Immune System
Immune and lymphatic system health is necessary for protecting your body from germs and diseases. Known as the bodys first line of defense, your immune system and lymphatic system help protect you from bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause disease.
Your lymphatic system produces and carries white blood cells containing antibodies that fight off infection. Your lymphatic system transports and destroys dead or damaged cells and cancer cells, removing these substances from the blood stream.
Problems with your immune and lymphatic system can result in various diseases. A weakened immune system can lead to diseases including cancer, the flu and chronic fatigue syndrome. An overactive immune system can lead to diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntingdons disease and lupus.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes harmless substances for threats and attacks these harmless substances.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
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Myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness. Although the weakness can involve any and all of the muscles that you have voluntary control over, it most commonly affects the muscles of the eye, face, throat, arm, and leg. Symptoms may include: Eyelids that... Full Answer
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- Q How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
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If your doctor suspects that you have myasthenia gravis based on your muscle weakness symptoms, you may have to take some tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include: Electromyography (EMG): A wire electrode that runs down into your muscle is used... Full Answer
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- Q How is myasthenia gravis treated?
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There are several treatment options for controlling myasthenia gravis. Anticholinesterase medications (neostigmine and pyridostigmine) can enhance the transmission of nerve impulses and increase muscle strength. Drugs that suppress the immune system... Full Answer
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- Q What is myasthenia gravis?
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Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder due to a problem in communication between nerves and muscles. The resulting muscle weakness can involve any and all of the muscles that you have voluntary control over, but it most commonly occurs in the eyes,... Full Answer
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- Q How does fat intake affect immunity?
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Tufts University researchers found that test subjects on a lower-fat diet (28 percent of calories from fat versus 38 percent in the test group) not only lowered their cholesterol but also boosted the activity of their T cells. These white blood cells... Full Answer
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- Q Why is regular exercise so important to immune health?
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While extreme overexertion (e.g., running a marathon or soldiering) can temporarily depress immune function, regular and moderate-to-vigorous activity has been found to help ward off infections. Research shows that seniors who practice tai chi have... Full Answer
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- Q Why is sleep so important to the immune system?
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Sleep deprivation dampens the production of the antibodies needed to fight infection; whereas allowing yourself to get adequate sleep will buoy your mood and give you more energy to exercise- both of which can help heighten your immune activity. A study... Full Answer
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- Q Why is hand washing so important to immune health?
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Soap and water can remove bacteria from your hands and keep it from reaching your eyes, nose and mouth -- and from infecting you. A University of Colorado study showed that students who washed their hands more often experienced fewer incidences of the... Full Answer
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- Q How can resistance training support the immune system?
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Resistance training not only pumps up your muscles, but may also pump up your immunity. A Canadian study found that individuals who exercised with resistance bands three times per week boosted blood levels of natural killer cells. These cells are part of... Full Answer
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- Q How can mushrooms support your immune system?
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Tufts University research suggests an increased intake of white button mushrooms could enhance your body’s natural killer cells, improving your immunity to tumors and disease-causing viruses. Full Answer
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