Immune Basics
Kari Leah and I are hosting an Immune Health Workshop Oct 26th at 6pm in my office building! (click here to reserve your spot!). My head is full of so much information I want to share - I have to let some out NOW!
There are all of these kinds of natural remedies, like elderberry, echinacea, various vitamins, and some natural antivirals. Why these specific aids?
First, let's delve into a brief explanation of how the immune system operates. Essentially, our immune system stands as our primary defense and protection mechanism. Picture it as a series of barriers, encompassing our skin and all mucous-lined areas. Additionally, integral components of this system comprise our gut, thymus, spleen, tonsils, and lymphatic system. Together, these organs and tissues collaborate to identify, trap, attack, and eliminate foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. This is where the incredible dance between innate and adaptive immunity comes into play.
Innate immunity is our body's first line of defense. It's the rapid, general response that acts immediately upon encountering any foreign substance. Its activated at the infected site. Think of it as the initial alarm system, alerting the body to the presence of an invader. This crucial facet includes physical barriers, like our skin, as well as specialized cells that identify and neutralize threats.
On the other hand, adaptive immunity is a highly specialized and targeted response. It's like having a tailor-made suit to combat a specific intruder. This aspect of our immune system remembers past encounters with pathogens, allowing it to mount a more precise and efficient defense upon future encounters with the same threat. This is thought behind how vaccines work - they provide the immune system with a blueprint of a specific pathogen, training it to recognize and combat it. Adaptive immunity responses are activated in peripheral lymphatic tissue organs.
Yet, at times, external factors may perturb our own immune system, necessitating some extra support.
This is where the individualized approach needs to shine, dependent on your situation. Some general aids with supportive evidence are as follows:
N-acetylcysteine : reduces inflammation, suppresses viral replication, and increases antioxidant activity
Echinacea : promotes innate immunity, protects from free radicals, increases TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1, NK number and activity.
Elderberry: Modulate dendritic cells, “prime and train” immunity without excess inflammation
Vitamin D: stimulates immature immune cells, enhances host defense against infection, and dampens autoimmune responses
Visit our FullScript page and request the Immune 2023 bundle for all immune boosters and goodies!
For more individualized care, schedule today :)
