Part Three of a Series: The Immune System

Hello, all! I hope you are well. Last week, I discussed a new test which was developed by Professor Ron Davis, Ph.D, a professor of chemistry and genetics and his team at Stanford University School of Medicine. This week, I would like to focus on the immune system and how different infections can affect and weaken it.

The immune system consists of specialized cells, tissues, and organs which fight foreign substances, such as disease causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Cells known as granulocytes, macrophages(phagocytes)and T-lymphocytes are specialized cells which make this possible.

Granulocytes are broken down into three cell lines; these are known as basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils.
The neutrophils are responsible for fighting bacterial infections and are elevated during a bacterial infection. The eosinophils are responsible for fighting allergic reactions and are also elevated during an allergic reaction. Basophils are responsible for fighting allergens by releasing a chemical called histamine, causing allergy symptoms such as watery/itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. The T-lymphocytes are another type of cell which are produced by stem cells to fight infection and may aid in fighting cancer. T- lymphocytes are produced in a gland called the thymus, which is a gland underneath the breast plate. Macrophages are cells which are able to remove these substances from the system by swallowing them or, “engulfing” them. The bone marrow is responsible for producing all the above mentioned cells with the exception of T-lymphocytes.

There are, however, conditions which can weaken the immune system. These conditions are:
HIV, certain cancers, malnutrition, viral hepatitis, and certain medical treatments. The most common symptom of a weak immune system is being susceptible to infections, specifically pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections, which may occur frequently. Those with weak immune systems are often prone to autoimmune disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammation of internal organs, anemia, and digestive issues, such as loss of appetite and abdominal cramps.

Poor diet can also weaken the immune system. Diets high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt as well as smoking, drinking, and not enough physical activity can contribute to weakened immune systems.

Here are some tips for building your immune system.
1) Eat well and take vitamins.
2) Exercise regularly. Regular exercise not only helps you to feel better, but it helps you sleep better and it reduces anxiety.
3) Maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight can affect how the body functions.
4) Get sufficient sleep.
5) Quit smoking
6) Refrain from drinking alcohol.
7) Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

Well, that’s about it for now. I have no idea what next weeks’ blog will be. Hmmmm…..it’s a surprise! I think it will be for me, too!

Have a wonderful week, everybody! Love & Hugs,
Beckie

http://beckiebutcher.com

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