Immune System

Question: Immune system? Is it possible to be too healthy? Ok strange question I know,let me explain.I usually catch at least 2 colds a year usually three like normal,but for the last 5 years I have had nothing,no coughs,colds ect,i've avoided 2 bouts of flu when everyone else around me fell ill and even avoided a very nasty illness that was causing a lot of viral meningitis to occur.I'm not complaining about this no-one wants to be sick,but I can't help but wonder why my immune system has suddenly put up fortified defenses.I don't have the healthiest lifestyle (I could be worse though) and i've been surrounded on all sides by these viruses.Is there anything in paticular that could have caused this & is a negative effect likely to come from it (suddenly weakened immune system?) And if so is there anything I can do to stablise it?

Answer: I understand where you are comming from here I am 59 and have never had a serious illness I do take vitimins and ginseng every day (but not to exess) and beleive this helps a great deal illness' seem to come and go and if anything I seem to get a less serious version of it even if you don't get the ailments everybody else is getting you are still exposed to the same bugs. and your body will react to them. and this (memory) will be stored by your imune system for the next time it meets something similar I guess, we should think ourselves lucky

Question: immune system? I was wondering if anyone can tell me the best way to boost your immune system....pills...juices...just in general how to do it!

Answer: There is no magic pill. Just the standard things: Regular exercise Good, balanced diet Avoid unhealthy behaviors (smoking, excessive drinking, drugs...)

Question: Can the immune system actually help the brain to work? I have suggested in other questions that some depression may be caused by the immune system attacking the brain as in MS and other diseaes. One symptom of MS is depression caused by the immune system attacking the brain. But if some depression is an auto-immune disease that affects the brain, can the immune system also attack some part of the brain so that IT ACTUALLY WORKS BETTER. Manic-depressive people or bi-polar people are known for their highs and lows. Many brillant and successful people were manic-depressive: Abe Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Martin Luther King. The list is endless. The question is: if some depression is an auto-immune disease, does the immune system acutally help the brain run better or run faster when the person is in the manic phrase? Does the immune system take out something that regulates the brain and without it the brain works faster and better? How does a chemical imbalance explain the manic phrase of manic-depression?

Answer: The immune system has "stop and go" molecules to regulate it. When it is in "go" mode, it generates an immune attack. Both B7-H1 and B7-H4 stop the attack -- and when regulated properly, are necessary to maintaining good health because they keep the immune system from attacking the healthy body. But the Mayo Clinic research shows that in kidney cancer, B7-H1 and B7-H4 are present in high amounts in the most aggressive tumors and the vessels that feed these tumors. This abnormality suggests that these concentrations may actually keep the immune system from doing its normal job, thus allowing the cancer to grow and spread

Question: How to improve immune system without spending too much money? My husband keeps getting a bad cough. NO, it's not H1N1. His immune system is low, and the constant temperature changes are taking him for a ride. Any ideas how he can boost his immune system without spending a lot of money?

Answer: Kelle is correct, he must eat more fruits and vegetables to boost his immunity. Carrots, broccoli, citrus, and practically any kind of plant food should help. He should cut back on dairy and meats. The immune system can be boosted. And that is not a myth, the top contributers have ulterior motives for suggesting otherwise. It goes something like this : " eat daily at McDonald's or KFC, forget about healthy food, Merck, Pfizer, et cetera, have these really good ( but expensive ) pills that will fix these health problems caused by immune system weakening diets. Cash or credit card "?

Question: What is the relationship between the circulatory system and the immune system? 1) Cells of the immune system use the circulatory system as a medium to patrol the body. 2) Cells of the immune system use the circulatory system to mature. 3) Cells of the immune system use the circulatory system for B-cell activation. 4) Cells of the immune system use the circulatory system for replication. The answer should be 1 or 4

Answer: 1) Cells of the immune system use the circulatory system as a medium to patrol the body.

Question: How do I strengthen my immune system after I have taken a course of antibiotics? I just want to know how to get my immune system strong again after I finished a course of antibiotics. By the way, I am also taking probiotics with the antibiotics I am on. So, how do you strengthen the immune system after you are done with a short-term course of antibiotics?

Answer: Make sure you are eating a well balanced diet (Increase your fruits and veggies the more colorful the better), are well hydrated with water, get plenty of rest, and take a multivitamin daily. Vit. C is well known for boosting immunity however I have not read any conclusive proof that it increases immunity. It does aid in tissue repair though among other things like zinc, protein and Iron so it won't hurt to take a little extra Vit. C. I would suggest you try to limit any stress in your life if possible. Exercise everyday for 30 minutes if you feel up to it. You may also want to eat some yogurt to prevent yeast infection because that is a common side effect after antibiotics. Try to keep that area dry to prevent growth and avoid tight clothing. Sorry if that was a bit too much info., but I figured that is something you should be aware of as well.

