The Immune System - First Line of Defense
Sections:
The Ideal World
The Real World
The Way it Works - A Short Description
Defining Carbohydrates
Plugging the Cardiovascular System
Maintaining the Immune System
The Grand Connection: Minerals, Enzymes and Immunity
The prime functions of the immune system are to protect the body against infection and against the development of cancer. Health problems first appear when the immune system is weak or failing because of the lack of proper nutrients to maintain the system, and / or a poor diet that results in plugged blood vessels that prevents access of immune cells to infection sites. Up to 70% of the bodies energy goes toward supporting the immune system.
The Ideal World
Ideally, food, air, and water are ingested, and the bloodstream delivers fats, carbohydrates, proteins, water, minerals, and oxygen to the trillion cells in our body. Cells use these materials for energy, replication, and functioning in a way that contributes to the function of the body such as muscles, nerves, and organs. Waste materials, or toxins created by the cells in this process are taken away by the bloodstream and lymph system. Toxins exit the body as sweat through the skin, urine, fecal material, or in air breathed out by lungs. Toxins are also picked up by the lymph system where they move to the liver to be dumped into the digestive track to be bound up by fiber, and eliminated. Since the lymph system has no pump, exercise provides the squeezing and pushing of the fluid toward the liver. The cycle continues, and everyone is healthy.
The Real World
In reality we are surrounded by an ocean of environmental toxins, contaminants in our food and water, and billions of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The number of viruses that can fit on the period at the end of this sentence can be 200 million. There can be a billion viruses in ½ teaspoon of polluted water. There are some 5,000 species of viruses, 1,000,000 species of bacteria, and as many fungi - only a few have been characterized. Microorganisms are part of the environment and many of these microbes are becoming resistant to antibiotics. We eat, breath, and touch them every minute. Destroying these microbes is the job of the immune system. Its that, or they destroy us.
Often, the things we often eat and drink are also foreign to our systems and must be eliminated.
The immune system is a complex corps of internal bodyguards to battle invaders. It cleanses the lungs of foreign particles, rids the blood of infectious organisms, and weeds tissue of cancer cells (3). Every minute of every day wars rage within our bodies. The combatants are too tiny to see. We have evolved many types of defenders that are specialized cells that are carried in out bloodstream. Sometimes these defenders mistake harmless invaders such as pollen, for deadly foes, and they mount an allergic reaction. At other times the defenders are caught unprepared and we get a cold or the flu, or worse. Cancer cells are being formed all the time and occasionally they manage to evade the defenders. But for every successful penetration of the defense, thousands of attempts are repelled.
The main function of the immune system is to protect the body from infections and against the development of cancer (1). The immune system is composed of lymphatic vessels, organs (thymus, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes), white blood cells, specialized cells in tissues, and serum factors. The bloodstream is the transporter of the immune system, and the bloodstream moves through millions of miles of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins.
For blood to access all parts of the body the arteries and capillaries must be open and clear to allow blood to flow. Clear channels allow blood to flow and thus enable the immune cells to do their work. Capillaries are so small that red blood cells flow in single file through capillaries to deliver oxygen to the trillion individual cells in our body. Red blood cells are about 8 microns wide, while a human hair is about 100 microns wide. A director of the immune system is the macrophage, or “big eater” that is a large, formless, ugly cell in the blood that looks like a big ameba (2) .
If the immune system fails, microbes will infect our bodies and create a whole series of diseases and death. Airborne microbes can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, measles, coughs, and runny noses. Water borne microbes can cause hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Other diet related diseases are: autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; and allergies such as bronchitis, asthma, eczema, and ear infections.
