Immune-Lymph System

Your immune system is a complex, intricate system made up of pecial cells and chemicals that fight infection. These cells move through blood and tissue, and are called white blood cells. White blood cells that make up the immune system are made in the bone marrow. White blood cells, organs, proteins and tissues team up to provide a natural defense to protect you from bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The immune system also produces proteins called antibodies that can help neutralise infection or the toxins that some germs produce. Every time a microbe (germ) is overcome, the immune system remembers that microbe. If the body comes in contact with that microbe again, it will be defeated quickly.

There is literally no way to escape germs coming in contact with your body. All you can do is manage your body in a way that enables it to operate at optimum performance to ward off an sickness.

Immune System Facts – What Causes Problems? (Video Inside)

The immune system was created and designed for one simply purpose; and that’s to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. It does its job from the day we’re born. It’s there to protect our bodies from being taken over. Ever wondered when there is some type of bacteria and viruses going around. Why some people “contract it” while others remain healthy and unaffected? However, the immune system can have difficulty performing well if it’s not treated properly. It may be weakened by outside influences, and becomes vulnerable to invasion from germs. Many factors, either by themselves or combined contribute to a weakened system. Some examples of this are:

• Environmental Issues
• Unhealthy Eating Habits – Processed and Fast Food
• Drug Abuse – Including Prescription & Over The Counter Drugs
• Alcohol Abuse
• Lack of Sleep
• Negative Emotions
• Stress
• This is why a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, plenty of water, and possibly immune system vitamins are crucial. Keep that immune system strong and healthy! You’ll need it as long as you shall live.
• Immune System Facts – What Are The Components?
• Fever
  A rise in body temperature, or fever, can happen with some infections. This is actually an immune system response. A rise in temperature can kill some microbes. Fever also triggers the body’s repair process.
• Viral infections
  The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated. This means it can destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick.
• Some infections, like influenza and the common cold, have to be fought many times, because so many different viruses can cause these illnesses. Catching a cold from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.
• Immunisation
  Immunisation works by mimicking the body’s natural immune response. A small amount of the specially treated virus, bacterium or toxin (vaccine) is injected into the body. The body then makes antibodies. If a vaccinated person is exposed to the actual virus, bacterium or toxin, they won’t get sick. Vaccinations are available against many diseases, such as measles and tetanus.
• Cells, tissues, proteins and organs team up to create this amazing defense system.
• Cells – White blood cells called lymphocytes are made in your bode marrow. These cells move through the bloodstream to overcome germs before the germs overcome you.
• Proteins – Proteins or antibodies are produced by the immune system to assist in neutralizing toxins produced by some germs.
• Lymphatic System – The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It is made up of lymph nodes that trap microbes, and the spleen (a blood-filtering organ). Lymphocytes are also found in the lymphatic system.
• Thymus – Made up of lymphatic tissue and promotes the development of antibodies.
• Immune System Facts – The Results Of A Weakened System
• Allergies – The body is reacting to a something harmless as if it were in fact harmful; dust, pollen, animal hair etc.
• Autoimmune Diseases – These diseases are defined as diseases where the immune system turns on the body and attacks healthy cells by mistake. Some autoimmune diseases are:
• Graves Disease – an over active thyroid
• Hashimoto Thyroiditis – an under active thyroid
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• HIV/Aids
• Immune System Facts – How to Protect Yourself
• Eat fresh foods, especially fruit and vegetables and avoid processed and fast food.
• Get plenty of sleep consistently.
• Manage stress, think positive and laugh often.
• Breathe plenty of fresh air.
• Drinks purified or bottled water and eliminate soft drinks from your diet.
• Take a natural treatment to boost your immune system to fight off disease before it strikes.
• Other defences
  As well as the immune system, the body has a number of other ways to defend itself against microbes, including:
• Skin – a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties.
• Lungs – mucous (phlegm) traps particles, and small hairs (cilia) wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out.
• Digestive tract – the mucous lining contains antibodies, while the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes.
• Other defences – body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection. The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel can also help.

Things to remember

The immune system fights infection.

It keeps a record of every microbe defeated.

Other lines of defence include the skin, lungs and digestive tract

Related articles

• Dr. Maoshing Ni: Six Natural Ways to Avoid the Cold and the Flu (huffingtonpost.com)
• Science is Sexy: How Does the Body Defend Against Diseases? (geeksaresexy.net)
• Introduction to the Immune System (betterbodyjournal.com)