If you are experiencing signs your body has inflammation, it can crop up in the form of various symptoms and be a sign of a number of different health concerns. Usually, inflammation is associated with joint health since arthritis is one of the top causes of pain and swelling. But inflammation can be associated with other health concerns, beyond swollen joints.

Keep in mind that not all inflammation is bad. Acute inflammation is important to our health because it helps us heal. Think about when you twist your ankle and it becomes hot, red, and swollen. That is part of your body's response to help heal the injury." And it will go away, once your ankle is healed.

What you want to watch out for are signs of chronic inflammation - This is the type of inflammation that does more harm than good. "Think of chronic inflammation like a fire that needs to be put out in the body. Chronic inflammation has a domino effect where it can trigger a cascade of symptoms that can negatively impact your health."

Here are a few signs you have too much inflammation, according to experts:-

• Chronic Fatigue
  Inflammation can be caused by too little sleep, as well as too much sleep. So, if you' are falling short of or exceeding the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night, there is a good chance you have inflammation in your body.
  
  But why does it happen? It seems that too little sleep or too much sleep throws the body's inflammatory response processes out of whack. As a result, your cells respond with inappropriate inflammation. It is almost as if your body treats inadequate sleep or too much sleep as it would an illness. It is as if it thinks it is sick and reacts accordingly. Since the body’s immune system cannot fight off the inflammation, the body and brain become overtaxed, resulting in chronic fatigue.
  
  Fatigue can also be a side effect of other inflammatory issues, so if you have been feeling exhausted — despite getting enough sleep each night — seek help immediately.

• Swollen Joints and Muscle Aches
  Swollen or painful joints are a common symptom of arthritis. Most people feel pain in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and knees. Aside from arthritis and other disorders of the joints, chronic inflammation can also cause sore muscles. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus can result in muscle aches as well.
  
  Experiencing pain on a regular basis is a big indicator of inflammation. If you are not in pain but have pain at the end of your range of motion (like rotating your shoulders back or touching your toes), that is associated with inflammation. Pain like this could be a sign that you have a type of arthritis, which is a major contributor to inflammation and pain in the body.

• Stomach Problems
  If you have chronic stomach problems such as IBS or Crohn’s, you might have chronic inflammation. Inflammation in the gut can cause bloating, loose stools, urgency, and cramping. These symptoms can occur due to stress, diet, or other lifestyle factors which results in the stomach lining losing some of its protective cells.
  
  Drinking too much alcohol and taking pain relievers regularly can also cause chronic stomach problems.

• Brain Fog/Issues
  Believe it or not, inflammation can even start to affect you mentally, on top of all the ways it can impact you physically. “Brain fog” refers to a few symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, slower thinking, and inability to think clearly, which can cause cognitive impairment. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience said that inflammation of the brain might cause brain fog. Early findings suggest that inflammation may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that cause dementia.

• Skin Problems
  Basically, if there is something showing on the outside or something that isn't feeling right on the inside, there is most likely inflammation, because internal inflammation can show up externally. Our skin is the most obvious place to spot swelling or similar reactions, yet we overlook our largest organ far too often. Inflammation can show up on the skin in the form of athlete’s foot, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and ringworm. Skin disorders can also point to an autoimmune disorder or allergic reaction.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes
  Lymph nodes, which are primarily located in your neck, under the armpits, and near the groin, can swell up whenever something is amiss in your body, so it is important to pay attention to them. Lymph nodes are 'hubs' for the immune system. Your lymph nodes will swell as your body fights off the infection, and then go back down once you are well again. If your lymph nodes are always inflamed, however, or if they hurt, it could be a sign of a chronic illness or other underlying issue.

• Heartburn
  Studies have shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which was thought to cause painful heartburn due to stomach acids traveling up the esophagus, may actually be more related to inflammation. According to the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it may be the body's inflammatory response that is causing pain and damage to the esophagus.