The Way it Works – A Short Description
If foreign bodies, or antigens, such as bacteria or viruses invade our bodies through injury, breathing, or ingestion, the first attackers are the phages, the largest being the macrophage. This is a large white cell of the immune system that flows in the bloodstream. When a macrophage locates an antigen, it swallows the antigen then displays the protein code of the antigen on its surface. Helper T cells are in the bloodstream by the millions, always ready. Among the helper T cells, a few are selected to “read” the protein code on the macrophage, and the helper T attaches to the macrophage. The macrophage then secretes a substance that “activates” the helper T cell. This substance also stimulates the brain, via the bloodstream, to raise the body temperature in order to speed chemical reactions and fight the invaders – a fever. This substance also stimulates local mast cells in the tissues around the location of the invasion to secrete histamine. This opens the capillaries to increased blood flow and creates swelling and redness. More macrophages flow to the area and those that die in the battle from swallowing and killing antigens form pus. Further on, the activated T cells on the surface of the macrophage stimulate the production of killer T cells and B cells that are specific for that antigen, or bug.
Killer T cells (or Natural Killer, or NK ) represent 15% of white cells and are the first line of defense against cancer cells (3). They are produced by the millions in the thymus gland, a small pale grey gland under the breastbone. Killer T cells specialize in killing cells of the body that have been invaded by foreign organisms, as well as cells that have turned cancerous. The killer T cell chemically punctures the membrane of the cancer cell letting the contents spill out. Cancer cells are always being formed and destroyed and will continue to develop if they are not destroyed by killer T cells. Access to cancer cells depends on an open vascular system. Viruses can only replicate inside of cells. Killer T cells will sacrifice cells by destroying them and interrupting the replication of the virus. Antibodies produced by B cells then neutralize the escaped viruses by binding directly to their surfaces, preventing them from attacking other cells.
Helper T cells induce the production of B cells that are produced in the biological arms factories of the spleen and lymph nodes. Thus when an infection occurs, lymph nodes swell. B cells produce potent chemical weapons called antibodies which are Y shaped protein molecules that are rushed to the infection site to neutralize the enemy, or they tag the bugs for attack by other cells or chemicals.
The key words here are flow, transport, communication, and reaction. This implies an open, resilient, healthy blood vessels, or in other words, a healthy cardiovascular system. This enables the cells of the immune system to move fast, go where they are needed, and deliver a fatal strike.
Defining Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are defined as being refined or complex. Refined or simple carbohydrates are potatoes, rice, and flour products. A diet of refined carbs is accompanied by insulin spikes which induce tiredness and hunger rebound that craves more carbs and results in more insulin spikes. Insulin turns the carbs into saturated fat which is stored on women’s hips, and men’s beltlines. This pattern leads to obesity and the eventual wearing out of the pancreas that produces insulin, and consequently diabetes.
Complex carbohydrates are whole natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts. These foods provide, fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, minerals, enzymes, and various other nutrients. Complex carbs are the good carbs required in a healthy diet.
Plugging the Cardiovascular System
Plugged blood vessels have an enormous effect on the operation of the immune system. The first sign of a plugged system is high blood pressure, because the heart has to work harder to pump blood through a restricted system.
If capillaries are not being supplied with blood, then the toxins produced by the cells build up, and attract bacteria, and fungi. Immune system cells can’t attack the infection agent because they are isolated as well. The situation becomes worse and a disease develops. Topical or internal antibiotic medicines may help, but they don’t address the cause, which is a plugged vascular system caused by diet. The real attackers of the infection agents are cells of the immune system, and they can’t get to the site.
Humans evolved with no way to store protein. There is no organ or convenient way to store it like there is with saturated fat. The saturated fat you eat, is the fat you wear. In the U.S., 72% of all protein eaten comes from animal protein, and Americans consume up to 200 pounds per year per person. It doesn’t matter if its crab or beef, its still animal protein. The safe requirement for males is 20 grams per day for both male and female and this would be 16 lbs. per year. Animal protein is not required for a healthy life.
Since there are no storage mechanisms, where does all the protein go? The temporary storage areas are in the blood itself where it moves around in the stream, on artery and capillary walls, inside organs, and on cell membranes. Normally these temporary storage areas secure a steady supply of protein to cells for their regeneration. However, they become “overfilled” and coat capillary walls and cell walls permanently. The storage areas of the liver called sinusoids also become coated and plugged with protein (4). This is the protein coating stage.
