Immunity is Panacea of
Life – Dr TN Chugh
SIRSA NEWS
17 July, 2017
Immunity is Panacea of Life
Immunity is the prominent quality within the body
itself to create resistance against disease causing organisms or substances.
Immunity provides defense against pathogens like bacteria, protozoan’s, fungi,
virus and parasites. This character also identifies and eliminates tumors and
harmful foreign compounds. Thus it
provides balanced state of body with adequate biological defense against
infection and acquires sufficient tolerance. The immune system which provides
protection from various infectious agents and cancer comprises highly arranged
group of organs, tissues, specialized cells and cell products which work in
coordination, to furnish the required immunity to the body. The immunity is
also denoted as impunity, amnesty, indemnity, exemption and exoneration,
whereas, incarceration, susceptibility and vulnerability suggests failure of
immunity. This scientific study of protection against diseases is termed as
immunology. The word of ‘Immunity’ is derived from Latin language as ‘Immunis’
which means exemption from military service, tax payment or other public
service.
Innate
Immunity:
The inborn property of resistance to infection, that
involves either to prevent the entry of harmful foreign agents into the body or
quickly kill the pathogens. The physical barriers include, Skin that avoids the
input of bacteria and virus; Mucous membrane in the lining of throat and
trachea that provides protection from microbes and dust particles; the acid in
stomach kills many microorganisms; the
bile from liver that prevents the growth of microbes; cerumen or earwax traps
dust particles, repels insects and kills bacteria; lyso-zymes in sweat, tears and urine attack
harmful microbes; interferon from certain cells become resistant to virus; bicarbonates
in saliva neutralize acids in food; fever due to certain infections also acts
as natural defense.
The most types of white blood cells and macrophages
from tissues are very important and blissful aspects of natural self defense.
Another, component system is present in the form of about 30 serum proteins
helping in the production of antibodies.
Acquired
Immunity or Adaptive Immunity:
This resistance
or safety is obtained during lifetime. It has the properties of specificity,
diversity (identify vast variety of foreign molecules), differentiation of
self, non-self and memory (the second encounter being faster). Two major groups
of cells participate in acquired immunity:
1. Lymphocytes---A
healthy person has about one trillion lymphocytes as T-cells and B-cells. All
the types of cells for immunity are produced from the stem cells of bone
marrow.
The T- cells,
first enter thymus and then return to blood. Helper T-cells are most numerous
which stimulate the B-cells to produce antibodies and motivate killer T- cells
to destroy the non-self cells. The Suppressor T-cells prevent attack on
personal body cells. The Memory T-cells keep ready to attack as soon as the
same disease causing organisms infect the body again.
The B-cells mature in the bone marrow and produce
special proteins called antibodies. These cells give rise to plasma cells which
live for a few days but produce enormous antibodies and memory cells having
long life span but get activated by antigens.
2. Antigen
presenting cells---These include blood macrophages and tissue macrophages or
histocytes. These cells help to deliver the stimulatory signal required for
activation of T-cells.
Immune
Reactions:
It
relates to the reactions induced in the host through the stimulus of antigens.
It has two types:
1. Humoral
Immunity or Antibody-mediated Immunity (AMI): It consists of the antibodies
(produced by B-cells stimulated by helper T-cells) which circulate through body
fluids. These defend against virus and bacteria but do not respond to
transplant.
2. Cell
Mediated Immunity (CMI): It consists of lymphocytes which attack the antigens
to produce antibodies. It can react against transplants and can protect the
body against all types of pathogens including fungi and microbes.
Vicious
Cycle in Kids:
The children can suffer from more infections since
their immunity is still in the growing stage. Low immunity and frequent
infections have a long term harmful impact on their physical growth, mental
situations and development. The major reasons include, reduced nutritional
intake during days of illness, infection of diarrhea can cause harmful in brain
development and reduce intelligence, decrease the rate of digestion and
absorption, shorter height, disturb breathing and blood circulation. The eminent
causes for lowering immunity can be pollution, food adulterations, intake of
junk food and problems in daily health care.