• Headaches/Migraines
  With migraine and headache sufferers, they can be affected by what is called 'neurogenic inflammation’. A neurologic examination should be performed on patients who are having recent onset of new headaches/migraines or changes in previous headaches/migraines to rule out any underlying disease. But again, many times inflammation can be lowered, and symptoms relieved, by making a few small changes. "Stress, tobacco smoking, and alcohol use can stimulate the inflammatory response and cause migraines and headaches.

• Depression
  Recent studies have shown that depression and chronic inflammation may have more in common than we think. Brain scans of people with depression show more inflammation than people who do not have depression. One study even found that 46% of people with depression had higher levels of C-reactive proteins – an inflammatory marker – in their blood.

• Visceral Fat
  The Washington University School of Medicine found that fat accumulation around the organs – also known as visceral fat – results in inflammation. In 2007, a team of researchers published a study in the journal Diabetes and discovered that visceral fat results in systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar. That can damage your nerves and blood vessels. It could also lead to diabetes.

• Muscle Weakness
  Sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames your muscles (also known as myositis). This could start to break down muscle fiber and make you weaker. It usually happens slowly, most often in your torso, shoulders, and hips. In some cases, you might find it hard to do simple things like walk, bathe, and swallow.

• Lower Back Pain
  In ankylosing spondylitis, chronic inflammation typically attacks the spine. Sometimes, it hits your hips, neck, knees, or chest. You might have pain and stiffness in your lower back, especially in the morning. In serious cases, you could have loss of motion.

• Diarrhea
  Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, has two main forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In both cases, your immune system overreacts and inflames your colon and small intestine. Diarrhea is one thing that can happen. Others are nausea, joint pain, fever, and skin rashes.

• Hardening of the Arteries (Arteriosclerosis)
  If you are gaining body fat or you spend a lot of time taking in foreign substances like cigarette smoke, your body will respond with inflammation. This can cause fatty plaque to build up on the inside walls of your arteries. Known as arteriosclerosis, it is the main cause of heart attack and stroke.

• Blood Clotting
  Inflammation from trauma, surgery, or diseases like antiphospholipid syndrome and IBD can cause your blood to clot too much (called hypercoagulation). This might cause swelling and could bring on more serious things like stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. It is not always easy to spot hypercoagulation though.

• Dry Eye
  It is a common symptom of inflammation. One condition, Sjogren’s syndrome, affects your salivary glands and your tear glands. You might notice a gritty or burning feeling in your eyes, swelling in your salivary gland, and dryness in your nose and throat.

Let’s look at the Foods That Reduce Inflammation in the next blog.

Learn more how Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy can help reduce Inflammation here : https://wordpress-851564-2937612.cloudwaysapps.com/what-is-hibliss-hydrogen-therapy/

Sources:

1. https://www.powerofpositivity.com/7-signs-you-have-inflammation/
2. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-signs-chronic-inflammation-unexpected https://www.powerofpositivity.com/7-signs-you-have-inflammation/

Based on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to the body' extremities), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa).

More recently, inflammation was described as "the succession of changes which occurs in a living tissue when it is injured provided that the injury is not of such a degree as to at once destroy its structure and vitality", or "the reaction to injury of the living microcirculation and related tissues”.

The classical description of inflammation accounts for the visual changes seen. Thus, the sensation of heat is caused by the increased movement of blood through dilated vessels into the environmentally cooled extremities, also resulting on the increased redness (due to the additional number of erythrocytes passing through the area). The swelling (oedema) is the result of increased passage of fluid from dilated and permeable blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, infiltration of cells into the damaged area, and in prolonged inflammatory responses deposition of connective tissue.

Pain is due to the direct effects of mediators, either from initial damage or that resulting from the inflammatory response itself, and the stretching of sensory nerves due to oedema. The loss of function refers to either simple loss of mobility in a joint, due to the oedema and pain, or to the replacement of functional cells with scar tissue.

