the organs and processes of the body that provide resistance to infection and toxins 2 categories ◦ Non-specific Defence Mechanism ◦ Specific Defence Mechanism First line of general defence Prevent entry & minimise further passage of microbes & other foreign material 5 main non-specific defence mechanisms 1. Defence at body surface Healthy, intact skin; sebum & sweat contain antibacterial and antifungal substances Epithelial membrane lining body cavities & passages - produce antibacterial secretions, often acidic, containing antibodies and enzymes + sticky mucus for trapping microbes Hairs in nose act as a coarse filter Sweeping action of cilia in respiratory tract moves mucus and inhaled foreign substance towards throat One way flow of urine- minimizes the risk of infection In females, acidity of vaginal tract 2. Phagocytosis (cell eating) Macrophages and neutrophils Engulf their targets digest and destroy them, antegenic material, and damaged body cells. 3. Natural Antimicrobial Substances HCl- gastric juice Lysozyme- granulocytes, tears. Destroys bacterial cell wall, not affect viruses Saliva- contians antibodies, lysozyme. Neutrilize bacterial acids that promote dental decay Interferons- produced by T lymphocytes, macrophages and body cells that have been invaded by viruses. Prevent viral replication within infected cells, and spread of viruses to healthy cells. 4. Inflammatory Response Physiological response to tissue damage and accompanied by characterised local changes Purpose- protective- isolate, inactivate and remove both causative agent and damaged tissue so that healing can take place Cardinal signs- redness, heat, swelling, pain 5. Immunological Surveillance Natural Killer (NK) cells, a population of lymphocytes, constaltly patrol the body searching for abnormal cells If 1st line of defence is overwhelmed, activation of the powerful immune system follows. 3 key attributes of Immunity (not seen in non-specific defence)- 1. Specificity- an immune response is directed against one antigen, no others 2. Memory- an immune response against a particular antigen usually generate immunological memory of that antigen- so subsequent exposure to the same antigen is generally faster and more powerful 3. Tolerance- control of the activity of these potentially extremely destructive cells of immune system
Immune cells roams the body and check for marker
proteins on cell membranes. Healthy cells display the expected ‘self’ markers and are ignored.
Non-self cells (Cancer cells, foreigh or transplated
cells, pathogens) possess different markers which are destroyed. Lymphocytes 20-30% of circulating WBCs but at any time most of them are found in lymphatic and other tissues rather than in blood stream Natural Killer (NK) cells- immunological surveillance T cells (cell mediated) Specific defence B cells (anti-body mediated) produced in bone marrow & some lymphatic tissue T cells migrate to thymus for final maturation
For each of millions of possible antigens that
might be encountered in life, there is a corresponding T and B cell programmed to respond to it. So, there are vast numbers of different T and B cells in the body, each capable of responding to one specific antigen. Hypersensitivity (Allergy) ◦ An inappropriate, powerful immune response to an antigen (allergen) which is usually harmless ◦ Happens repeatedly ◦ E.g. House dust, animal dander, grass pollen ◦ Causes damage to body, not the allergen ◦ Sometimes annoying- running nose, streaming eyes of hay fever ◦ Sometimes extreme, even leading to death- Autoimmune Disease ◦ Body fails to recognise its own tissue and attacks itself Condition Autoantibodies made against: 1. Rheumatoid Arthritis 1. Synovial membrane of joints 2. Hashimoto’s disease 2. Thyroglobulin 3. Grave’s Disease 3. TSH receptors on thyroid cells 4. Myasthenia Gravis 4. Acetylcholine receptors of skeletal muscles 5. Type 1 Diabetes Beta cells of pancreas Immune Deficiency ◦ Ability of immune system to fight infections and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. ◦ Types: Primary- usually occur in infancy and genetically mediated Secondary- acquired as a result of various immunosupprasents viz., malnutrition, aging, certain medications (chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs etc), infections, following splenectomy etc Lack of Sleep- people who lack adequate sleep (<6 hrs) or shift workers are far more prone to the common cold and flu. ◦ reduced natural killer cell activity, suppressed interleukin-2 production and increased levels of circulating pro- inflammatory cytokines Sugar- bad bacteria, yeast and fungi thrive on sugars when white blood cells are exposed to high levels of sugar, their ability to fight bacteria decreases significantly sugar causes nutrient depletions of B- vitamins, vitamin C. DRINKING ALCOHOL