The immune system is a highly complex network of cells and immune factors produced by these cells. Although we do not fully understand the workings of the network, it is clear that the amount of immune inflammation we experience directly affects our joints, cardiovascular, nervous, hormonal, and emotional health.
IMMUNE INFLAMMATION
Immune inflammation is used by the body to: a) heal the body when it is injured and b) protect the body from infection by pathogens.
The major players of the immune system are immune cells (white blood cells) and the cocktail of cellular immune factors (e.g., cytokines) that these cells release to recruit more cells into an area.
Invasion by threatening microorganisms initiates a fierce battle between immune cells and the threat. When the body is exposed to a pathogen, immune cells release germ-fighting antibodies, immunoglobulins, large Y-shaped proteins that attach to the surface of the specific invading pathogen, marking it for destruction.
Antibody attachment initiates a highly orchestrated inflammatory response in which different immune inflammatory cells, along with their immune factors, combine to destroy microorganisms and prevent infection.
The body also uses inflammation to heal itself when it is injured. When we are hurt, immune cells migrate into the wound site, releasing cytokines and other immune factors that initially increase inflammation. As part of the healing process, the immune cells release different cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation back to balanced, homeostatic, levels.
IMMUNE HOMEOSTASIS
A proper inflammatory response depends on the release of the right amount of, and types of, immune inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells and their cytokines. “For wounds to heal, we need controlled inflammation, not too much, and not too little.” (1)
Balanced immune responses are the key to good health. In a healthy person the immune system restores immune homeostasis by down-regulating (decreasing) the amount of inflammation in the body.
If the immune response is not inhibited, or if it is inappropriately “boosted,” exaggerated inflammatory responses can damage healthy tissue and organs.
Uncontrolled, on-going (chronic) inflammation is considered a major contributor in such diseases as arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, lupus, periodontal disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.
Optimal health depends on immune homeostasis (balance). A healthy, balanced immune system defends the body, results in self-healing, high energy, and a healthy mental attitude. “Everything works just right!”
No medications, herbs, juice extracts, vitamins, or minerals, will guarantee that you will achieve immune balance. Only better lifestyle choices will help you maximize your chances of achieving immune homeostasis.
TIPS TO ACHIEVING IMMUNE INFLAMMATORY HOMEOSTASIS
BE PHYSICAL! Exercise is the body’s natural way to control inflammation and helps protect the body against chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Every time we contract our muscles, these muscles release powerful anti-inflammatory cellular factors that help counteract low-grade inflammation in our bodies.
LOSE THOSE INCHES. Fat cells produce inflammatory molecules. Shrinking their size decreases the amount of inflammation they produce, resulting in less inflammation that the body needs to reverse or neutralize.
INCORPORATE HYPERIMMUNE EGG INTO YOUR DIET. Along with exercise and diet, hyperimmune egg has been shown to help support immune balance (2). This ingredient provides a cocktail of immune factors from which the body can select the elements needed to help the body achieve immune homeostasis.
(1) Gerald Weissmann, M.D., The FASEB Journal 2010 http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/10/04/surprise.scientists.discover.inflammation.helps.heal.wounds.
(2) http://www.HyperimmuneEgg.org
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