Microorganisms are everywhere—in the soil, water, and air. Each and every human is colonized by billions of bacteria and fungi. The bacteria carpeting our intestinal tract alone are almost ten times greater in number as compared to total number of cells on our body. Luckily, most of these tiny organisms assist us by producing vitamins, outcompeting disease-causing microbes, and assisting with immune function. However, a large number of microbes— viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and worms— can make us sick. These disease causing organisms are everywhere, and the only reason why we aren't sick all the time is our immune system.
This complex connection of organs, cells, and molecules guards us from anything foreign and potentially harmful: “bad” microbes, cancer cells, splinters, toxic chemicals. Normally, our immune systems do not attack harmless pollen, animal dander, and our normal cells. But allergies and autoimmune diseases do occur. Certain people find it harder to maintain a healthy immune system than others do. Elderly people usually have weak immune defense.
Chronic sleep deficiency causes disparities in the immune system and results in increased inflammation. Chronic stress overload also weakens immune system function. Certain medications (corticosteroids and chemotherapy) and procedures (radiation therapy) also weaken the immune system. Surgical procedures stress the body and also increase the risk for infection. Finally, some diseases either present at birth or acquired later (AIDS, mononucleosis, leukemia, and diabetes) harm the immune system.
Fortunately, a host of simple lifestyle choices and a few nutritional supplements can greatly boost your immune system. Taking care of yourself is key. Try out the remedies in this book and see the difference.