Today it is recognised that inflammation is far more complex than might first appear from the simple description given above and is a major response of the immune system to tissue damage and infection, although not all infection gives rise to inflammation. Inflammation is also diverse, ranging from the acute inflammation associated with S. aureus infection of the skin (the humble boil), through to chronic inflammatory processes resulting in remodeling of the artery wall in atherosclerosis; the bronchial wall in asthma and chronic bronchitis, and the debilitating destruction of the joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis .

In short, Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It is the body's way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Inflammation is considered the cornerstone of pathology in that the changes observed are indicative of injury and disease.

Without inflammation as a physiological response, wounds would fester, and infections could become deadly. However, if the inflammatory process goes on for too long or if the inflammatory response occurs in places where it is not needed, it can become problematic. Chronic inflammation has been linked to certain diseases such as heart disease or stroke, and may also lead to autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

 

Good Inflammation, Bad Inflammation: What are the different types of Inflammation?

There are 2 types of inflammation – the “Good” or protective type (which benefits health) and the “Bad” or harmful type (which destroys it).

• The Good: Acute (short-term) inflammation
  An injury or illness can involve acute, or short-term, inflammation. Acute inflammation occurs after a cut on the knee, a sprained ankle or a sore throat. It is a short-term response with localized effects, meaning it works at the precise place where a problem exists. The telltale signs of acute inflammation include redness, swelling, heat and sometimes pain and loss of function, according to the National Library of Medicine.
  
  These signs are not always present. Sometimes inflammation is “silent,” without symptoms. A person may also feel tired, generally unwell, and have a fever.
  
  In the case of acute inflammation, blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases and white blood cells swarm the injured area to promote healing. This response is what causes the injured area to turn red and become swollen.
  
  During acute inflammation, chemicals known as cytokines are released by the damaged tissue. The cytokines act as "emergency signals" that bring in your body's immune cells, hormones and nutrients to fix the problem.
  
  In addition, hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins create blood clots to heal damaged tissue, and they also trigger pain and fever as part of the healing process. As the body heals, the acute inflammation gradually subsides.
  
  Symptoms of acute inflammation last a few days. Subacute inflammation lasts 2–6 weeks.

• The Bad: Chronic (long-term) inflammation
  Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can have long-term and whole-body effects. Chronic inflammation is also called persistent, low-grade inflammation because it produces a steady, low-level of inflammation throughout the body, as judged by a small rise in immune system markers found in blood or tissue. This type of systemic inflammation can contribute to the development of disease, according to a summary in the Johns Hopkins Health Review.
  
  Low levels of inflammation can be triggered by a perceived internal threat, even when there isn't a disease to fight or an injury to heal, and sometimes this signals the immune system to respond. As a result, white blood cells swarm but have nothing to do and nowhere to go, and they may eventually start attacking internal organs or other healthy tissues and cells.
  
  Researchers are still working to understand the implications of chronic inflammation on the body and the mechanisms involved in the process, but it's known to play a role in the development of many diseases.

Causes of Inflammation

Inflammation happens when a physical factor triggers an immune reaction. Inflammation does not necessarily mean that there is an infection, but an infection can cause inflammation.

Acute inflammation

Acute inflammation can result from:

• exposure to a substance, such as a bee sting or dust  |  an injury  |  an infection

When the body detects damage or pathogens, the immune system triggers a number of reactions:

• Tissues accumulate plasma proteins, leading to a buildup of fluid that results in swelling.
• The body releases neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, which move toward the affected area. Leukocytes contain molecules that can help fight pathogens.
• Small blood vessels enlarge to enable leukocytes and plasma proteins to reach the injury site more easily.

Signs of acute inflammation can appear within hours or days, depending on the cause. In some cases, they can rapidly become severe. How they develop and how long they last will depend on the cause, which part of the body they affect, and individual factors.

