Simply
say the word- IMMUNITY- and visions of sneezing, runny noses, scratchy throats,
and fevers are formed. Loathed by many for its ability (when triggered) to make
our lives miserable, our IMMUNE SYSTEM is a vast and complex network that
doesn’t only cause colds/flu’s and seasonal allergies. In this months posts, I
will delve into what our immune system is/does, why it triggers inflammation,
and natural ways in which you can modulate your body’s responses. At the end,
you will be able to appreciate all of the components to our inherent
“bodyguard.”
WHAT
IT IS:
The
immune system is a collection of organs, glands, tissues, white blood cells, proteins, and chemical
compounds that work to protect us from toxins and foreign invaders, including
but not limited to: pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other
infectious agents. With an immense body to protect, we inherently have three
“lines of defense,” which work 24/7 to keep us fully functioning.
PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL defenses, including the skin, mucus membranes, and
additional bodily secretions, are like the motes and “gate-keepers” protecting
the entrance into our bodies. The FIRST LINE (innate immunity) is the system of
cells and their associated chemical messengers that we are born with, and our
SECOND LINE (acquired immune system) is developed throughout our lifetime,
giving us an immune “memory” of sorts. (Continue
reading for more detailed information.)
PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL DEFENSES: Our SKIN acts as a physical barrier to
external pathogens (harmful compounds/toxins) and its oil/sweat glands produce
chemicals that maintain the appropriate acid/alkaline balance, as well as
secrete a compound (lysoszyme,) that helps to break down bacterial cell walls. MUCUS
MEMBRANES line body cavities including the ears, mouth, nostrils, genital area,
and anus, and secrete mucus that helps to bind to/inhibit the movement of
pathogens into the body. CHEMICAL SECRETIONS, including saliva and our saliva,
tears, and stomach acid, all help to either regulate bodily pH (to inhibit
growth and survival of pathogens,) or contain lysozyme which helps break down
the structures of said “bad guys.”
FIRST LINE aka INNATE IMMUNITY: Due to their non-specific nature, cells
involved in these reactions elicit quick and generalized responses to invading
pathogens. Reactions by our innate immune system include inflammation (such as
healing cuts/scrapes,) clearing up cellular wastes and debris, activation of
the complement system (whose activation further helps cellular/blood clearance +
assists antibody/chemical communications,) and stimulation of the ADAPTIVE
immune system (see below.) Various cells are major components of this system,
including MACROPHAGES (aka “Pac-men”) who eat-up cell debris, MAST CELLS that
aid inflammatory and allergen responses (secretors of HISTAMINE) and
GRANULOCYTES (neutrophils and basophils) which contain granules of chemicals
that stimulate the destruction of harmful invaders. Interferon’s are proteins
that interfere with viral replication, and natural killer cells attack cells in
our bodies that have become infected/diseased. The INNATE response is quick to mobilize and all encompassing, meaning
that if left un-controlled, it can begin damaging both good and bad cells and
tissues.
THIRD LINE aka ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY: Developed
throughout our lifetimes, our adaptive immunity (AI) is the highly specialized
and specific response our body elicits in response to ANTIGENS (any compound on
the surface of a pathogen or molecule that the body sees as foreign.) Two types
of white blood cells/lymphocytes control AI: B cells and T cells. T cells are
produced in our bone marrow and mature in the thymus gland. Various forms
exist, including helper T cells (th1 and th2,), which activate the
pathogen-eating properties of macrophages (remember those Pac-men?) as well as
aid the clearance of parasites. Cytotoxic T cells or TC cells trigger the death
of cells infected by pathogens and viruses.
B
cells are produced in our bone marrow and produce ANTIBODIES (AB.) AB’s are
proteins that attach to our immune cells and fit (like a lock and key) onto
antigens present on those pesky invaders. When a match is made, a cascade of
events occurs, depending on what antibody and its associated cell has been
activated. AB’s are also known as immunoglobulin’s or IG’s and have specific
functions and associated locations in which they are found. Their levels are
maintained at various ranges, and any decreases/increases can signify specific
areas of the body that may be suffering from attacks/infections.
