Simply speaking, you can think of the immune system as a barrier. It consists of a collection of cells, tissues as well as organs that function to protect the body against foreign pathogens. And since the human body acts as a very conducive reservoir for these microbes, the immune system is of vital importance. Without it, everything else will eventually fall apart.
A Faulty Immune System Is An Autoimmune Disease:
A faulty immune system, simply put, is an immune system not functioning the way it should. A defect is present in one or more components of the immune system; for instance, your T cells are not able to recognize foreign antigens from your own cells. Instead of destroying foreign microbes, your immune system turns against your own cells, and this is known as an autoimmune disease, an example of which is HIV, the causative factor in AIDS. A faulty immune system can result from a variety of conditions, from something as simple as stress to more serious conditions such as blood transfusions, surgery and other infections.
Nutrient deficiency can also result in a faulty immune system.
Among the symptoms you should watch out for include frequent occurrence of infections, chronic and productive cough, and frequent colds and flu. A faulty immune system doesn’t manifest in a clear cut pattern such that the symptoms mentioned may not be present, or may be indicative of another condition. Laboratory tests may show an elevated eosinophil count, too.
Aside from medicines and other pharmaceutical preparations that can boost your immune system, you can make use of some herbs, too.
Herbs To Boost Immunity!
Astragalus, a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to strengthen the immune system by boosting production of interferon, a protein vital in the immune response. Echinacea or purple coneflower is known to enhance phagocytosis (a process involved in the destruction of microbes) and to activate macrophages, cells involved in the first line response of the immune system. More common herbs such as garlic, clove, and oregano are known for their antimicrobial properties, too.
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