Then along comes cholesterol to make matters worse. Cholesterol is made from sugar and carbohydrates. Cholesterol is a required component of cell walls and is made by the liver. The body produces more than it ingests. (Cholesterol lowering drugs attack and reduce the capacity of the liver to make cholesterol). Because North Americans consume too much processed food (refined carbohydrates), including an average of 227 grams (1/2 pound) of sugar per day, much of it is broken down into acetate fragments and acetic acid which makes the blood acidic. If acetate fragments are produced faster than they are burned by everyday activities, the body makes saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. This reduces the acidic load on the body.
LDL cholesterol (low density lipid; “bad” cholesterol) usually finds its way out of the blood through the liver sinusoids. But this can’t be done because these storage areas are already plugged and coated with protein. Therefore the LDL cholesterol stays in the blood and starts to thicken it. In an effort to thin the blood, the body deposits LDL cholesterol on artery and capillary walls along with the excess protein. This results in a disease known as arteriosclerosis.
HDL (high density lipid; “heavenly or good”) cholesterol is a smaller molecule than LDL. Its required for building cell membranes and is therefore essential. It normally passes into cells where its needed. But, since capillary walls are already coated with protein and LDL cholesterol, it too stays in the blood and thickens it. The body then deposits this on artery and capillary walls along with the LDL.
With these layers, and thickened blood, the heart works harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients through thickened blood vessels, and blood pressure rises increasing the risk of heart attack.
Disease Results: Temporary protein storage areas that are overfilled as in the heart, kidney, and brain, generate heart disease and heart attack, kidney disease, Alzheimers (5), stroke, and memory malfunction, and arteriosclerosis. Free radicals are molecules that require an electron and they rip them from cell membranes, DNA, and cholesterol (fat) deposits on artery walls. The deposits turn into rancid plaque. Occasionally this plaque breaks off and causes blocks in brain vessels (stroke) and heart muscle (heart attack) and arteries. Areas of the body that typically have fine capillaries and extremities such as fingers and toes also become coated and plugged (peripheral vascular disease). Plugging these areas result in back pain, hearing loss; finger and toe infections and numbness; leg pain while walking, hearing loss, and eyesight loss. These fall under a classification of diseases known as the “Western Diseases”, and others are listed in section 8.
Low Carb and Low Fiber Diets
Low carb high protein diets such as the Atkins diet work because protein is used as a source of energy in place of carbohydrates, and little protein is stored. However these diets lack fiber which is required to bind up toxins in the intestines for removal. Without fiber to bind toxins and carry them out with fecal material, toxins recirculate from the intestines back into the bloodstream in a process know as “leaky gut”. Leaky gut syndrome is an inflammation of the intestinal (gut) wall. As a result, substances permeate the protective lining of the gut, travel into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of the body. The body cannot absorb nutrients properly due to the dysfunction of the intestines. Bloating, gas and cramps are common symptoms. Eventually, other complaints surface such as fatigue, memory loss, allergies, poor concentration, confusion, irritability or facial swelling, when exposed to perfume or cigarette smoke. This syndrome is believed to be an underlying factor in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Leaky gut syndrome damages the protective coating of antibodies normally present in a healthy gut. These antibodies help ward off infections and make the body less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and candida. Asthma, diabetes, lupus, scleroderma, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and Crohn’s disease are just some of these autoimmune diseases suspected of starting with leaky gut. If inflammation develops in a joint, autoimmune arthritis develops. If it happens in the blood vessels, the inflammation is called vasculitis. Asthma occurs when this process develops in the lungs. When it occurs in the gums, periodontal disease sets in and if the jaw is affected, tooth extractions or root canals are often required to clear up the infection. Every organ in the body can be affected by the toxicity resulting from a leaky gut. Symptoms are not only multiple, but in some cases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, severely debilitating. Leaky gut is a rapidly increasing disorder, especially among children frequently on antibiotics due to recurring infections (6).
A Note on Sugar: Ingesting 100 grams of a (about 3 ½ oz) carbohydrate such as glucose, fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (table sugar), honey, or orange juice, has been shown to reduce by 50% the ability of white blood cells (neutrophils which are 60 – 70% of the total white blood cells) to engulf and destroy bacteria 2 hours after ingestion (7). In addition, ingesting 75 grams of glucose has been shown to reduce lymphocyte activity (8). Considering that the average American consumes 150 grams of sucrose (plus other refined sugars) each day, the inescapable conclusion is that most Americans have chronically depressed immune systems. This, coupled with plugged vascular systems is a good reason for the dramatic rise in cancer (9). During an infection or chronic illness, eating refined sugars is not a good idea.
