Immune Function
The body is able to fight off disease and other organisms that could potentially cause severe harm. Fortunately, through the immune system, we are able to fight off possible substances that could wreak havoc on a person's health and normal body functions. The immune response is able to attack toxic substances and organisms that may be trying to attack the body. There are different parts of the immune system that include cells, tissues and organs that work in conjunction with one another to keep people healthy.
The substances or organisms that sometimes attack the body's immune system include bacteria, fungus, and parasites. It is the function of the immune system to make sure that these invaders do not get in, and if they do, find them and attack the germs out of the body. The immune system is a dynamic portion of the body due to its ability to recognize a large number of different toxins that can be within the body and destroy them. Also, the ability of the numerous cells within the systems allows for a solid communication line that passes information back and forth. Therefore, once there is an alert for a problem, the immune cells begin to produce protective chemicals that enable the cells to regulate bodily functions as well as regulate their own growth. Anything that can trigger an alert to the immune system is referred to as an ‘antigen'. These viruses can alter the normal process of the immune system and can sometimes be transferred from one person to another. There are certain instances where the immune system can make itself susceptible to certain dangerous microorganism and this is often referred to as an autoimmune system. An autoimmune system disease, such as diabetes, allows the body to attack its own healthy cells and tissue.
There are certain cases, such as patients with cancer, where their immune system is unable to stand the disease. The cancer cells multiply and the immune system is unable to handle the rapid moving disease. It is often times destroyed by not only the illness but the medications and treatments used to fight off the disease. Certain treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation (for patients who have contracted tumors and cancerous cells) can cause the body to kill off bad cells as well as good cells that are protected. The immune system is also under attack and is unable to destroy the mutant cells that are developing in the patient's body and could possibly be spreading to different areas. The general myth is that a faulty immune system causes all types of cancer. This is entirely not the case and different cancers develop for different reasons.
In any case, for an immune system to stay healthy, a person must maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a stable diet, exercising and getting plenty of rest. This is the most stable and easy way to develop and maintain a healthy body and immune system.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
