The "Germ Theory" of Disease, as proposed by Pasteur, dominates modern Western Medical approaches. Other researchers' work indicates that the terrain of the body is a more fundamental disease factor than the germ, which Pasteur admitted on his deathbed. Overuse of antibiotics weakens natural immunity and has spawned new mutant strains of deadly pathogens. The "answer " to emerging bio-warfare and mutant strains is to strengthen the Immune System.

The immune system is designed to identify and neutralize what is "not self" from "self". It can be weakened or over-activated (auto-immune diseases)

Multiple systems cooperate in immune function: white blood cells, bone marrow, lymph vessels and organs, spleen, thymus, specialized body cell, blood serum factors and bowel flora.

Immunity is built over time in response to specific antigens. The immune system evokes 2 primary kinds of response: Cell Mediated and Humoral.

1) Cell mediated (delayed response) T (thymus) cells. They thymus has a "library" of all known human diseases and releases the best mast cell for each challenge. T cells secrete "cytokines" such as interferon to destroy invaders. New mutant and manmade strains (HIV) may not have a library card!

2) Humoral Immunity (immediate response) involves antibody (specific protein) production to attack or "flag" invaders. This is the job of B Lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow. The tonsils, adenoids and appendix regulate B Cells. Marrow also produces Stem Cells and is most stressed by Radiation.

The lymph system (spleen, thymus, tonsils, lymph nodes) provides continual inter-cellular cleansing. Lymph is cleansed in the nodes by Macrophages (WBC) and is returned to the blood.

An immune system can be weakened or over active, as in Auto Immune Disorders. The goal is returning the immune system to a healthy functional balance.

The organs, glands and cells involved are especially dependent on their internal Enzyme activity, particularly the specialized White Blood Cells who "digest" invaders with Enzymes. Chronic enzyme depletion through a mainly cooked diet is a major depressor of the Immune System in modern culture.

White sugar impairs the circulation of white blood cells by about 50%. The WBC is essentially stunned by the refined sugar and unable to function. Marijuana also depresses the immunity up to 50%.

Chronic Stress suppresses immunity through exhaustion of the Adrenals leading to Low Thyroid. The resulting low body temperature inhibits normal enzyme function.

Chronic infections in the digestive tract (food poisoning, fungus, ulcer-related bacteria, and parasites) can indicate LOW Stomach Acid (HCL). These chronic infections (common) drain the immune system.

Heavy metals will also depress immunity as will certain "toxic emotions".

Nicole Lavoie, Founder of My Stress Release NOW is a Certified Biofeedback Specialist who uses Quantum Biofeedback to address the stressors mentioned in this blog. To learn more visit www.mystressreleasenow.com