Immune System
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Immune System and Natural Environment
5.3 A person’s immunity level is much lower than normal when one is very young and when one is very old. In babies, it is yet to develop fully. In old people it stops developing and resistance power weakens. Also being over-protective and seriously limiting one’s exposure to natural surroundings leads to underdevelopment of immunity cells. The more a person is exposed to the natural environment, the more he develops his or her resistance power. Research reveals that children who are very active in outdoor activities are far more comfortable with their surroundings and have a stronger immune system than those who stay indoors all the time.
Immune System and Diet
5.4 Everyone’s immune system is different. Some people never seem to get infections, whereas others seem to be sick all the time. From genes to basic body metabolism, to lifestyle, to stress and most importantly to diet – all these have a cumulative effect on developing or debilitating the immune system as the case may be. But at the end of the day, it is the basics that matter. A good nourishing plant-based balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate relaxation and sleep are essential requisites for a fighting-fit immune system as well as a healthy disease-free body. Foods rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, certain minerals like selenium and zinc, essential fats and probiotics greatly help improve the immunity. Other important nutrients that help improve response include vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, folic acid, magnesium and copper.
The Thymus Gland
5.5 The thymus is a flat, pinkish-grey organ that plays an important role in the immune system of the body. It is located high in the upper chest cavity behind the breastbone and extends into the lower neck below the thyroid gland. At birth, the thymus is about 15 grams. By the age of 12, it grows to about 30 grams, but by adulthood, the organ shrinks so much that it may be hard to distinguish it from the fatty tissue that surrounds it. The thymus helps in the development of white blood cells in the bone marrow.
White Blood Cells
5.6 As integral component of the immune system, the white blood cells or leukocytes, defend the body against infection and disease. They begin their lives as immature cells in the bone marrow. As they mature, leukocytes become specialised for specific functions. The leukocytes that are important in the immune response are the macrophages, neutrophils and several types of lymphocytes. The macrophages can surround and digest harmful bacteria and other invaders. Some can move from the bloodstream to the fluid that surrounds the body cells to reach the site of infection. The lymphocytes, like trained “soldiers” are involved in the production of antibodies (defence proteins) in recognising and destroying specific types of cells, and in remembering a specific pathogen (a disease causing microorganism) in case it is encountered again.
