General Understanding of Our Immune System
The immune system is a defense mechanism against disease. It is an internal biological process structure, which operates in organisms for the sake of protecting the subject from possible diseases, and thereby recognizing and eliminating tumour (abnormal growth or swollen cells) and pathogens cells. Besides, the immune system is able to distinguish between different viruses and within an organism able to determine whether cells and tissues are healthy or not. This detection process is extremely complex and is followed by the development of an adaptation mechanism.
Immune system varies from beings to plants. It is a fact that even unicellular organisms like bacteria have an enzyme system that tackles infections. Yet, the immune system for humans and other vertebrates is highly advanced. The internal biological structure is composed of a variety of types, such as organs, tissues, cells and proteins that act synergistically to create a forceful defense network. In understanding the complexity of the human immune system, it must be recognized that the system does in the end adapt to some pathogens. This adaptive mechanism is called ‘acquired immunity or adaptive immunity’. It does actually produce an immunological memory, which makes the body more responsive in case of a second encounter. The immunity processes is achieved through a process called vaccination.
Immune System & Anti-aging
It is common sense that our immune system tends to become frail with age. This gradual decrease in effectiveness over years can reach a breach whereby general diseases befall mortal.
Immune System Compromise
Immune system compromise can be a consequence that is caused by mainly three attributes. First, due to diseases like AIDS, secondly through hereditary conditions, for instance rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus that can come from inherited genes, or typically from old age. It is known that alteration in hormones and hormone related substances can cause a decline in the performance of the immune system. Hormone substances such as HGH, DHEA and melatonin decline with age.
Yet, some vital immune cells can be inhibited to perform their function in elders, because of a rise in prostaglandins, which is responsible for processes such as controlling metabolism and body temperature. Lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells) are also less responsive for elders than for younger individuals. Elders have a lesser amount of antibodies developed and these very substances respond much slower than antibodies found in young vigorous adults. Not only lymphocytes react slower but also other protective cells become less performing with age.
It is evident that people become much more vulnerable to infectious disease with age. A simple infection that a youngster could recover from within a week could eventually turn out to be fatal to a great-grandparent. Aged people can even suffer from autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, fibromyalgia and scleroderma. Older people who are above 70 can experience the production of auto-antibodies, which actually attack the body rather than infections. The auto-antibodies can develop other rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and pathological states.
Tissue Glycation being related to oxidative damage and chronic inflammation can attribute to the decline of the immune system
Protecting or Firewall against Immune System Compromise
1. Lifestyle
To provide ample support to the immune system to operate at its utmost level it is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle. Chronic stress should be limited. It is also vital to have a sleep of around seven hours and 30 minutes on a constant scheme and not only at random. Besides, light cardiac exercise should be performed for around 30 minutes a day. It is also advised that whenever possible ‘you’ should stay away from situation of that can expose ‘you’ to infection.
Infection should also be addressed early, with much sleep. Yet, lifestyle guide for other anti-aging theories such as oxidative damage does equally apply.
Mental conditions are also important. Yoga and meditation can be practised to relax the psychological state while acting as a natural psychotherapy. This can be enforced by good relationship in family developing a positive mental attitude.
2. Medical Supplement/ Firewalls against immune system compromise
The major composition of antioxidants that can support the immune system are both common vitamins and phytochemicals. Vitamin C helps to stimulate active immune system cells like neutrophils and phagocytes.
Plant-Substances that improve the immune system against viral infections are olive leaf extract, astragalus extract and allicin. Olive leaf extract has enhancing antiviral features, based on laboratory tests that blocks cell-to-cell diffusion of HIV-1. Allicin can positively eliminate MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) which typical antibiotic are unable to defeat. Astragalus is beneficial to tackle common infection caused by colds and other viruses. Besides, clinical trial suggests that the substance is also effectively used in therapy for adjunct cancer.
1. Immune system
2. ANTI-AGING FIREWALLS THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LONGEVITY
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Supplements, Anti Aging Theories, Health And Aging, Lifestyle
Fri, Dec 18, 2009
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Supplements, Anti Aging Theories, Health And Aging, Lifestyle