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Immune system boosters are typically utilized in order to improve the strength of the defense mechanism of the body. But before delving into the world of immune system boosters, let's take a closer look at how our immune system works.

The Immune System
We take for granted today the knowledge that many illnesses and diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, however, this knowledge is actually very recent. Although the immunology phenomenon was noted as far back as the plague of Athens during 480 AD, it really wasn't until the discoveries of scientists such as Louis Pasteur and Nobel prize winner Robert Koch in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was it confirmed that microorganisms are the cause of illnesses and many diseases. Further study would explore the body's natural defenses against these agents and how the immune system plays a key part in protecting the body from contracting the same disease over and over again, also protecting against cell damage and invading microorganisms.

What has been revealed is the immune system is a complicated system composed of many layers and mechanisms the body uses for protection. It can easily break down without the right nutrition, an increase in stress, negative environmental factors, lack of sleep, long-term use of certain medications, chronic infections and abuse of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Therefore, immune system boosters are sometimes necessary in order to compensate for any of the above circumstances that could derail an otherwise normally healthy and functioning immune system. Certain diseases are thought to be genetically linked, although the cause of immune system disorders is still not fully understood.

What Exactly Is The Immune System?
The immune system is a complex series of lines of defense against microorganisms and pathogens. The body's first line of defense is a barrier – for instance, the skin acts as a barrier; the nose secretes mucous as a barrier; the eyes secrete tears and the mouth, saliva. If bacteria invades the body, these substances can then be expelled through sneezing, tearing up or blocking the way before the bacteria can gain a foothold in the body and proliferate. If any one of these barrier systems are compromised, illness and disease can result.

Other components of the immune system include bone marrow, which produces immune cells; the thymus, which plays an important role in the immunity exhibited by babies and small children; the spleen, which filters blood; the lymph nodes and nodules which filters bacteria from the lymphatic system, and different types of blood cells each with their own function to help keep the body healthy and free of illness and disease. This is by no means a comprehensive list of the types of functions the body utilizes for defense. The immune system is extremely complex and involves all parts of the body, right down to the very protein that makes up every cell in the body.

How Do Immune System Boosters Work?
There are many factors that can compromise the immune system. One of the most common is nutrition. As with most things in life, too much or too little of something is detrimental to the health of the body as a whole. Not enough nutrition, and the body doesn't have the material it needs to produce healthy and stable functions in order to fight illness. Too much nutrition can lead to diseases like obesity or diabetes, which has been shown to negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, a moderate approach is best. Immune system boosters such as foods containing fatty acids are thought to contribute to a healthy immune system; traditional medicine believes garlic, echinacea, ginseng, licorice, honey, sage and elderberry also serve as immune system boosters, although more research is required before their exact effect and how they work can be known. That being said, there are years, even centuries of anecdotal evidence supporting the belief these substances do indeed contribute to a healthy immune system and may even serve as immune system boosters.

Immune system boosters work to shore up the function of the various organs and cells involved in protecting the body against the invasion of harmful pathogens. The actual mechanisms of the immune system are still not fully understood. Remember, the discovery of microorganisms causing disease was in reality not that long ago. However, basic sound nutrition is a definite place to start when dealing with a compromised immune system.

In the next sections we'll identify individuals who may need immune system boosters, with a closer look at the most common treatments for immune system disorders that are being developed every day.

» Go to Part 2: Who Needs Immune System Boosters?

Immune System Boosters from Amazon.com

Immune System Boosters and related products: here are some products from Amazon.com: