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The Immune System
The immune system protects the body against infection, disease and cancer. It is probably the most complex system in the body made up of lymphatic vessels and organs (lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and tonsils), white blood cells, specialized cells in various tissues( macrophages, mast cells) and specialized chemical factors. While we can identify the major individual aspects of the immune system they are required to work in harmony to achieve the desired result – a healthy body. Once we break down the immune system further one begins to get an idea how important it is to the body. The Thymus – Major gland of the immune system – releases hormones which regulate the immune system, produces T-lymphocytes which control our pets immunity or resistance to infection by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The thymus is particularly vulnerable to the use of Steroids which suppresses its function along with the lymph nodes and white blood cells. Lymph, Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Nodes – The space between each cell, accounting for 1/6th of our body, contains fluid called interstitial fluid. This fluid flows into the Lymphatic Vessels and is then called the Lymph.. The Lymphatic Vessels run alongside the arteries and veins and drain waste (toxic) products from the tissues. The Lymph (interstitial fluid) flows along the Lymphatic Vessels to the Lymph Nodes – the Nodes then filter the Lymph by means of Macrophage cells which engulf and destroy foreign particles which may include bacteria and cellular debris. The Lymph Nodes also contain White Blood cells called B-Lymphocytes which respond to viruses, bacteria, yeast and other organisms. The Spleen – The largest mass of lymphatic tissue. Its function is diverse in that, on one hand it releases powerful immune enhancing chemicals such as blood, synovial fluid and fluids pertaining to the brain and spinal cord. On the other hand it also extracts fluids from the body including healthy and waste ( toxic) fluids. The role of the Spleen is particularly important in terms of its last function – sifting out the toxic material in the body and dumping it in the Lymphatic Vessels. White Blood Cells – Various types involved and each have an active roll in the function of the immune system. Some produce histamine which promote allergic mechanisms while others engulf and destroy bacteria. There are T-cells and B-cells, Natural Killer Cells and Monocytes, all contributing in their own way to keeping the body in a healthy conditions. Nutrient deficiency is probably the most frequent cause of an impaired immune system. Other than obesity, it is the marginal differences in diet rather than malnutrition that should be the focus of attention. Excesses of protein, fat, salt and sugar are significant in that they depress immune function. Chemicals in the form of colors, flavors and preservatives and the overuse of refined foods. Significantly, the use of chemicals in the environment is contributing to the impairment of the immune system by destroying the soil nutrients (obesity is essentially a form of malnutrition) The immune system becomes ‘overloaded’ when constantly having to deal with the ‘Excesses, chemicals and nutritionally limited food, thus the spleen, thymus and the lymph nodes begin to function at less than peak performance. The white blood cells become depleted and the body attempts to find ways of discharging the wastes (toxins) from the body. The skin, coat, ears, eyes, urine, feces, anal glands and even behavior are all indicators of a depleted immune system. The immune system is truly a holistic system and support of it is critical to good health and vice versa. However it is constantly under attack and needs replenishment in terms of good food and natural immune enhancing botanicals. Suggested Herbal Products.: Broccoli Sprouts, Astragalus/Ligustrum, First Defense, Pet Boost, Protect, Vir-Assist, Power Mushrooms, and Petsiac. Combinations of these herbs may be appropriate to achieve the desired result. As a first approach it may be appropriate to look at nutritional or detoxing herbs such as Green Power, Green Tea Trim, Pet Detox, Power Mushrooms, Petsiac, and Protect. Click here to go back to the Immune System page.
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