Problems
in Old age:
Elderly persons are more likely to suffer from infectious diseases and may
die poor resistance. Respiratory infections, influenza, cardio-vascular
problems, weak digestion and particularly pneumonia can lead to death over 65
years. Gradual lowering of immunity is due to decrease in T-cells (decline in
thymus functions), stem cells in bone marrow become less efficient, vaccine and
antibiotics also become less effective. Autoimmune becomes low which can also
decrease allergy, arthritis, inflammations and cancers. Certain other reasons
of mental stress can be malnutrition, disturbed management of income and
relations in families.
Methods
to Improve Immunity:
The immune system functions better when protected from
adversity of environment but boosted with good living strategies:
- · Get sufficient rest
through sleep-- People can manage stress. Mental pressure increases the
secretion of cortisol hormone that suppresses immune system.
- · Avoid tobacco smoke and
use of intoxicants.
- · Do not drink alcohol—Wine
increases lung infection, heart and kidney problem, brain damage and stomach
ulcer.
- · Eat plenty of vegetables,
fruits, nuts, bean seeds, pulses and curd which provide righteous nutrients for
immune system. Citrus fruits with vit. C; spinach, broccoli, ginger, garlic,
gourd, pumpkin, mushroom with vitamin B-complex and fibers; papaya, apple,
peach, melon, coconut, almond and walnut with multivitamins and minerals. The
anti-oxidants from plum, orange, black berry, garlic, cardamom, artichoke,
cinnamon, sacred basil, asafetida, carom, Aloe vera and pepper are anti-inflammatory
and prevent cancer.
- · Perform habitual
exercise--- Regular ‘yoga’ exercise act as pillars of healthy living, it
controls muscular strength, blood pressure and protects against variety of
diseases. However, intensive exercise in athletes may disturb immune system.
- · Maintain healthy body
weight— Avoid obesity and weakness in body organs. Control upon intake white
sugar and salt. Focus on healthy fats. Eat anti-inflammatory diet.
- · Keep up with your
vaccination.
- · Relax and enjoy proper
season—Beware of very hot, cold and rainy weather. Take a part of sunlight in
winter to cherish with vitamin-D.
- · Retain cleanliness of
your body and clothing.
- · Get regular medical
screening test through eminent pathological laboratories.
- · Become efficient to develop good habits, strong character and virtuous qualities of humanity. Never stop taking the responsibilities of own wellbeing.
Immunity through Coordination of Body and Soul:
Every Person should be conscious for
personal health. Improvement of environment opposes toxicity of nature and
prevents diseases. This becomes very beneficial and confers eternal advantages.
The generative material, regulatory substances and energy for sustaining life
are produced and utilized within living cells. But most religions believe that
overall regulation is governed through super natural Divine Power. Each one of
us exists to carry a special mission to seek spiritual elevation and salvation.
Acquire virtuous qualities of humility, contentment, courage, respect for all
religions, positive thinking, kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. Try to
become master of your action plan with skill and innovative spirit. Choose the
religious path after analysis of proper thoughts. We must continue to rise and
attain to the Divine, so as to understand the purpose and meaning of life.
Every hour of vigorous physical and spiritual activity will not only add years
to life but also add life to years.
Innate Immunity is the efficiency of self
defense blessed through the sole creator, Almighty Lord. We must convey our
heartfelt, spiritual gratitude for His kind benevolence through prayers and
meditation. This will motivate us to make attempts for better acquired
immunity.
Contributed
by: Dr. Triloki Nath Chugh.
Co-ordinator,
Shah Satnam Ji Educational Institutions, Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa (Haryana,
India ).
The writer is an eminent former Professor of Zoology; he has
more than 3 decades of teaching experience in various colleges of KUK and is
presently Co-ordinator, Shah Satnam Ji Educational Institutions, DSS, Sirsa. He
can be reached on his Mobile No:+91-94160 48789 and email: trilokichugh@gmail.com . Dr Chugh has published
many Zoology research papers; Guided several M.Phil students for research;
M.Sc. Secured 2nd Position BITS PILANI 1968; Gold Medalist in
French Diploma 1981 KUK; Prinicipal at SSS Boys College for 7 years.
