How Does The Immune System Work ?

Our body's defenses protect us from microbe invasion in many ways. For example, the skin not only shields us from attack, but it also hosts billions of friendly bacteria that destroy harmful strains that often contaminate its surface. This system works well unless harsh chemicals and soaps drastically alter natural conditions on the outside of the body.

Another line of defense, saliva, is antiseptic, as is mucus secreted by the lining along the digestive and urinary tracts. If you breathe in the microbes, mucus in the sinuses and the bronchiole tubes may catch them before they go deeper into the body cavity. Tears take care of those germs that find their way onto the eyes.

But what if the gastric, especially hydrochloric acid, doesn't completely protect you from microbes that are swallowed ? Friendly bacteria in the colon will take care of them, if these friends have not been killed by antibiotics.

When these shields fail, both microbes and toxins can get into the blood and here is where the immune system goes quickly into action. Invading germs carry "markers" on their surfaces to help the immune system identify them as aliens. Once detected, nearby cells send out signals that alert the rest of the body (via the nervous system).

At first, interferon is produced by each cell under attack. This chemical temporarily holds the enemy at bay until the immune system can calculate more precisely what it is fighting. The body is so efficient that it does not arm itself against every possible microbe invader in nature. Instead, it is ready with manufacturing machinery and spare parts at strategic points to produce tailor-made weapons and specially trained soldiers to meet each particular threat. Otherwise, the immune system would be so massive and costly to maintain that you probably would not have much energy left to do anything but breathe, eat and sleep !

When the body detects an internal fight, it will first try to get rid of all the toxic waste that may feed the enemy, and hopefully, the enemy itself, in one massive convulsion. Natural cleansing mechanisms go into action. If the stomach is the source of invasion, vomiting may occur. For the bowels, diarrhea. If the invasion is in the blood, a fever will help stop replication of bacteria and viruses and "burn off" toxins. Perspiration can release a large amount of toxic material to the outside. It is important to wash perspiration off to be sure not to reabsorb it later.

The lymph glands work in concert with the immune system, collecting germs and toxins that may be in between cells, out of reach of the bloodstream's reach. Both the fluids and the harmful substances are absorbed into tiny lymph tubules and transported to processing stations called nodes. Here special immune cells destroy bacteria and pollutants, which may cause soreness and swelling and even heat as the battle rages. Then the processed materials are transferred up the line. Finally, the purified fluids are returned to the blood at a point near the lungs.

Your production of certain defensive compounds causes the body to feel sleepy in order to save energy, further ensuring victory. All of these immune activities require vast amounts of energy and nutrients as the body's ammunition runs low and more warriors are needed.

Your immune system is controlled by your nervous system. This is why it becomes essential to have spinal checkups when your feeling poorly. Then through a sound nervous system, proper nutrition (eating fresh light foods), relaxation and rest your healing crisis will come to a much faster conclusion. Using Mother Nature's helpers can be far more rewarding than other measures that are costly, painful and may cause dangerous side-effects.

Any assistance you require around your nutrition/supplementation please feel free to ask me.

Yours in an extraordinary life of full self expression,

Dr. Jeff