Question: How do you boost your immune system to fight off a cold, allergy, or flu if you have an autoimmune disease? Am writing a school paper about multiple sclerosis, so if you can relate your answer to MS, that would be awesome. I am very puzzled: The immune system is misidentifying myelin as a foreign invader, so if you "feed" nutrition to the immune system to fight off a virus or pollen, for example, doesn't it also increase the autoimmune response that destroys the myelin sheath?

Answer: i think you should really do a research paper on the credibility of the theory of autoimmune diseases. are they really the cause of the immune system fighting the body? autoimmune diseases are kind of controversial.

Question: How is the immune system able to protect the body against all potential invaders without knowing in advance? How is the immune system able to protect the body against all potential invaders without knowing in advance what those invaders are like?

Answer: your immune system has the ability to differentiate your own cells as oppose to foreign cells by a protein on cells called MHC. When encountering a new invader, cells that are not recognized by the cytotoxic (killer) T cells are attacked and killed. Helper T cells then activate B cells which secrete anti-bodies which will mark the new invaders so other T cells can recognize it and kill it. If the same pathogen invades again, memory B cells then be able to quickly recognize it. Antibodies would then be quickly produced and T cells would quickly kill off the pathogen without us feeling "sick."

Question: What are 3 viruses and bacteria that attack the immune system? Im doing a project in my biology class about viruses and bacteria. The question is "Describe at least 3 viruses and bacteria that attack the immune system. Also explain how they work, live and survive." I already have one virus (HIV) but i need 2 more viruses and 3 bacterias that attack immune system. Also can you elaberate on how HIV attacks the immune system and how it survives? Thanks for all your help!

Answer: Attack is kind of a bad word here!! Viruses "generate" an immune response. 3 such virus ..some common one:1-Herpes, Chicken Pox( varicella zoster virus), Rabies virus( Rabies disease), Measles Virus, Rubella virus. Bacteria: pneumonia( streptococcus pneumoniae),Salmonella(salmonella species), Gonorrhea( Neisseria gonorrhoeae)..other diseases- syphylis,cholera..you can google these and see the name of the bacteria. Viruses are parasites and their mode of operation varies. They can survive only when they parasitise another organism, you name the organism and there is a virus that lives on it.They live in our cells, the nucleus, cytoplasm and they live in a varied number of cells. Some specialise in cells of the nervous system, immune system(HIV), etc. Even bacteria have viruses that parasitize them- they are called bacteriophage. HIV virus is a very special virus , in that it has evolve to live within the very cells that are suppose to be protecting us- The many cells of the immune system- macrophages and Tcells. HIV uses a receptor(CD4) that is present on Thelper cells to invade our body. The problem here is that the Thelper cells are called whenever there is an invasion( a foreign matter /antigen) in our system and are absolutely necessary for us to remain healthy. Once they have been invaded by the virus then they are marked for death. The body begins to remove them in an attempt to get rid of teh virus. Thereby rendering us more vulnerable to other infections- because now our defense is being broken down. Viruses on a hold have been able to manipulate our bodies to their advantage being the true parasites they are. for more information you can go to google really/ any university link, once that end in dot edu should be good. i hope i was helpful i tried my best. Good luck!!

Question: What foods increase the immune system most? A few months ago I had a cold that lasted two months. I didn't think much of it, but after a while, I realized that the cold lasted so long because my immune system is weak. I hate being sick, honestly. What can I do/eat to strengthen my immune system?

Answer: lots of fruit, veggies, and vitamins.

Question: what is the best immune system booster for my pit bull? My 9 month old pit bull has been battling demodex mange and ive been giving her this powder called, Solid Gold Seameal, to help boost her immune system, but i dont know if it is really working that much. Just wondering if anyone knew of a great immune system booster to help my pup?

Answer: There is a great product you can buy from your vet. It is called Duralactin and is an immune system booster vitamin made from mothers milk and other supplements. Works great! I had a rescued minpin who was bald from demodex mange, and we fed her this every day while she was on her medication. She has a beautiful full coat of hair now, and we still give her this vitamin, because a compromised immune system can be permanent. My girl was about three months old when we got her, and by the time she was seven months, she was looking really good. You might also want to ask your vet about a special diet while your dog is battling this, because the healthier the dog, the faster they get better. Just remember, it does take quite a bit of time for the hair to grow back, so be patient. Good luck-I am sure your dog will come through this just fine!

Question: What is the immune system of a wombat like? I am looking for a description of anything detailed about the immune system of a wombat, like it is strong or weak compared to that of an average human or compared to some other common animal, or particular differences or peculiarities in its immune system that are uncommon in most animals. A simple explanation of the immune system of animals in that area of the world they live or small animals compared to us is ok too.

Answer: The real issue with most marsupials is not disease, but parasites. There are creatures like mites that create issues and transmit disease. I would imagine the immune system of a wombat is quite similar to that of any other marsupial, which would make it comparable to the human immune system. There most immune systems would most likely be weaker than the average human just because of the wide variety of diseases that affect humans. I read somewhere that they don't need their spleen (kind of a center for disease control) But I'm not sure how accurate that is. You might want to check it out tho.

