Our immune system is a complex network of specialized organs,
glands and cells which, when working properly, protect us from
pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and foreign cells
such as cancer.
Immunity by definition, is a homeostatic condition in which
the body maintains protection from infectious disease.
It is a series of balanced, complex, multi-cellular and physiological
mechanisms that allow an individual to distinguish foreign material
from "self" and to neutralize and/or eliminate the foreign matter.
Researchers now agree that abnormal cells, such as cancer or
tumor cells, develop in our body daily. These cells are caused
by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or foreign cells.
It is estimated that 1 in 25 people get diagnosed with cancer
in their lifetime. The other 24 have strong immune systems that
effectively destroy all potential invaders. Only one in twenty-five
of us are diagnosed with cancer.
Current research is showing that this number is rapidly increasing,
especially in first world countries. Unfortunately diet, stress,
drugs, environmental toxins and smoking are just some of the
ways our immune system may be weakened.
Immino-supression may result in repeated, more severe or prolonged
infections as well as the development of cancer, whereas, immuno-enhancement
may lead to immune-medicated diseases such as hypersensitivity
or auto-immune diseases.
In order for our immune system to avoid being weakened by certain
pathogens, we must have an optimum immune response.
