How does our immune system work?
We broke the immune system down into 5 pillars. There is quite a bit of chemistry going on so here so we will do our best to explain what is going on in each pillar, what micronutrients provide support and what to look for in your diet or supplements to ensure you are not malnourished.
Here are the five pillars and links to deeper into each one.
Power
Plants & Algae use photosynthesis to make power. Animals (Humans) evolved to leverage Mitochondria.. a tiny organelle found inside every cell in our body. The mitochondria uses macro and micronutrients and enzymes to make and store power with chemistry. Viruses can't make power on their own. The only way they can replicate is to infect a cell and hijack the cell's power plant. In many respects the immune system is a battle over what controls the mitochondria.
Command & Control
Our immune system needs to coordinate responses to injuries, bacterial and viral infections. The Eicosanoid System functions as our command and control network allowing cells to communicate chemically with each other.
Hunters
Our thymus, bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes make various type of white blood cells. The different white blood cell types each play a role in our immunity system. Some white blood cells target pathogens while others remove damaged or dead cells from a wound or infection.
Blood
Blood carries the hunters to the site but also carries the macro and micronutrients needed for cells to repair. The Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) regulates blood flow and blood pressure. The immune system's pro-inflammation response increases blood flow & pressure. The anti-inflammation response decreases blood flow and pressure.
Cell Walls
Cell walls are a major line of defense. Skin helps protect us from pathogens that live on things we touch. The lungs & sinuses try to prevent airborne pathogens from entering into our bloodstream. These same walls, however, have to let food in, remove waste out and send and receive signals that are part of our command and control network. Pathogens try to use these pathways to enter our cells and once inside use the nutrients and power inside the cell to replicate.