Your Natural Immunity & How Your Immune System Works
The immune system is an invisible army that protects the body from viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites and microbes. The study of Immunology so complex that entire branch of biological science is devoted to it. We cannot hope to capture the entirerity of all the various components of the immune system, but some basic background and concepts will help create an understanding of how the immune system functions and why Beta Glucan has an important role in it.
Basic Concepts
The job of the immune system is to recognize invading danger, process the information and eliminate the invading danger. The primary components of the immune system include the Thymus, Spleen, Lymph system, Bone marrow, White blood cells, Antibodies, Complement system and Hormones. All of the various components work together like a symphony to eliminate threats from "non-self" invaders
The most basic concept is that there are two primary types of immune systems: the innate immune system and the acquired immune system. Both types function in tandem with each other.
Innate Immune System - this is the natural immunity that we are born with. It is the first line of defense against an invading threat. The innate immune system responds to threats in a generic "non-specific" manner and does not remember specific pathogens. All plant and animal life has an innate immune system.
Acquired Immune System - this is the part of the immune system that identifies and remembers the specific protiens of invaders so that it can mount a defense quickly should that particular invader turn up again. When you get a vaccine, you are introducing those specific pathogens to the acquired immune system so that it can more easily recongize and destroy that pathogen in the future.
Immune System Description from the National Cancer Institute
"The immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by "foreign" or "non-self" invaders. This network is one of the body's main difference against infection and disease. The immune system works against diseases, including cancer, in a variety of ways.
For example, the immune system may recognize the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells in the body and works to eliminate cancerous cells. However, the immune system does not always recognize cancer cells as "foreign." Also, cancer may develop when the immune system breaks down or does not function adequately. Biological therapies are designed to repair, stimulate, or enhance the immune system's responses".
All the videos referenced here may be accessed through the links in the Aside to the left
The body responds to foreign invaders with two types of responses: "acquired" and "innate." When the body is exposed to a specific challenge, antibodies form and will forever remember the invader and be able to respond should that specific invader appear again, this is the "acquired" immune response. The "innate" (cell mediated) immune response involves the activation of macrophages and various other killer cells to respond to the system challenge.
The macrophages are white blood cells whose role is to seek out and consume decaying cells and foreign debris. These cells are the clean-up crew of the body. This process is called "phagocytosis."
The Complement System is part of the "innate" immune system. Complements are manufactured by the liver and circulate in your blood in an inactive form until called upon to activate.
Clonal Proliferation of Cells
Beta glucan stimulates the macrophage (part of the innate immune system,) as shown in this short, fun video:
In the acquired immune system, white blood cells (called Lymphocytes) are programmed to recognize specific antigens (bacteria, viruses, etc.) Once activated to a specific challenge, the T cells and B cells generate "memory cells" that remember the specific antigen in case they ever encounter it again. When we "vaccinate" against a disease, we are triggering this process so the body will be prepared for the immune challenge should exposure occur in the future.
The Role of Beta Glucan in the Immune System
Beta glucan stimulates the macrophage (part of the innate immune system,) as shown in this short, fun video:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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