Endocrine System
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5.9 Although they possess tremendous power, the immune system soldiers are absolutely dependent on their supply system. Without the proper nutrients to keep it strong, our internal army would quickly weaken and be overrun by the enemy – the diseases. What do our immune soldiers require? The same macronutrients, comprising proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and micronutrients, comprising vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and other substances that keep the rest of the body healthy. A deficiency of even a single vitamin or mineral can hamper the immune system, reducing the production of T-cells, impairing their ability to ingest foreign bodies, interfering with the manufacture of antibodies by the T-cells, or otherwise weakening our internal army.
The Lymph Nodes and Lymph Glands
5.10 Once the macrophages and lymphocytes mature, they circulate in the bloodstream until they reach one of the lymphatic organs, such as the lymph nodes, the spleen, or the tonsils. As lymph circulates through the lymph nodes, microphages along the walls engulf any pathogens, damaged cells, or cell debris present in the lymph fluid. Large lymph nodes are called lymph glands and are located in the armpits, in the groin and at the base of the neck. The “swollen” glands that accompany some infections are actually enlarged lymph glands.
The Spleen and Tonsils
5.11 Spleen is a large mass of lymphatic tissue between the fundus (base) of the stomach and the diaphragm. The spleen performs the same function for the blood that the lymph nodes do for the lymph. Here white blood cells rid the blood of foreign matter. The spleen contains more lymphatic tissue than any other part of the body. The tonsils are large lymph nodes found in the walls of the mouth. At birth the tonsils are quite small. They increase in size until about age 6 or 7, when they begin to shrink. The lymph nodes in the tonsils are not always able to disable invading organisms, and the tonsils frequently get infected if your immunity is low. At one time, it was standard practice to remove the tonsils if repeated infections occurred. Now they are viewed as a line of defence against invading bacteria, and are usually left in place.
Stress and the Immune System
5.12 Researchers now know that the central nervous system can communicate with the immune system and that the immune system produces chemicals that can reply to the nervous system. They have found that stressful events can actually suppress the immune system, causing the person under stress to be more susceptible to illness.
What is Fever?
5.13 The symptoms, like fever, cough, diarrhoea, headache, we perceive as diseases are actually the very processes the body’s immune system uses to restore balance, protect and heal itself. Recent research has shown that fevers represent an effort of the body organism in healing itself. Fever usually accompanies bacterial or viral infection. The body prepares itself to resist infection by developing fever; it is then more able to produce an “interferon” (an anti-viral substance). Fever also increases white blood cell mobility and activity, which are instrumental factors in fighting infection. If fevers are now becoming recognized as adaptive defences of the body, it is understandable why suppressing them with painkillers like paracetamol is now being discouraged.
What is Pus?
5.14 Pus is a mixture of white blood cells, dead pathogens, debris from broken down body cells, and plasma. It is a sign that the body’s immune system is at work. When pus collects in an infected region of the body, an abscess occurs. No abscess, no matter how small, should ever be squeezed. This can cause the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread to another part of the body.
6. The metabolic System
What is Metabolism?
6.1 Metabolism is the process of transforming foodstuffs into tissue elements and into energy (movement and heat) for use in growth, repair and general functions of the body, and to running a marathon. Metabolism happens in your muscles and organs and the result of it is what we commonly refer to as “burning calories”. Metabolism is essentially the speed at which your machine body’s motor is running. It is the metabolic rate that influences your energy level, mood and exactly how quickly you gain or lose weight. Most people are born with normal metabolism but their lifestyle influences it for better or worse.
