The concept that we are healthy if we don't show visible signs of illness has proven to be incorrect. We have heard or seen cases of people who suddenly pass away while sleeping or exercising. These people generally do not show signs of illness.
Bacteria and viruses can hibernate in a person's body up to 10 years without causing illness to that person.
These are germs that appear on the skin. We face a potential attack from these microorganisms at any time.
Virus lives in human cells and reproduce in great number to destroy our normal cells.
The human immune system is like a country's defense system. It protects the body 24 hours a day from the attack of germs, bacteria, viruses and chemical toxins.
The main lymphoid organs of the immune system consist of the bone marrow and the thymus. The peripheral lymphoid organs include the tonsils, spleen, lymph node, Peyer's patches, and appendix.
The immune system has three main functions :
1. Defense:
The immune cells will create antibodies like bullets or bombs to kill the intruders.
2. Clearance:
The immune cells eliminate wastes and impurities including the remains of bacteria and dead cells from our body, through sweat and phlegm.
3. Repair:
The immune cells will repair the injured tissues like a cut to the finger, enabling the wound to be healed within a few days.
Within the blood, there are red blood cells and white blood cells. The white blood cells are immune cells. White blood cells can be divided into two groups: B cells, coming from bone marrow, and T cells, which are trained within the thymus to combat foreign invaders. (the T cell is located in the center at the B cells)
Throughout the lifetime of a person, the B cell is capable of producing one billion different antibodies to combat viruses, bacteria, or any other type of pathogen.
A natural killer cell ( " kiss of death '' ) between two large cancer cells.
The natural killer cell destroying a cancer cell.
The remains of the cancer cell.
Natural killer cells have the ability to kill any type of cancer cell. While natural killer cells neutralize cancer cells safely and without side effects, chemotherapy and radiotherapy kill cancer cells and healthy cells including immune cells-thus lowering a patient's resistance to illness and infection.
Viewed under an electron microscope, this macrophage or "garbage man of the body", is ingesting foreign particles which have entered the body.
One of the main functions of the macrophage is to ingest any foreign particles, including aged body cells.
The macrophage has tentacles to actually grab a particle and engulf it, as in these photos.
In these photos, the macrophage is engulfing the captured bacteria.
In blood circulation, the macrophage clears away all the wastes and impurities.
This macrophage is ingesting an asbestos fiber.
A macrophage engulfing an aged red-blood cell.
This blood platelet is repairing a cell.
The concept of Nutritional Immunology in response to the need to take care of the body by feeding it the whole-food nutrients. When the body is properly nourished, it can defend itself against numerous attacks from bacteria, viruses and germs.
Experts have concluded that the foods which are beneficial to human health must fulfill the following six criteria:
1. Plant food
2. Healthy plant
3. Wholesome plant
4. Rich in phytochemical
5. Many varieties and sufficient quantities
6. Does not interfere with the body's repair ability and defenses of diseases.
There are four things to do to maintain good health.
1. Maintain stable emotions
2. Regular exercise
3. Ensure sufficient sleep and rest.
4. Take balanced nutrition
The first three items are fairly straightforward and easy to maintain, but the fourth item requires wisdom and knowledge to discern which foods are most valuable for the body.
