The Immune System
We are exposed to harmful
microorganisms everyday, such as bacteria and virus. Many life threatening
diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as pneumonia, dengue,
malaria, botulism, AIDS and etc. Harmful microbes can penetrate into our body
through inhalation, exposed wound, insects bites, contaminated food and water.
How do our body combat of these invaders?
In most cases, our body
defence system or immune system performs a great job of protecting our body from
germs that cause infection and illness. The immune system is composed of a
network of special cells, tissues, organs and proteins. Besides, immune system
also monitors and defends the presence of any abnormal cells in the body before
it develops and leads to cancer.
Disorder of the Immune
System
Disorder of the immune system consists of 4 main
categories:
-
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Defined as the improper
function or malfunction of immune system. A person can either born with this
disorder (primary immunodeficiency) or acquires the disorder through infection
or drugs (secondary immunodeficiency). AIDS is one of the life threatening
immunodeficiency disease which caused by infection of a virus called HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency Virus).
-
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders defined as
the inability of immune system to distinguish between substances that are "self"
and those that are foreign. Thus, immune system mistakenly attack and destroy
healthy tissues and organs. Examples of this disorder include rheumatoid
arthritis, which the joints and surrounding tissues are inflamed.
-
Allergy Disorders
Allergic disorders happen when the
immune system becomes hypersensitive to the exposures to particular substances
through inhalation, ingestion, injection or otherwise contacted. The substances
that provoke such reaction are called allergens. Common allergens include
pollen, animal fur, feathers, dust, dyes and certain chemical used in cosmetics.
Asthma is an allergic disorder of the airway that carries air in and out of your
lungs. The wall lining inside the airway becomes sore and swollen. It is
sensitive and reacts strongly to allergen.
-
Cancer of the Immune System
This can occur when cells
of the immune system grow out of control. For example, Leukemia, which involves
abnormal growth of white blood cells, is a common childhood cancer.
Wellness Tips For Healthy Immune System
-
Get enough sleep
Immune system is replenished when we
are sleeping. The immune system is suppressed and weakened for those who suffer
from insomnia and restless sleep.
-
Exercise
Regular and moderate exercises enhance blood
circulation, boost immune system and relieve stress. Exercise also helps in
promoting a restful sleep at night.
-
Right dietary habits
"You are what you eat". Go for
wholesome diet. Choose fresh and organically grown fruits and vegetables. They
are excellent source of vital minerals and vitamins (vitamins A, C, E, Zinc,
Selenium, Magnesium are important in promoting a strong immune function).
Immune-boosting food includes kiwi, lemon, broccoli, pumpkin, papaya, cold
pressed olive oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, mushroom and etc.
-
Minimize intake of processed food
Processed foods such
as smoked meat, canned food and drinks, instant noodles, junk food which are
typically high in sodium, sugar and contains trans fat draw energy out of our
body. These foods which are high in calories but low in nutrients definitely are
opponent of a healthy immune function.
-
Deal with stress wisely
Short term stress prompts the
immune system to divert in fighting infection. However, people under chronic
stress in long term tend to have elevated cortisol hormone in their blood
stream, which leads to suppressed immune system. Thus, we should identify the
most suitable way to cope with stress and it is definitely varies among
individuals.
Our recommendations
Aside from
practising the wellness tips above, it is also recommended to include health
supplement into your daily diet that is fit and suitable to promote a healthy
body defence system:
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