￭ IgA’s
inhibit microbial proliferation and are found in mucus membranes, including the
mouth, gut, respiratory, and urogenital tract.
￭ IgD’s
help to signal B cells to become activated (to produce more antibodies,) and
stimulate basophils and mast cells to produce histamine and antimicrobial
compounds.
￭ IgE’s
are common in allergic reactions, binding to allergens such as dust, pollen,
dander, parasites, and food molecules, and triggering the release of histamine
by mast cells. Histamine increases the permeability of our veins, allowing more
blood flow, fluids, and immune cells to the location of infection. This is what
causes the characteristic traits of seasonal allergies: itchy eyes, runny nose,
and clogged sinuses.
￭ IgG’s
are a broad family of antibodies (four in total,) and the only ones able to
cross the placenta. IgG’s make up the bulk of the body’s IG concentrations,
whose functions include pathogen immobilization and recognition (tagging,)
complement system activation (see INNATE immunity,) toxin neutralization, and
the destruction/cytotoxicity of pathogenic invaders.
￭ IgM’s
are mainly found in the blood and lymph fluid, and is often the first antibody
produced by the body in response to an infection. Its primary function is to
activate B cells to produce specific antibodies, and is involved in blood
clotting mechanisms associated with non-matching blood transfusions.
The antibodies
produced, associated T cells, B cells, etc, are engrained in our immune systems
memory. This not only helps us continuously defend ourselves (without much
forethought,) to the constant 24/7 toxin/pathogen exposures we come across, but
also allows our bodies to retain energy for other important processes.
WHAT
IT DOES:
While
both our INNATE and ADAPTIVE immune systems have a plethora of functions and
jobs, the primary purpose of our immune system as a whole is to first attack
any potential foreign disease-promoting “invader,” and secondly to modulate the
immune response(s) so that they are turned on when needed, and off when not. Most
of our immune responses are acute in nature, meaning short term. This is
important to note, as the immune response can be quite taxing to our body’s
energy and nutrient stores, especially in the case of long-term
chronic-illnesses. Chronic illness can be triggered by pre-disposing genetic
factors, such as mutations, chronic stress, or environmental exposures to
toxins and carcinogenic compounds.
NEXT
UP... STIRRING THE POT!
Now
that you have a “primer” on the major components of our immune system(s,) look
for next weeks post explaining what can cause an overtaxed immune response,
outside of the wonderful world of parasites, bacteria, and viruses!
Want to learn
more about the benefits of basil? The powers of cauliflower? The astounding
impact of avocado’s? Join me in one of my culinary nutrition workshops, select Wednesdays
from 6-7:30PM! See December’s line-up below, and be sure to snag your spot, as
space is limited!
DECEMBER TRUE KITCHEN
COOKING CLASS
EATING FOR IMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
6:00-7:30PM
$35.00 (pre-paid) OR $40 (at door)*
With the holiday season in full-swing,
chronic to-do lists, gift shopping, and entertaining take hold. On top of that,
the cold & flu season is revving up and many of us find ourselves
bed-ridden with a box of tissues! A combination of high stress, confined
spaces, and increased illness, the season of giving can also equate to the
season of getting sick! In this class, Genevieve will cover how our immune and
adrenal systems work in tandem, ingredients, herbs, and spices that naturally
combat illness, and show you how to cook up some delicious recipes so you can
strengthen your resilience this Holiday season!
* Cost of class includes colorful informative handout, all of
the recipes prepared in the class, and of course tasty plates of the food she
whips up!
EMAIL: info@biologicalhealth.com
PHONE: 267-308-0777
Genevieve – “G”
Certified Plant Based Nutritionist | CHHC|
Culinary Nutritionist
True Wellness Biological Health
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