Infections and the Immune System

How our Bodies Cope with Infections

Although the immune system is exceedingly complex there are some simple factors that can weaken it. Higher than normal physical and emotional stress (including depression) are common underlying factors. Chronic or severe illnesses and surgery can leave the defense system exhausted, and make convalescence (the gradual recovery of health and strength) particularly slow.

Poor and inadequate diet greatly interferes with the normal functioning of the immune system. Empty calories in highly processed foods and sweets not only fail to provide nourishment, but are also harmful. Obesity, poor physical condition and lack of activity are other contributing factors. Many medications, especially cortisone and antibiotics, affect the defense system adversely, particularly when they are taken for long periods of time. The immune system is also sensitive to toxic substances including excessive alcohol and heavy metals. Individual constitution plays a role and those with a weaker system must work harder to keep their immune system healthy.

The pathogens that cause infections are bacteria, fungi, animal parasites and viruses. Bacteria, fungi and parasites generally invade body tissue, steal nutrients from healthy cells and release toxins. Some parasites - which can range in size from single-celled protozoa to visible worms - can actually kill healthy cells. Viruses are really sub-life forms that survive only by invading living cells and multiplying inside them.

Understandably, the parts of the body that are most accessible to pathogens are those most vulnerable to infection. Pathogens readily infect the eyes, ears, mouth, genitals, and the skin itself. Skin infections are extremely common and can be caused by any type of pathogen. Ear infections are usually bacterial; eye infections may be viral or bacterial. Other pathogens can enter the body through broken skin and infect the blood stream.

Any type of pathogen can invade the gastrointestinal tract, usually through contaminated food or water. Most cases of food poisoning are caused by bacteria, while giardiasis (an intestinal affliction) results from drinking water contaminated by parasitic protozoa. Inhaling or ingesting viruses causes most respiratory infections, including common colds, flu and mild forms of pneumonia. Severe cases of pneumonia are usually bacterial, as are whooping cough and strep throat. Many lesser-known respiratory ailments are fungal infections.

The urinary system usually flushes out pathogens, but is prone to infection when it is swollen, irritated or obstructed. Ailments such as common bladder infections and serious kidney infections are usually bacterial in nature.

Although many infections are confined to a body part or system, some infectious diseases spread throughout the body. Malaria, for example, is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite; tuberculosis is bacterial; AIDS, the deadliest infectious disease of recent times, is a viral disorder.

Increasing the Body's resistance to Infection

The blood's white blood cells and antibodies are the primary fighting mechanism of the body against infection. However, it is important to remember that the blood is detoxified and cleansed by the liver, the liver is assisted by the urinary system, and the urinary system and colon/intestines ultimately expel all of the undesirable and harmful toxins present in our bodies. Strengthening the body's resistance to disease and illness can be achieved by improving the functioning of not just the blood but all of the elimination organs.

Antioxidants help boost the immune system as they help hunt down and neutralize free radicals in the body.* Although many antioxidants can be obtained from food sources such as sprouted grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, it is very difficult to acquire adequate amounts of them from these sources alone. We can help minimize free radical damage by supplementing out diet with natural source key antioxidants, especially sprouts and greens, which exhibit incredibly strong natural antioxidant properties.

The colon/intestines, kidneys, skin, lungs and the liver all have a major role to play in the body's immune system.* If these organs are congested with toxins their effectiveness decreases, and their ability to aid the body in the fight against infections is greatly diminished. Several plants and herbs are known to stimulate the detoxifying process of the eliminating organs, keeping them in top shape for when they are called upon to fight and expel unwanted viruses and bacterium from our bodies.