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 How do antibodies and antigens relate like locks and keys?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIt may help to think of the antibody as a kind of molecular lock that needs to be unlocked if the white blood cell it's riding on is to take action. Now think of the antigen as the key. If the key fits the antibody lock, white blood cells start rapidly... Full Answer
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- Q What happens to my immune system as I age?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIt's human nature to think of our health in terms of the big issues -- such as whether or not we can avoid getting cancer. But what is surprising is that the things we see as the "little" issues can have a big effect on how young we stay, and... Full Answer
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- Q How does yogurt help the immune system?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYogurt that hasn't been pasteurized contains Lactobacillus acidophilus-a healthy bacteria that makes milk become yogurt. It also fights off fungus-related infections, which is one of the reasons why yogurt is good for you. It works by helping to prevent... Full Answer
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- Q What is breast lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment?
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Breast lymphedema is a problem that may occur after surgery and treatment of breast cancer. It is the swelling of the arm, armpit, breast, or chest wall, on the side where the breast surgery was done. Lymph node removal, biopsy, and radiation... Full Answer
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- Q How does garlic help support my immune system?
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Referred to by some as Russian penicillin, garlic and its protective properties were once regarded as the domain of folk remedies. But research indicates that garlic has sulfur-containing antibacterial compounds, which fight infection by clearing away... Full Answer
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- Q Does the immune system protect against cancer?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineThe immune system is only moderately effective in fighting cancer. That's because cancer cells are essentially modified "self" cells. That means the immune system usually doesn't recognize them as harmful. The immune response is triggered only in... Full Answer
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- Q What is innate immunity?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineInnate immunity is the next line of defense after the barriers of the skin and the mucosa. The role of the innate immune system is to attack invading pathogens, triggering an immediate inflammatory response and firing up the next line of defense,... Full Answer
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- Q What is a phagocyte?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineThe innate immune system is first and best known for a family of white blood cells called phagocytes, which reside very close to the layer of epithelial cells that line much of the body's surface. The importance of phagocytes was well known even... Full Answer
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- Q Is it possible to boost immunity?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineThe idea of boosting your immunity is enticing, but the ability to do so has proved elusive for several reasons. The immune system is precisely that -- a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. There is... Full Answer
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- Q What are antibodies?
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Dr. Brad Spellberg, Infectious DiseaseAntibodies are proteins produced by specialized immune cells called B lymphocytes. Each B cell produces 1 type of antibody. B cells are so numerous and diverse, that the body can produce a virtually limitless array of antibodies to bind almost... Full Answer
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