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Advice: Our Body > Immune System
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The immune system at work:
White blood cells (leukocytes) tirelessly patrol our body. If they come upon invaders such as bacteria they sound the alarm and storm out of the bloodstream in hordes. Through incorporation and digestion (phagocytes) they defend against the foreign organisms and neutralize them.
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Our Immune system
The immune system is one of the most important pillars of our health. Despite its inconspicuous 1.5 kg. weight it is, besides the nervous system, the most complex network in the body. This system, which is not located in a single organ and functions more like a mobile task force, is called the immune system, though it is often also referred to as the body’s defense system. It protects us from foreign organisms such as viruses and bacteria, and dysfunctional cells.
Pathogens and Defense Mechanisms
Daily we are exposed to countless pathogens that the immune system effectively fights off. The skin and mucous membrane constitute a first protective barrier. Its resistance function is bolstered by the immune cells’ production of defensive substances (immunoglobulin A, lysozyme, etc.) in mucous, saliva and tears. When this first protective layer is penetrated by a pathogen the innate and adaptive immune system steps up its activities.
The innate and adaptive immune system
The innate part of the immune system consists of various “devouring cells” (granulocytes and macrophages) and serves as a rapid and sweeping first defense should foreign organisms penetrate through the protective barriers, for instance in the case of a skin wound. In this process the pathogens are phagocyted (“devoured”) and subjected to intracellular lysosyme activity (“digestion in the cell”). The innate immune system is not specific to one pathogen, but instead aimed at various non-specific invaders.
The adaptive part of the immune system is made up of specialized defense cells, which have immune regulatory functions. They can eliminate cells infected by viruses and cancer. They can also produce great quantities of antibodies (specific defense substances). In the course of a life adaptation processes develop in the adaptive immune system, which enable a strong and targeted immune reaction. Special memory cells, which can live to 20 years old, make it possible to react with a rapid and massive counterattack when reencountering the same pathogen. This is the underlying principle of immunization. The innate and adaptive parts of the immune system are variously and inextricably linked and function in close collaboration.
Cellular and humoral defense
The cellular defense is made up of the different cells of the immune system. These immune cells partially produce defense factors and release them in the form of bodily fluids. These defense factors constitute the humoral defense: humoral meaning that which is acts through fluids .
Autoimmune disease
In certain cases the immune cells’ defense activity is not only directed at tissues that are foreign to the body but also against those that are its own. This leads to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and ankylosing spondylitis.
A.Vogel recommends:
Healing plants and the immune system
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) bolsters the body’s intrinsic defense capacities. It improves the phagocyte performance of the granulocytes and macrophages as well as activating the various compartments of the innate immune system. In this way infectious illnesses and colds can be prevented or weakened in their progression. To learn more about A.Vogel Echinaforce® click here
- Various other plants contain substances with antibiotic properties, for example:
- Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata)
- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Lifestyle and a positive outlook
- A cheerful disposition and a sense of humor strengthen the immune system.
- Regular moderate exercise not only gets your circulation moving it also stimulates the immune system. Exercising 3 times a week for 20 minutes with a pulse of 180 minus your age is ideal.
Diet / Social Drugs
- Vital substances contained in vegetables and fruits strengthen the immune system. Certain trace elements and vitamins such as zinc and vitamin C also have this effect. They are essential for an optimal functioning of the white blood cells. Social drugs such as nicotine weaken the immune system and should be avoided. A single cigarette increases the daily recommended 150 mg of vitamin C dosage by two thirds!
Relaxation and Sleep
- The immune system is among the organs with the most rapid cell consumption and regeneration. The average life expectancy of a white blood cell is only 10 days. In addition these cells are highly active. A plasma cell, an adaptive immune cell type, can secrete up to 2000 antibodies per second. Regular rest periods are therefore essential for its functioning. Particularly important is an early bedtime and plenty of sleep.
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