Immune Dysfunction Disorder
More and more, we are beginning to understand the vital role
played by the immune system in preventing disease. Not only
does the immune system fight diseases caused by bacteria,
viruses and other micro-organisms (for example, helping the
body to fight colds and flu), it also helps to protect us
against diseases such as arthritis,
psoriasis, atherosclerosis
and cancer. We have only to look at the devastating effect
that AIDS has on the body to understand how important the
immune system is to our health.
The healthy immune system is well equipped to fight all forms
of disease, including cancer. (If a cell begins to mutate
into a cancer cell, for example, the natural killer [NK] cells
of the immune system seek it out and destroy it.) Unfortunately,
stress, pollution,
a lack of sleep, poor nutrition
and lack of exercise all impact
the immune system, causing it to weaken and become less effective
at fighting disease.
HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS
The immune system comprises the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph
glands and a variety of cells that communicate with each other
via chemical messengers known as cytokines. These cells include
macrophages, T-helper cells, cytotoxic T-cells, natural killer
(NK) cells and B cells. If a threatening micro-organism enters
the body through its primary structural protective barriers
(either through the external orifices or a break in the skin),
the immune system immediately mounts a counter-attack using
its powerful arsenal of cells and immune factors.
HOW COMMON IS IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION DISORDER?
No one really knows how widespread immune dysfunction is. Given the hectic and stressful
nature of twentieth-century lifestyles, however, it is likely that most people are affected
by a depressed immune system to some degree.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF IMMUNE PROBLEMS
The following symptoms are indicative of suppressed immune function:
- excessive tiredness/fatigue
- bad breath
- frequent colds and/or flu
- candida (yeast infection)
- herpes (cold sores and/or genital herpes)
- parasitic infections
- psoriasis, eczema
or hives
- allergies
- asthma
- heart disease
- autoimmune disease
- cancer and painful joint conditions including arthritis
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Immune System
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