Immune Health

The Immune System

The immune system protects our body against invasion by 'foreign invaders' such as viruses and bacteria. It is a complex inbuilt mechanism which helps the body identify harmful substances which could cause the body to become susceptible to health conditions such as colds and flu, cold sores and other illnesses related to immune deficiencies.

The immune system produces antibodies when exposed to foreign invasion and stimulates specialised cells which destroy these invaders and neutralise their toxins.

In addition, the immune system also defends against its own cells in the body that are abnormal or degenerating.

How it works

The immune system is able to recognise every single cell in the body and identify them as 'friendly' or 'unfriendly.
It is also able to isolate foreign invaders such as bacteria, virus and fungi that are harmful to the body.
When there is an invasion of harmful substances, the immune system quickly gets to work to target the invaders. It mobilises a number of cells within the immune system to mount a full scale attack against he invasion.
When the invader has been defeated, it shuts itself down and mobilises other cells to remove the 'debris'.

The immune system has a 'memory' and remembers and records the identity of the invader and how it defeated the invader. If the invader attacks the body again even if it is years later, the immune system recognises the invader and is able to launch its defence immediately.

The immune system will even recognise that if the body's own cells have mutated and become harmful to the body, it knows to try and destroy it even before it can do any harm to the body.

As the body has a very powerful mechanism to protect itself, it is vitally important to ensure that we maintain a healthy immune system and if it becomes compromised due to a variety of reasons such as medication, lifestyle or other factors, we can give our body a helping hand to strengthen the immune system so that this powerful mechanism can do its job more effectively.

Immunoglobulins - what are they and what do they do?

Red blood cells and white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. The red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. The white blood cells (also called leukocytes) are the cells of the immune system.

Lymphocyctes are small white blood cells that serve as the main operating cells of the immune system. In a healthy body there are about one trillion in number. There are three main classes of lymphocyctes - B-cells, T-cells and Natural Killer cells.

Each B-cell is programmed to make one specific antibody (immunoglobulin) to defend against one specific invader (antigen). Immunoglobulins attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can destroy them. Antibodies are specific to each type of foreign substance and are capable of destroying or neutralising one specific foreign substance in the body.

There are 5 major types of Immunoglobulins:

IgA
Immunoblobulins IgA are present in the nose and nasal passages, digestive tract, ears and eyes. They are present in saliva, tears and blood and represent about 10-15% of all the antibodies found in the body. IgAs protect body surfaces against foreign invasion.
IgG
Immunoglobulins IgG are present in all body fluids. They are the smallest antibody and make up 75-80% of all the antibodies in the body and play a vital role in fighting bacterial and viral infections.
IgM
Immunoglobulins IgM are present in blood and lymph fluid. They are the first type of antibody to respond when there is an invasion. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances. IgM antibodies make up about 5% to 10% of all the antibodies in the body.
IgE
Immunoglobulins IgE are present in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They trigger an allergic reaction when the body is exposed to foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander. They may also cause the body to react in allergic reactions to milk, certain medicines and poisons. IgE levels are often high in people who suffer allergies.
IgD
Immunoglobulins IgD are present in tiny amounts in the tissues that line the abdomen or chest. Their mode of action is largely unknown.

The levels of each type of antibody can help your doctor diagnose a medical problem.

Health Conditions

Common causes of a weak immune system

Poor diet
Some medication
Antibiotic abuse
Smoking
Excessive packaged and processed foods
Stress
Lack of sleep and rest
No exercise
Genetic

People who have a weak immune system may suffer

Frequent incidence of colds and flu
Susceptibility to infections and infections that don't heal
Digestive problems
Frequent cold sores
Lymphocyctes

Top Tips - How to boost your immune system

Your health and general wellbeing is related to the health of your immune system. When your immune system is strong, your body is able to fight off infections and other health conditions. But when your immune system is weakened, you'll find yourself more susceptible to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.

If you find that you're often catching a cold or flu, getting recurring cold sores or you find that your general wellbeing is not as good as it should be, you can start taking simple everyday measures to improve your immune health and strengthen your immune system.

Sleep and Rest
Ensure your body is getting plenty of sleep and rest. At least 6-8 hours sleep every night is necessary.
Exercise
Exercise regularly. Walk or jog for at least 30 minutes, 4 times a week.
Diet and 'Super foods'
Ensure your diet is healthy, comprising of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pack your diet full of garlic, blueberries, cranberries, apples, oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, brown rice, whole grains, green beans cantaloupe, brown rice and green leafy vegetables. These are some of the 'super foods' known to help boost the immune system.

Ensure that your diet has plenty of protein. Fish and chicken are good sources of protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. When your diet is low in protein, it tends to be high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates convert readily to glucose, which cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. This adds stress to the pancreas and the immune system.

Add lemons to your diet. Lemon restores the acid-alkali balance and maintains the PH balance in the body. Bacteria and viruses tend to thrive in more acidic environments. By adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking will help.
Supplements
To boost your immune system take an ImmuneLife supplement. If you have a tendency to catch a cold or flu every winter, take ImmuneLife's DailyImmune every day to strengthen your immune system and
protect your body against infection. If you already have a cold or flu, take ImmuneLife's ImmuneBiotic. ImmuneBiotic has been clinically proven to shorten the duration and severity of a cold or flu.
Beverages
Drink plenty of water every day
Drink herbal teas, green tea and black tea instead of coffee. They contain antioxidants and bioflavonoids that boost the immune system.
Caffeine depletes the body of minerals and vitamins and is dehydrating. When you have a cup of coffee, have a couple of glasses of water per cup of coffee.
Stress
Try to avoid stress at all times. Stress can weaken the immune system and leave your body susceptible to illness. Meditation, rest and relaxation can help.
Laughter is believed to help strengthen the immune system
Make time to look after yourself. Spend quality time with friends and family, pamper your body and indulge in a massage or hot bath or listen to music that you enjoy. Find time to relax your mind and body.
Avoid
Avoid foods that are high in sugar. Refined sugar weakens the immune system.
Avoid packaged or processed foods. It is always better to eat fresh foods and vegetables.
Top Tips - How to boost your immune system