THE ABC OF IMMUNITY
The immune system and white blood cells The immune system is the most dynamic indicator in determining our overall health and wellbeing. A very complex and capable network responsible for defending us against germs that are trying to invade us daily, it plays a vital role in keeping us healthy. It is on constant alert to determine what’s friend or foe, what’s foreign and what’s not and then responding accordingly. The immune system is made up of specialised cells, tissues and organs. Important among these are the white blood cells of which there are different types with different life spans, from a few hours to a few days. Millions develop everyday in bone marrow, made up of shimmering little granules that look similar to granules of sugar. In a healthy immune system, the granules vibrate and this movement gives the cells ’legs’ so they can walk around and patrol the body, destroying germs as soon as they enter. If the granules don’t vibrate, e.g. because of nutritional deficiencies or damage to the lining of the gut, then the immune system can’t patrol as efficiently. A healthy immune system needs a variety of good bacteria to fight the bad bacteria or pathogenic bacteria that...