Some factors and infections that can lead to acute inflammation include:

• acute bronchitis, appendicitis and other illnesses ending in “-itis”
• an ingrown toenail
• a sore throat from a cold or flu
• physical trauma or wound

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can develop if a person has:

• Sensitivity: Inflammation happens when the body senses something that should not be there. Hypersensitivity to an external trigger can result in an allergy.

• Exposure: Sometimes, long-term, low-level exposure to an irritant, such as an industrial chemical, can result in chronic inflammation.

• Autoimmune disorders: The immune system mistakenly attacks normal healthy tissue, as in psoriasis.

• Autoinflammatory diseases: A genetic factor affects the way the immune system works, as in Behçet’s disease.

• Persistent acute inflammation: In some cases, a person may not fully recover from acute inflammation. Sometimes, this can lead to chronic inflammation.

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic inflammation include:

• older age   |  obesity  | a diet that is rich in unhealthful fats and added sugar   |  smoking | low sex hormones   |  stress   |  sleep problems

Chronic inflammation can continue for months or years. It either has or may have links to various diseases, such as:

Diabetes  |   Cardiovascular disease (CVD)  |  Arthritis and other joint diseases  |  Allergies | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  |  Psoriasis   |   Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms will depend on the disease, but they may include pain and fatigue.

For example, chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease and stroke. One theory suggests that when inflammatory cells stay too long in blood vessels, they promote the buildup of plaque. The body perceives this plaque as a foreign substance that doesn't belong, so it tries to wall off the plaque from the blood flowing inside the arteries, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). If the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, it forms a clot that blocks blood flow to the heart or brain, triggering a heart attack or stroke.

Cancer is another disease linked with chronic inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation can cause DNA damage and lead to some forms of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation often does not have symptoms, but doctors can test for C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammation in the blood. High levels of CRP have been linked with an increased risk of heart disease. CRP levels can also indicate an infection, or a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Besides looking for clues in the blood, a person's diet, lifestyle habits and environmental exposures can contribute to chronic inflammation. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep inflammation in check.

 The following table summarizes some key differences between acute and chronic inflammation:

Let’s look at Signs of you have Inflammation and more on Chronic Inflammation – The New Silent Killer in more depth in the next blog.

Learn more how Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy can help reduce Inflammation here : https://wordpress-851564-2937612.cloudwaysapps.com/what-is-hibliss-hydrogen-therapy/

Sources:

1. What is Inflammation?
   https://www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
2. Journal of Inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1074343/pdf/1476-9255-1-1.pdf

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that is characterised by damage to the joints which affects synovial fluid, cartilage, bones, muscles, blood supply and nerves. It happens when the protective cartilage that covers the tips of our bones is gradually worn down and this causes multiple bones to rub against each other. This ultimately leads to pain and eventual loss of function.

Osteoarthritis also affects other connective tissues and muscles related to the affected joint. For example, knee osteoarthritis may affect the connective tissues and muscles in the thighs, calf, buttock and even other joints like the hip and ankle. Having said that, OA does not only affect the knee joint, it also affects the joints in the hands, hips, and spine.

Proper use of the joints will keep it lubricated and this stimulates the repair and rebuilding process. On the other hand, lack of joint use causes the cartilage to become dryer, more brittle and more prone to damage over time. This tends to happen in the parts of the joint surface that is related to ranges of motion that are not being used sufficiently. As time passes, the damage and pain become so severe that it leads to deformities that cannot be corrected and this would leave surgery as the only option.

The 5 Stages of Knee OA

OA of the knee progresses in stages and takes many years to develop. This condition can be hard to treat because symptoms may not appear until OA reaches an advanced stage. OA is divided into five stages (5) with stage 0 representing a healthy & stable knee. As the stages progress, pain and stiffness increase. Here we will focus on the 4 Stages of OA, from Minor to Severe.

