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THE IMMUNE SYSTEM |
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WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ?
The immune system consists of specialized cells and
organs that protect the human body against attacks by ‘invaders’ from outside the body. These
invaders, also called microbes (or ‘germs’),
include bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The
immune system also monitors cells inside the human body
and removes any that are damaged (e.g. infected cells,
cancer cells, etc.).
There are many different types of immune cell; the
cells are divided into groups and each group has a slightly
different function. The immune cells ‘talk’
to each other by releasing special chemicals that can
activate other immune cells and direct them to where
they are needed.
When invading microbes enter the body, such as particles
of influenza virus inhaled into the throat, they meet
special types of immune cells that ‘patrol’
the tissues. These cells identify the invading microbes
as being ‘foreign’ (or ‘non-self’)
and destroy as many as they can. Meanwhile, another
type of immune cell ‘reports’ what is happening
and ‘recruits’ other groups of immune cells
to come and fight the invading microbes. Eventually,
the microbes are destroyed and their remains are removed.
If the immune system did not react in this way, the
microbes would cause a massive infection which would
be fatal within a few days. Immune cells can recognize
and remember millions of different microbes; a particular
group of immune cells (called B-cells) produces special
proteins (called antibodies) that target known microbes.
Each antibody is specific to one type of microbe (e.g.
common cold virus).
Many immune cells are made in an organ in the neck
called the thymus. The thymus is most active in babies
and children, and starts to degenerate after puberty.
Other important sites of immune cell production are
the bone marrow, lymph nodes and the spleen.
BIOPTRON helps to activate white blood cells (above), the essential component of the immune system.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN OCCUR WITH IMMUNE FUNCTION ?
Immune disorders fall into two main types; 1) reduced
immunity and 2) overactive immune response.
Reduced immunity occurs when the immune response is
impaired or ineffective. This means a person is more
likely to get an infection and for the infection to
be more severe.
Overactive immune response occurs when immune cells
attack healthy body tissues (called autoimmune disease),
or when the normal immune reaction becomes massively
exaggerated (e.g. allergy, asthma).
WHAT CAUSES REDUCED IMMUNITY ?
Reduced immunity can occur for several reasons. Sometimes
people are born with genetic disorders that affect their
immune system (called congenital immune disorders).
Other people acquire immune deficiency, e.g. after becoming
infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and
developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Certain types of medication can suppress immune function,
e.g. anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids and anti-rejection
medication (given to prevent rejection of transplanted
organs). Reduced immune function can also be caused
by poor eating habits (e.g. vitamin/mineral deficiencies),
drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, lack of
exercise, lack of sleep, mental stress or depression,
and increased age. The presence of certain diseases
can also decrease immune function, e.g. cancer (including
leukaemia and lymphoma), diabetes, viral infection,
liver disease and lung disease.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF REDUCED IMMUNITY ?
The exact symptoms depend on how severely immune function
has been impaired and which type(s) of immune cells
are affected.
Mildly reduced immune function often results in an increased
susceptibility to infection, e.g. colds, sore throat,
influenza. More severely impaired immunity can allow
infection by microbes that the body would normally destroy,
such as fungal and parasitic infections. Severe depression
of the immune system can result in overwhelming infection
from many types of microbe (e.g. pneumonia, tuberculosis,
diarrhoea, severe ulcers of the mouth, skin or gut)
and the development of tumours (particularly in the
lymph nodes / spleen and skin).
CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO IMPROVE IMMUNE FUNCTION ?
Unfortunately, there are no drugs that increase the
activity of the immune system. The only course of action
is to try to keep the immune system in good condition
by eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise,
not smoking cigarettes, taking alcohol in moderation,
etc.
However, a new and innovative type of treatment that
may help to stimulate immune function is the use of
LIGHT THERAPY.
HOW DOES BIOPTRON LIGHT THERAPY HELP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ?
BIOPTRON Light Therapy devices emit light containing
a range of wavelengths that correspond to visible light
plus infrared radiation, both of which have been reported
to stimulate biological reactions. Importantly, no harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation is present in BIOPTRON. When
the BIOPTRON device is held over the skin surface, energy
from the emitted light penetrates the underlying tissues.
This produces a biological response, called photo-biostimulation,
causing various reactions within these tissues that
may result in the promotion of healing.
Light therapy is believed to improve the immune function
and reduce pain in several ways :
• Activation of cells that target bacteria.
• Activation of cells that digest microbes.
• Activation of cells that attack viruses and
tumours.
Note : BIOPTRON Light Therapy is a treatment which serves to
boost the immune system and is not a curative measure
in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. BIOPTRON Light
Therapy is best used in the prevention of health problems.
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