EXCESSIVELY OR BINGE DRINKING ◦ reduce function of T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and monocytes and macrophages, decreasing the inflammatory response and altering cytokine production Over Exercise- increases adrenaline and cortisol STRESS psychological stress has been shown to increase susceptibility to viral infection leads to the release of histamines, which can trigger severe bronchial constriction in asthmatic. Stress can affect your immune system in two ways: 1. Immune System Suppression- in stress more cortisol and other stress hormones are produced, which suppress the immune system 2. Chronic Inflammation- Cortisol is necessary to reduce inflammation in the body, but for short period. Over long periods of time, the body’s efforts to reduce inflammation end up suppressing the immune system. Chronic stress causes cortisol levels to keep rising, but over time it becomes much less effective in managing inflammation. Immune cells become insensitive to cortisol, allowing the immune system to become dysregulated and enabling runaway inflammation. How Yoga Fits In ◦ Healthy Eating: Excessive consumption of red meat, sugar, soda, fried foods, processed foods etc tampers the immune system Yoga teaches to avoid those food which are harmful Yoga advocates right diet- Satvic Diet. ◦ Moderation in sleep and activity- another yogic recommendation Irregular/too little sleep and stressful activity increases risks of diseases ◦ Understanding the real purpose of living Giving much importance to one’s own life creates stress. But, yogis say that the truth is different, “life has no meaning... Being aware of its meaninglessness is its meaning... That awareness itself is the real unchangeable nature... Ever new joy” Hence one has nothing to gain and loss in the world; so why we compete one another! Cultivating such an insight through contemplation and meditation, relieves one from stress of living. ◦ Kriyas Jala Neti, Sutra Neti helps alleviate allergic responses Jala Neti with saline increase resistance of sinuses Vamana Dhauti- Kapalbhati- expels excess CO2, expulsion of feelings, increase resistance of respiratory tract Trataka- relieves stress, soothes mind ◦ Loosening Exercises Practiced for general well being Increased blood flow to all parts Use of leg muscle ‘pumps’ up the lymph back to chest ◦ Asanas- Corrects problems related to other systems, which in turn boost immune system Maintains health of Lymphatic System- 1. Dynamic practice increases lymph drainage helping to bring most of it to heart. 2. Soak and squeeze- Twists causes soaking and squeezing action around internal organs in the abdomen which improves lymph drainage. 3. using power of gravity by applying inversions to drain out lymph back to heart. Improves expulsion of toxins through sweat, and urine Increases blood flow to all organs Kurmasana supports thymus. Inversions (adhomukha svanasana etc) encourages blood flow to sinuses Ushtrasana, Gomukhasana, Balasana with arms extedned in front- good to relieve bronchial congestion Chest opening- e.g. bhujangasana- prevents pneumonia Asanas can provide a reparative effect. E.g. The peculiar soothing feeling one experiences in the back bone, especially during twists is perceived in brain a relaxation List of Asanas that positively influence Immune System- Tadasana, Vrkshasana, Padahastasana, Trikonasana, Adhomukha Svanasana, Kurmasana, Ushtrasana, Gomukhasana, Balasana, Vakrasana, ArdhaMatsyendrasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Vipareetakarni, Shirsanasa, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Salabhasana, savasana etc. Role of Pranayama ◦ cold and flu infections, allergies, asthma, and other chronic respiratory conditions are directly linked to a weakened immune response due to disturbed, irregular habits of breathing ◦ Sectional breathing and rapid abdominal breathing (Kapalabhati) increase the resistance of your respiratory tract ◦ nasal wash and alternate-nostril breathing increase the resistance of sinuses (study conducted by Penn State Uty) Pranayama balances SNS and PNS ◦ Nadi Suddhi, Anuloma Viloma ◦ Helps bringing stress levels down ◦ Stress hormones levels are lowered ◦ Normal functioning is reestablished Improves one’s ability to cope up with stressful situation Increases the amount of subtle vital energy in the body. Corrects abnormal prana vibrations, bring them back to normal Sectional Br, Nadi Suddhi, Anuloam Viloma, Cooling Pranayama, Ujjayi, Bhastrika etc. Meditation ◦ Meditation means “rest”. It is “awareful sleeping” ◦ During rest, body regains it vitality, restores (tries to restore) every disturbed process to normal ◦ Destresses the body by reducing cortisols and increasing endorphins ◦ Foster positive state of mind to promote positive health. ◦ OM meditation, Nadanusandhana etc