|
|
|||
|
The Immune System – Your Key to Good Health
You can’t see it, you can’t quantify it, but if you’ve ever wondered why one person in a group always seem to get colds while others remain healthy, you’ve actually seen the immune system at work. We’ve all heard or talked about having a strong or weak immune system, but what exactly is the immune system, and why is it important to your health? The answer is quite simple. Your body, being warm and moist, provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and flourish. Every day you come into contact with millions of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that would love the chance to live in your body. It is the job of your immune system to recognize these invaders and prevent them from getting in, or failing that, to kill or neutralize them if they do get into your body.
How Your Immune System Works
The immune system is an intricate network of specialized cells, organs, and glands designed to defend the body against pathogens or disease-causing substances. When the body senses the presence of a pathogen, it launches an attack: immune system cells begin to secrete specialized chemicals that seek out the invading substance, surround it, and try to destroy it. This chemical attack is called the immune response. Anything that triggers the immune response is called an antigen. The immune system is able to recognize and respond to millions of antigens, and produces cells that can destroy specific antigens. The immune system also produces “Natural Killer cells” (NK), and phagocytes, which are specialized cells that “ingest” or eat foreign substances.
To keep it healthy and functioning at its peak, the immune system needs an adequate supply of nutrients. A balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients helps keep the immune system strong. Additionally, probiotic supplements like CULTURELLE® can help to support and strengthen the immune system.