The immune system is our first line of defence against illness and disease, detecting invading bacteria and viruses, and taking action to destroy them thereby preventing damage to the body.

The immune system is alerted when there is damage to the body?

Cells are the building blocks of all living things and cellular damage occurs repeatedly every single day of life. This damage can be caused by toxins, chemicals, infections, physical damage such as cuts and grazes, and even exercise can cause damage such as strains and tenderness.

The body knows there has been damage caused by recognising there has been a shift in the cells’ balance. In particular it recognises that oxidative stress has occurred, a process which has led to an imbalance in oxidant molecules in the liquid environment in which the cells are bathed. This process sends red flags to neighbouring healthy cells that there has been damage in their area and the immune system is activated.

What does the immune system do?

The presence of oxidative stress sends a message to the immune system to:-
• kill harmful invading organisms
• kill and recycle damaged cells that cannot be repaired

Once this is done the red alert warning messages are turned off and a healthy balanced chemistry can be restored and healthy neighbouring cells will then continue to divide and multiply until the gap has been filled with healthy new cells.

How does the body maintain a healthy balance in the cells?

Antioxidants, together with reductants, are known to neutralise stray oxidant molecules in order to protect healthy cells. The cells produce antioxidants and reductants for just this purpose.

These reductants and antioxidants are made from the simple atoms in the salt water that fill and surround the cells. When they are paired and balanced they protect the cell from excess reactive oxygen and toxins, and as such are the weapons of choice used by the immune system to destroy invading organisms. Together these molecules are known as redox signalling molecules.

Why does the immune system sometimes not work well?

An imbalance of redox molecules can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, cause inflammation and slow the healing process.

Too few oxidants will remove the warning messaging system and allow damaged, infected and malfunctioning cells (ie those that really should be flagged and destroyed by the immune system) to thrive and divide and thereby allowing the damage to continue to spread.

What is the best way to support a healthy immune system?

• A healthy balanced diet with plenty of greens, juices and herbs
• Ensure an adequate supply of amino acids, vitamins and minerals
• A regular supplement of balanced stabilised redox signalling molecules
• An active and proactive lifestyle, including exercise and gratitude.