The Immune System - Your Body’s First Line of Defence

21 September 2022

The Immune System - Your Body’s First Line of Defence

The immune system is the invisible armour that protects the body from outside invaders – heroically fighting off germs and foreign substances at skin level as well as in tissues and bodily fluids such as blood.

Comprised of a fighting force of different organs, cells and proteins, the immune system comes in two parts that work together while performing different tasks:

the innate immune system, that you are born with;
and the adaptive immune system that develops after the body is exposed to microbes, or chemicals released by microbes.

While the immune system is an incredibly ally in the fight to stay fit, it can be severely compromised by disease, malnutrition, toxic overloads and certain genetic disorders. It can also be temporarily weakened by medication – such as anti-cancer drugs and radiation therapy – as well as stem cell or organ transplants.

The Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems

The innate immune system, also known as the nonspecific immune system, is the body's first line of defence against germs entering the body. It responds in the same way to all germs and foreign substances and offers protection via the skin and mucous membranes as well as immune system cells, also known as defence cells and proteins.

Though the innate immune system acts quickly, and can neutralise a threat within hours, it has limited power when it comes to stopping germs from spreading.

The defence mechanisms of the innate immune system include secretions, mucous, bile, gastric acid, saliva, tears and sweat.

The adaptive immune system, also known as the acquired immune system, is a subsystem of the immune system composed of specialised, systemic cells and processes that eliminate pathogens or prevent their growth.

The adaptive immune system, with help from the innate system, creates antibodies to protect the body from specific threats. These antibodies are developed by cells called B lymphocytes after exposure to an invader.

It can take several days for antibodies to form, but following initial exposure, the immune system learns to recognise the threat and defend against it in the future. However, the ability to do this can be seriously hampered by auto-immune conditions.

An autoimmune disorder triggers either abnormally low activity or overactivity of the immune system. In cases of overactivity, the body attacks and damages tissue while low activity decreases the body's ability to fight invaders, causing vulnerability to infections. Autoimmune diseases range from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to IBS and MS.

How You Can Protect Your Immune System

Generally speaking, the immune system does an amazing job of defending the body against disease-causing microorganisms. However, it is not infallible and sometimes germs get the upper hand and sickness ensues.

As we are dealing with a system, rather than a single entity, the immune system requires balance and harmony to do the job it was designed for. Therefore, one of the best ways to arm the immune system is to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables
Don't smoke
Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
Get enough sleep
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Follow good hygiene rules such as washing hands frequently and cooking meat thoroughly
Try not to stress.

How We Can Help Your Immune System

Here at Neomed, we see the effects of compromised immune systems every day in the work we do to treat guests devastated by illnesses such as Lyme disease or other chronic conditions.

As a result, we use a wide variety of approaches and protocols, tailored to the individual needs of guests, to kickstart immune systems back into action. Here are just a few of the options on the table:

Lymphatic Detox

A major part of a lymphatic detox is ‘lymphatic drainage’, which is a therapeutic massage treatment designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluids around the body to help remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues.

The lymph system is part of the body’s immune system and helps fight infection, so a lymphatic drainage massage can be very beneficial to people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, swelling, skin disorders, fatigue, insomnia, stress, digestive problems, arthritis and migraines.

Multipass Ozone Therapy

Multipass Ozone Therapy, also known as 10 Pass (Ten Pass Ozone), is one of the most powerful ozone-based modalities for treating chronic conditions available today.

Multipass ozone therapy can be especially beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, auto-immune disorders, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, viral and bacterial infections, Lyme disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Ozone Intravenous Therapy

A number of clinical studies have shown that ozone saline infusions help with blood circulation while optimising pro-antioxidant systems and body homeostasis. Ozone saline infusions also aid microcirculation and have an immunity-boosting effect.

Ozone Sauna

The ozone sauna is one of our most relaxing therapies – and it comes with a multitude of health benefits. As well as boosting the immune system it improves blood circulation. This therapy is especially helpful to sufferers of chronic pain, Lyme disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, breast implant illness (BII) and athletic injuries.

IV Infusions

With micronutrient deficiencies – such as deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E – negatively impacting the immune system, IV infusions can give a much-needed boost to the body, the effects of which are felt almost immediately.

Far Infrared Sauna

The far infrared sauna uses light to create heat and triggers reactions similar to those brought on by moderate exercises, such as sweating and an increase in heart rate. As the infrared sauna produces these results at lower temperatures than a regular sauna, it is an ideal way to sweat out toxins for those who can't tolerate the heat of conventional saunas.

Detox Body Wraps & Scrubs

Our body wraps and scrubs use a number of ingredients that are combined to meet the specific needs of the individual, including pain relief, blood and lymph circulation.

Mud Wraps

Mud wraps help rehydrate and detoxify the skin, eliminate toxins, increase immunity levels, help fight against cellulite and boost the lymphatic system.

Castor Oil Packs

Successfully used for many years to treat skin infections and constipation, castor oil supports lymphatic system drainage, blood flow and thymus gland health. It also increases the production of lymphocytes which play a key role in immune function. Castor oil can prevent the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds, reducing swelling or itching and fighting infections.

Neti Pot

A neti pot is a popular form of nasal irrigation that can help relieve congestion, facial pain and pressure. When used in conjunction with ozonated water, it can help clean the sinus area of viruses.