Stage 1 - Minor / Doubtful

• Minor wear and tear of the cartilage
• Minor bone spurs
• Unlikely pain or discomfort due to minor wear and tear only

Stage 2 - Mild

• Greater bone spurs
• Synovial fluid starts to decrease
• Cartilage still intact
• Start to feel pain after prolonged walking, and more stiffness when the joint is not being used with mild tenderness when kneeling

Stage 3 - Moderate

• Cartilage damage and joint space starts to narrow
• Joint stiffness after prolonged inactivity
• Joint swelling
• Frequent pain while walking

Stage 4 - Severe

• Cartilage almost completely gone and joint space is extremely narrow
• Severe pain and discomfort during rest and simple activities like walking

Primary Osteoarthritis vs Secondary Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be classified into 2 categories:

• Primary (or idiopathic): Most common type of OA, the exact cause being unknown (in the large majority of cases) but it is not a result from any injury or disease, rather it is said to be associated to certain risk factors, such as, age, sex, obesity, genetic, job hassle and etc.

• Secondary: Occurs with another disease or condition, such as an infection, a joint abnormality that appeared at birth, an injury, or metabolic disorders that cause excessive iron in the body or excess copper in the liver.

Who Tends to get OA?

Symptomatic knee OA is currently the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, [4] with an estimated prevalence of 70–80% in the population aged 55 years and older [5]. An ageing Asia with longer lifespan suggests ever-greater numbers of knee OA, among other chronic conditions [6]. The point prevalence of knee OA in Malaysia today is estimated to be 10–20% of the total adult population [7].

• Older people. Cartilage deteriorates naturally with age. It is affecting more than half of the population that is over the age of 65. Although it is more prominent in the later stages of life, some younger people may be affected by it too. According to The Star (6^th August 2019), one in three Malaysians over the age of 55 suffers osteoarthritic pain.

• Gender. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it is not clear why. It is believed that the hormone oestrogen protects the cartilage from inflammation and women tend to lose that protection after menopause when oestrogen level drops. Besides that, wider hips in women compared to men may cause extra stress on the insides of the knee, making women have a higher risk of getting OA when compared to men.

• Obesity. Based on 2019 WHO global estimates of obesity and overweight data, Malaysia has the highest rate in Asian countries; therefore, weight related joint disease such as OA is indeed one of the main knee problems in Malaysia. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around the joints which increase the chances of getting OA.

• Joint injuries.  Weak joints are more susceptible to OA. OA may develop as a secondary consequence of joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis, gout or other arthritic conditions.

• Repeated stress on the joint. Physically demanding jobs or a sport that places repetitive stress on a joint can increase the chance of developing OA.

• Genetics. The only clear genetic link is called nodal osteoarthritis, which affects the small hand joints in older women and runs in families.

• Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage such as knock knee and bow knee which may lead to OA in the later stages of life.

• Certain metabolic diseases. Diseases like diabetes may slow down the healing process within the joint.

• Surgery or Trauma. Repair of the cartilage, ligaments and menisci (the small spacers in the knee) can restore normal function to a joint, but around 50-60% of patients develop osteoarthritis to some degree from five to fifteen years later.

• Chronic lower back pain. People tends to adjust themselves to a more comfortable position to avoid the pain and this causes muscle imbalance in our lower extremities which may develop into OA as time passes.

Which Joints Get Osteoarthritis?

While osteoarthritis can occur in any joint due to injury or abnormality it is much more common in certain joints, particularly weight bearing ones. It is often symmetrical, occurring to some degree in joints on both sides.

• Knees. Common in older people, especially women. If severe may lead to total knee replacement.

• Hips. Again common in older people and may require total hip replacement.

• Spinal. The small joints in the back and neck (not the major disc joints) can become arthritic and give stiffness, pain and limited movement.

• Hands. The small hand joints may develop bony swelling, become stiff and go off at angles to straight. The most common and troublesome is the joint at the base of the thumb.

• Big Toe. This joint is susceptible to changes in the same way as the base of the thumb.

We shall look into the signs and symptoms of OA and how Oxidative Stress can lead to OA in our next Blog.

