoestrogens, antioxidants, cancer-fighting nutrients, fiber and many others Many of these are particularly important for reducing our risk of disease such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.. Some nutrients are particularly important for strengthening the immune system. These are protein, minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, selenium, zinc and vitamins such as A, C, E, and certain B vitamins, B6 (pyridoxine), B12 and folic acids. Essentialfatty acids (constituents of fats) are also important. You do need to eat well to be truly healthy. So if you choose relatively healthy foods most times you eat, you will be eating well. If you do obtain all the needed nutrients you will have more vitality and will be healthier - both in the short run (fewer colds and flus) and in the long run (reduced risk of osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease
Suggestions to Boost the Immune System
1. Eat in a healthy, balanced way - follow the Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and the specific immune-boosting nutrients 2. Cleanse and detoxify your body of foreign substances eg. Parasites 3. Keep a clean and high functioning digestive system to allow full absorption of nutrients. 4. Consider taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement and immune enhancing supplements 5. Be physically active-physical activity seems to boost the immune system 6. Get sufficient sleep 7. Have a positive outlook on life - an optimistic outlook may enhance your immune system 8. Reduce stress - unrelieved stress may suppress your immune system. Find ways to reduce stress. 9. Drink clean filtered water reference: Darlene Long
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