More Information about the Immune System

The immune system is a vital part of the body. It has the supremely important task of defending and protecting the body against disease-causing germs. The immune system-with its network of special cells, proteins, tissues and organs-works hard day in and day out to prevent illness and infection.



But there are times when the immune system fails to function optimally, and we get sick as a result. Everyone has experienced being sick, whether from simple illnesses like colds or the flu, or from something more serious like pneumonia or malaria. This indicates that our immune system is not always in perfect condition. Sometimes it weakens and we become prone to diseases. At other times it is robust, so much so that even when a viral infection affects everyone around us, we still remain disease-free.



It is fascinating to learn about the immune system and how it defends, and sometimes fails to defend, our body. The cells that primarily make up the immune system are white blood cells called leukocytes. They are found in various parts of the body, like the thymus gland, bone marrow and spleen. They are also in lymph nodes found throughout the body. Like soldiers, these white blood cells circulate through the body, monitoring various places for the presence of "antigens" that identify harmful foreign microorganisms. When they detect an antigen, they produce "antibodies" to attack the foreign bodies. Phagocytes are specialized white blood cells that neutralize invading entities by gobbling them up. Lymphocytes are another kind of white blood cells that "remember" previous invaders and tackle them when they attempt another round of assault against the body.



Sometimes, these leukocytes or other parts of the immune system weaken, and the body becomes more vulnerable to various infections. Deadly microorganisms can easily colonize specific parts of the body and wreck havoc there. People who are "immunocompromised" are those who have a weak or undermined immune system. Examples are people with AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those about to get organ transplants. Many medications, such as those for cancer, suppress the immune system.



Milder forms of immunocompromise are more commonplace and affect almost everyone from time to time. When we are stressed, depressed or tired, our immune system suffers. This can also be brought about by inadequate diet, lack of rest or sleep, and physical exhaustion. Marathoners, for example, are known to be especially prone to infections after running the full 42-kilometer race. Dieters who deprive themselves of essential nutrients are likewise more susceptible to various sorts of illness. And studies have revealed that depressed people are immunocompromised because the nervous system directly affects the immune system. Even aging tends to diminish the strength of the immune system, as demonstrated by elder people who tend to get sick more easily.



Apparently, a lot of things in our lives can sap our immune system. The most common culprits being stress, fatigue and poor diet, we can compensate by trying to reduce our stress, get enough rest, and eat balanced meals. We can also take supplements that boost the immune system, such as Isotonix Multivitamins. This supplement is superior to other immune system boosters because it is more readily absorbed by the body, and reaches the target cells with its full potency intact. We should all take good care of our immune system, so we can stay healthy and disease-free.



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