THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Dr. Sahelian went through the normal process of medical education and residency just

as all medical students do. He was taught about the immune system—how T cells work,

the role of the spleen and the thymus gland, and many of the intricate details of this

complicated system. But he doesn't recall ever being taught how to improve the im-

mune system. It was always assumed that if you left it alone, the immune system

would function optimally There was no reason to think that any nutritional

manipulation could influence it. In fact, Dr. Sahelian remembers asking his

immunology professor if there were any dietary or nutritional changes we could make

to boost the fighting power of immune cells. The professor's blank stare showed that

this was the first time he had ever even entertained the thought.

As Dr. Sahelian continued his medical education, he fell into the traditional medical

trap of thinking that a specific antibiotic, antiviral, or antiparasitic medicine was the

only option in treating infectious diseases. Although such medicines have enormous

benefits in treating and curing many of the infections that previously incapacitated or

killed countless people, they are not the only answer. Many of the individuals who are

afflicted with infectious agents have weak immune systems. Instead of focusing

exclusively on killing the germ, why not take a more comprehensive approach by

finding ways to stimulate the immune system to do some of its own killing of these

undesirable intruders?

Although traditional medicine has advanced by leaps and bounds in certain areas, it is

still in the Middle Ages when it comes to incorporating nutritional and immune-

boosting approaches to its armaments. But we're living in an exciting age—a revolution

has started with consumers demanding that their physicians learn about and keep up

with natural approaches and alternatives to toxic drugs. We're finding natural, healthy

ways to make our bodies better fighters. The immune system can be improved.

The Birth of the Immune System

The primary purpose of the immune system is to prevent unfriendly germs from

getting a foothold in the body. The maturing process of the immune system begins in

the womb. Within the bone marrow of the fetus, a single primitive type of cell called

the stem cell begins to differentiate into lymphoid cells and myeloid cells, which go on

to form additional cells of the immune system.

Lymphoid stem cells mature into T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and natural killer

cells. All of these are white blood cells. T lymphocytes are so called because they first

go to the thymus gland (hence the "T") in order to mature. B lymphocytes are so called

because they remain in the bone marrow (hence the "B") in order to continue with their

development. Finally, the natural killer cells are lymphocytes that serve in the active

fight against viruses and cancer cells. Myeloid stem cells mature into neutrophils,

eosinophils, and red blood cells. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white

blood cells, which fight disease and infection. Eosinophils are responsible for killing

parasites and are also involved in allergic reactions. Finally, red blood cells carry the

oxygen that is needed to feed our tissues and organs.

The Immune System After Birth

At about the time of birth, the immune system has almost fully matured. A number of

immune cells are now present in the blood, thymus gland, spleen, skin, mucous mem-

branes, and the lymphatic system. It is absolutely necessary that the immune system be

developed by birth, for otherwise the vulnerable infant would quickly fall prey to the

countless germs of our environment. Breastfeeding is extremely important, since

breastmilk contains a number of immune components, such as immunoglobulins, that

are not present in formula. These components bolster the infant's resistance to infection.

During the first few months and years of life, infants and children are constantly

exposed to new viruses and bacteria. Each germ has specific proteins or compounds,

called antigens, that can be recognized by the immune system. With each exposure, the

T and B lymphocytes mount an attack by making and releasing antibodies, which are

proteins that attach to the antigens, making it easier to destroy the foreign substance.

Once the immune system makes antibodies against these antigens, it remembers

(almost forever) how to make them again very quickly when re-exposed to the germ.

Hence, as we get older, we tend to come down with fewer colds and infections because

the immune system can quickly put out specific antibodies that thwart the invading

germ.

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