Immune System - More Important Than Many Think?

One of the functions of our immune systems is to protect our bodies from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, environmental toxins and fungi. However, when our immune systems are weakened our bodies may be susceptible to illnesses that these invaders cause. A strong immune system offers us greater protection from seasonal illnesses such as the flu and other conditions.

 

The Two Parts to the Immunity System

1. Innate Immune System

​We are all born with an Innate Immune System
These Innate Immune cells are located where invaders are most likely to enter, such as the skin, stomach, and mucous membranes. The Innate Immune system is made up of cells that have no memory of specific bacteria, virus, parasites, environmental toxins or types of infections due an injury, but are able to recognize if these invader cells/toxins do not belong to the body. The Innate Immune System can identify the invader(s) in a matter of hours and attack immediately. It is the first the first line of defense.

2. Adaptive Immune System

Develops as our body is exposed to invaders
If the Innate Immune system does not resolve the infection/illness after four to seven days the Adaptive Immune System attacks the invaders. Although it takes longer for the Adaptive Immune System to build a response for first time invaders it is more precise and fight the invaders longer. Moreover, the Adaptive Immune System maintains memory T cells, so if an individual is attacked again by the same invader the response time of the Adaptive Immune System will be much faster the second time around. Therefore, some illnesses you will only experience once in your life.

 

What Happens When the Immune System Is Not Working Properly?

  The primary symptom of a weak immune system is susceptibility to infection. A person with a weak immune system is likely to get infections more frequently than most other people, and these illnesses might be more severe or harder to treat.

These individuals may also find themselves dealing with an infection that a person with a stronger immune system would not get include; pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis and skin infections.

 

The Most Common Causes of Immune Problem

• Inherited: Genetics play a role in immune response, affecting the ability to fight off disease.
• Lack of Sleep: Can negatively impact your immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Inactivity can lead to an impaired immune system, inflammation, and other chronic diseases.
• Increasing Age: leads to declines in production and functioning of the immune system.
• Medications: Medications such as chemotherapy are known for killing fast growing cells including the cells that make up the immune system.
• Viruses: Viral infections (i.e. HIV) can destroys important CD4 T-cells weakening the immune system.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Immune System Problems

• Cold hands
• Dry eyes
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Headaches
• Rash
• Joints ache
• Hair loss, scalp
• Tingling in hands or feet
• Repeated infections

 

How to Keep Immune System Healthy

• Eat Right. A healthy, balanced diet can help prevent infections.
• Get Enough Sleep. Try to go to sleep and get up at the same time daily, and get the same number of hours of sleep every night.
• Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your hands with mild soap after using the toilet and before eating.
• Be Physically Active. Staying fit is important to your overall health, it reduces the risk of illness and also enhances the hormone system functioning.