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The Complete Home Guide tiomHmerubns,itNyatural Healing, and Nutrition
110
such as viruses and bacteria, that enter and endanger the body. They
form what is commonly called the white bloodstream — the lymphatic
system. This is a fine network that runs through the entire body,
flowing in only one direction — toward the heart.
T cells are produced for fighting abnormal cell structures, for example
cancer cells, cells invaded by virus, or transplanted tissue (as in heart
transplants). They also fight pollen, fungi, bacteria, and some large-
molecule drugs like penicillin. People in chronic disease situations like
AIDS have too few T cells and are considered immune-deficient. In so-
called autoimmune diseases, the T cells may act against themselves by
mistake.
B cells, which come from the bone marrow, are activated by microbes
and toxins. When they come into contact with a specific antigen, they
secrete antibodies called immunoglobulins. Both B and T cells are
capable of carrying out two jobs: one is to recognize antigens and
remember previous encounters, while the other is to produce antibodies
in response to them.
Current Immune Problems
One of the current worldwide— but mainly Western— immunity
problems stems from the overuse of antibiotics in animal feeds. These
drugs enter the human food chain and weaken our immune systems by
killing valuable flora. Doctors now recognize this danger. The number of
patients who contract food poisoning via contaminated meats and dairy
products is constantly increasing. They cannot be treated with the
available antibiotics because they have built up resistance via their food
intake. Cases of food poisoning are rising by thousands each year. In fact,
the U.K. Department of Health today regards salmonellosis as endemic,
as it is now resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Pork, sausages,
chicken, take-out restaurant food, and meat pastes are all in the higher-
risk category. Intensive farming methods using antibiotics, steroids, and
hormones are damaging both human and animal immune systems. It
remains to be seen whether recent cleanup laws and revised procedures in
abattoirs help to abate this trend.
Vaccination
I frequently get asked about vaccination, and I generally suggest that it is
a good idea to read a lot about the entire immune system, and to research
the ins and outs of individual vaccines and their short- and long-term side
effects, before making a decision. After that, I would suggest a look at
alternatives. These must include living an immunologically strong
lifestyle and developing an ability to react well under potentially stressful
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