Immune System Facts

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What is the immune system

The immune system is our God-given gatekeeper against diseases, viruses, bacteria and foreign substances. It is a complex network of organs, tissues, cells, and cell products that distinguishes us from foreign substances and protects us against potentially harmful invaders. So the functions of the immune system are to identify and destroy intruders and keep us safe and healthy.

Parts of the immune system

According to the Nobel Prize website, the immune system is made up of cells and proteins, each with a different function.

The first part of the immune system is the group of proteins called the complement system. These proteins are the first to arrive at a site that has been invaded. They engage with intruders by -

• triggering inflammation
• attracting eater cells to the site
• coating foreign substances so that eater cells are more likely to eat them
• destroying invaders.

The second part of the immune system is the group of immune cells called phagocytes. Their job is to locate and eat bacteria, viruses and dead/injured cells.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that recognize specific antigens (foreign substances). The two main types of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells. The T cells attack the body's diseased cells (such as cancer or viruses) while the B cells produce antibodies, protein molecules that travel to the site of infection and attack the bacteria and the toxins they produce.

Diseases of the immune system

There are three main categories of immune system diseases:

• immunodeficiency
• allergies and hypersensitivities
• autoimmune disease

Some immune system disorders are due to immunodeficiency, where an immune system fails to work properly. For instance, someone born with a deficient immune system could easily die from an infection because the immune system defense is unable to repel an attack. Lack of a vital enzyme could lead to toxins building up in immune system cells, killing them and destroying the immune system.

Other immune system diseases may be a result of an overly sensitive immune system. When exposed to harmless substances in the environment, the immune system reacts inappropriately by flaring up. Result: allergic disorders like eczema and asthma.

Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system can't tell the difference between its own cells and invaders, and attacks its own cells. Examples of autoimmune diseases are lupus, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

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How To Build Immune System

Here are some simple and effective natural immune system boosters.

• Exercise and the immune system

Get out into the open air and sunshine instead of staying indoors all the time. Exercise releases endorphins, the happy hormones that give us a feeling of well-being. Fresh air beats indoor air pollution from carpet allergens, germs and air fresheners anytime. And exposure to at least 10 minutes of sunlight a day is essential for the body to manufacture vitamin D, which activates the immune system when the body faces life-threatening infections.

• Foods that boost immune system

Increase your daily intake of fresh, organic and raw whole fruits and vegetables. They are rich in antioxidants, which are your body's natural defense against diseases. Some of the best foods for the immune system are Super Foods, which are known for their beneficial health-enhancing and healing properties.

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