Maintaining the Immune System
The billions of immune system cells in our bodies live only for a few days. They are rebuilt from a supply of new nutrients. If the nutrients are not available for immune system renewal, then the immune system is weakened. It can't kill infectious microbes, or antigens, which then create all types of diseases and infections. To stop them, a healthy immune system requires a STEADY DAILY STREAM OF NUTRIENTS to enable it to renew and maintain itself.
Optimal immune system function requires a healthful diet that is rich in whole natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts. These foods provide, fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, the entire range minerals, enzymes, and various other nutrients. Here are 2 points to ponder: 1. There are more minerals in dog food than most processed human food, 2. The cattle feed supplement industry is worth a reported $85 billion per year. Without mineral supplements cattle would become sick and/or die because regular feed is now so deficient in minerals. What about people who are not supplemented?
SA products provide a healthy source of pure salad vegetables and EMA Juice that contain all the elements required for a healthy immune system. We know this, because we control the nutrients, and test the results. Pure salad vegetables are one of the fundamental Yes Rules of a good diet. This is our contribution to a healthy immune system of our customers.
The Grand Connection: Minerals, Enzymes and Immunity
We live in an ocean of billions of microbes such as fungii, bacteria, and viruses in the air we breath, the water we drink, and food we eat. Their mission is to use our bodies as a resource for growing. They cause diseases and death. After death, microbes take over completely and we turn into dust. The only defense we have is our immune system.
Immune cells in the bloodstream find and kill invaders such as bacteria, fungii, and viruses. They also kill cancer cells formed in our body. This happens millions of times per hour.
The killing mechanisms inside immune cells are enzymes. Trace minerals are the key components, or the bolts of enzyme molecules. The absence or shortage of trace minerals during the production of immune cells results in a weak or useless enzyme and thus a weak or useless immune cell.
A healthy immune system is constantly being rebuilt and renewed. Immune cells such as Killer T, B, and macrophages last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. They are constantly being replaced. In the hourly renewal process of immune cells we need a constant stream of a wide range of trace minerals.
The most effective way to ingest minerals is when they are locked with organic molecules. This happens when plants take minerals in the element form, from the ground through their roots. The plants combine the minerals in element form with organic molecules in the plant. This is the difference between plants and animals. Plants take in minerals in the elemental form, and animals ingest minerals when they are organically bound in the food chain.
SA provides plants with 52 minerals when they are growing. The plants provide a powerful set of organically bound minerals to those who eat our products. Our bodies can absorb 100% of these minerals when they are bound organically. These minerals are the foundation for a strong immune system and can provide resistance to infection and cancer.
References
General references are Alive Encyclopedia www.alivepublishing.com and the Encylopedia of Food and Nutrition
1) Michael T. Murray ND; Healing Power of Foods 1993
Alive Encyclopedia 2005
2) National Geographic, June 1986
3) Barry Sears, PhD, The Zone 1995
Michael T. Murray ND; Healing Power of Foods 1993
Dr. Michael Colgan, The New Nutrition 1995
Dr. Arthur C. Guyton, Textbook of Medical Physiology 1986
M. Ghoneum,PhD Chief of Research, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles
4) Patrick Wright, Director; Institute for Research of Food Related Disease ; author of Food for Humans
5) Dr. Benjamin Wolozin; Professor, University of Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill.
U.S. National Institute on Aging
Dr. Carl Cotman, Director, Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia; University of California, Irvine
Dave Holtzman, Dept. of Neurology, Washington University as reported in the Edmonton Journal, Jan. 21, 2005
6) Alive Encyclopedia
7) Sanchez, Reeser, Lau et al; 1973 “Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 26
8) Bernstein, Alpert, Nauss, Suskind; 1977, Depression of Lymphocyte Transformation; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 30
9) Tuttle, R.F., SA