Question: What is better for your immune system, antibiotics or getting over something yourself? I always try to get over colds and flus on my own,even when they get quite bad. I figure it'll make my immune system stronger than wimping out and going for antibiotics. Am I wrong?

Answer: If you are asking specifically about colds and flu, you are correct in not taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are necessary to cure bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections and strep throat, but antibiotics have no effect on viruses such as cold and flu. You could take all the antibiotics in the world when you have the flu, and they would have no effect on the flu, but they could effect how your body deals with bacterial infections and antibiotics in the future (create resistance). You should NEVER take antibiotics for viral infections such as cold or flu, but you NEED antibiotics to cure bacterial infections.

Question: What are the best ways to boost your immune system? Can you suggest andy supplements are methods to boost your immune system? I heard that 80% of you immune system comes from you gastrointestinal tract, is that true?

Answer: -Get enough sleep at night. -Consume plenty of water. -Exercise. -Consume plenty of fruits and veggies. -Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.Cut back on junk and fast food. -Increase antioxidant and vitamin intake. -Keep your hands washed. -Stay away from sickly people. If you don't, you need to change many habits. -Eating.Don't eat junk food or processed foods.Stick to fresh fruits and veggies.Healthy snacks and cereals. -Take a good quality multivitamin.One-a-day vitamins don't do anything...get a good quality supplement. -Consume plenty of water.At LEAST 8 glassed of purified water a day. -Exercise.It does help build immunity. -Sleep.Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. -No stress.Cut down the stress. -No alcohol, drugs,coffee or smoking.It depletes the immune system and body of important nutrients. -Increase your intake of antioxidants.You can try suppliments good for immune health whether it be vitamins or herbs (make sure it is fresh quality otherwise it will not work) -Take probiotics. -Keep up on personal hygiene.Keep your hands washed before preparing foods/eating/touching your face.Wash your hands when you come home from school or when you come off of public transportation. Don't over wash your hands, use hand sanitizers or use anti bacterial soaps. -Stay clear of sick people.

Question: Can adaptive immune system work without innate immune system, independently? Can adaptive immune system work without innate immune system, independently? Innate immune system can only recognize pathogen associated molecular pattern, it doesn't have the capacity to discriminate antigens of different individual in the same species. But "tissue rejection" is a fact, so I suppose adaptive immune system can work (not necessary effectively) without any help from innate immune system- I am not sure, though. Any input will be highly appreciated.

Answer: Rejection is an adaptive immune response and is mediated through both T cell mediated and humoral immune (antibodies) mechanisms. The number of mismatched alleles determines the speed and magnitude of the rejection response. However - Components of the innate system can mount a rapid and devastating form of rejection, called hyperacute rejection, but that generally occurs when there is a large mismatch between tissues, such as occurs when transplants occur between species. Although T cells have a critical role in acute rejection, the up-regulation of proinflammatory mediators in the allograft is now recognized to occur before the T cell response; this early inflammation following engraftment is due to the innate response to tissue injury independent of the adaptive immune system. These innate mechanisms alone do not appear sufficient to lead to graft rejection itself. However, they are important for optimal adaptive immune responses to the graft. Bottom line - both are involved

Question: Can the immune system be very effective at combating a new cold virus? .. that you've never had. i do a lot of weight lifting with VERY heavy weights and glutaime that is stored in my muscles expends so i beleive i have a very very strong immune system and much larger than average stores of gutamine in my muscles... is this a incorrect assumption?

Answer: Developing immune system is a completely different issue. Skeletal muscle (of all) contains the greatest intracellular concentration of glutamine, comprising up to 60 percent of total body glutamine stores (that does not mean greater immune is reserved). 1. You may Learn how L-Glutamine can help you to preserve lean muscle mass during intense training ... bodybuilding.about.com/od/.../a/glutaminebasics.htm - Cached - Similar 2. These glucocorticoids also contribute to the depletion of muscle glutamine stores by increasing the release of glutamine from muscle cells. ... www.getbig.com/articles/glut-1.htm - Cached - Similar 3. Glutamine protects muscle tissue and supports immune function during periods ... www.herbs-wholesale.com/Glutamine.htm - Cached - Similar

Question: Immune System? I always seem to catch a cold or get a mild infection when either the season changes or I do something that my body isnt used to. Take for example when I joined the gym a few months ago. A week after I got into my program I got a cold and had to give a few days to recuperate until I could begin again. Do I have a weak immune system? If so is there something I can do to make it stronger? Does Echineacea actually work? I know it isnt a diet thing because I have a healthy diet and dont drink much alcohol. Any suggestions? Thanks

Answer: Echinacea is only suitable for short term use and long term use is likely to actually WEAKEN your immune system so you are better off without it. Taking 1 or 2 gm of vitamin C every day will help. Garlic is a very good immune system booster as it is both an antibacterial agent and an antimicrobial agent and is very good for people with sinus problems. Taking 6 high strength odourless 3,000 mg garlic oil capsules (Herron) every day will definitely help.