Immunostimulation

HOW DOES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORK?


The immune system is a set of organs, cells and biochemical processes which can defend an organism against harmful and foreign agents. Such foreign agents (antigens) may include bacteria, viruses, protozoan cells, fungi, but also allergens (e.g. pollen), chemical substances or a foreign body (e.g. a grain of sand in an eye). The immune system's organs (thymus, spleen) as well as the lymph nodes produce and activate special cells which are able to recognise and destroy antigens. These are, for example, lymphocytes, macrophages and granulocytes. Some of the cells additionally produce special substances which mark, hold or destroy enemy elements. The most important of these substances are immunoglobulins (antibodies) and interferon.
The immune system has a wonderful ability to learn. If it defeats an antigen (e.g. a pox virus) but once, there are antibodies left after the battle. Thanks to their presence the immune system will defeat the virus more easily next time it attacks the organism. This is the mechanism on which preventive vaccinations are based, which are nothing other than a “controlled learning” of the immune system.

 

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT


It has been proved that the more the immune system “practises”, the more efficient it is. If it is forced to act and it is not “idle”, its ability and effectiveness increase. However, to practise, it has to be in contact with antigens. A constant presence of a limited pool of bacteria and viruses is a kind of “training ground” for the system. This is the reason why too frequent use of antibiotics reduces immunity. When pathogens are killed by chemical agents, there is nothing the immune system cells can “practise” on. Poorly “trained”, they will not consequently be able to act effectively when it is necessary.

 

WHAT IS IMMUNOSTIMULATION?


This term denotes deliberately taken measures aimed at stimulating the functioning of the immune system. Effective immunostimulants include, for example, probiotics. These are foreign cells, used to teach the immune system to distinguish “friend” from “foe”. A similar role is played by yeasts or ß-glucans, isolated from their cell walls. Herbs are another group of substances which stimulate the immune system. Compounds contained in them are able to activate the organs which produce lymphocytes and macrophages. They also stimulate the immune system's cells to secrete defensive substances, for example interferon.



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