Learn more how Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy can help slow down the progression of OA here : https://hi-bliss.com/muscle-joint-programs/

References:

• “The epidemiology of osteoarthritis in Asia,” International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 113–121, 2011.
• “Pain in osteoarthritis,” African Journal Biomedical Research, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 119–128, 2008
• “Tibiofemoral osteoarthritis affects quality of life and function in elderly Koreans, with women more adversely affected than men,” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, vol. 11, article 129, 2010.
• Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Osteoarthritis, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2010
• https://springloadedtechnology.com/guide-to-severe-knee-osteoarthritis/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
• https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis#osteoarthritis-symptoms
• https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
• https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/default.htm

Atopic dermatitis (also known as AD), is the most common type of eczema, a skin condition that makes you itch and leaves red blotches, usually on your face, arms, and legs. Atopic dermatitis is a common and often persistent skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population. The rashes tend to flare and go away, but then come back again.

Atopic dermatitis typically begins in childhood, usually in the first six months of a baby’s life. Even though it is a common form of eczema, it may become severe and lifelong nuisance. Normally, AD disappears as a child grows older, but some adults could still suffer from AD flare ups.

“Atopic” refers to an allergy. Atopic dermatitis also usually exists alongside two other allergic conditions, which are asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). People who have asthma, hay fever or have family members with AD are more likely to develop it.

Types of Atopic Dermatitis

• Hand eczema: commonly triggered by exposure to chemicals that irritate the skin.
• Contact dermatitis: which occurs only when the skin makes contact with certain substances. It comes in two types: Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune system reaction to an irritant like latex or metal. Irritant contact dermatitis starts when a chemical or other substance irritates your skin.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: a blistering form of eczema that is found only on the fingers, palms, and soles of the feet. It is more common in women than men.

Signs & Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) include:

• Dry skin
• Itching that is exacerbated by the condition
• Red or brownish-grey patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids including in between elbows and knees lines area, at the face and scalp.
• Small and raised bumps, which cause fluid leakage when scratched
• Thick, cracked, and scaly skin
• Reddish raw, sensitive or swollen skin as a result of scratching

How does Atopic Dermatitis happen and why?

There is no exact reason behind atopic dermatitis but research shows a combination of genetics and external factors that may be involved. A study published by Nature Genetics found that some people with eczema lack the proper proteins to build a strong barrier on the outer most layer of the skin (epidermis).

This group of people, especially those with atopic dermatitis may have partial or complete mutation on the gene responsible for creating a protein known as filaggrin. Filaggrin helps our bodies maintain a healthy, protective barrier on the epidermis.

This genetic mutation causes a lack of filaggrin in the epidermis layer which leads to a reduction in the ability to maintain the skin’s natural amount of water and thus results in dry skin which causes itchiness. Lack of filaggrin may also allow allergens to enter the skin which will then trigger an inflammatory response by the immune system, causing inflammation that again results in red, rash and itchy skin. This is the main reason why many people who suffer from atopic dermatitis tend to have extremely dry and infection-prone skin.

Statistics and Population

Atopic dermatitis (AD), affecting 2 to 3-fold in industrialized nations, impacting approximately 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

Those who live in developed countries or colder climates seem to be more likely to develop AD.

Studies have found that 33% to 67% of children and young people with AD also have some food allergies. Moreover, general aspects of AD will affect between 8% to 18% of infants and young children.

Around 50% of people who suffer from atopic dermatitis develop symptoms within their first year of life, and probably as many as 95% experience an onset of AD when they are below five years of age. Around 75% of people with the childhood onset of the disease have seen their symptoms decrease before adolescence. The remaining 25% continue to have eczema during adulthood or may experience a relapse of symptoms after some years without experiencing any symptoms.

Around 50–75% of all children with early-onset atopic dermatitis are sensitive to allergens.

Examples of allergens include pets, house dust mites or even food allergens, whereas those with late-onset atopic dermatitis are often less sensitive to these allergens.

Atopic dermatitis is more than just a skin condition known as the “itch that rashes”. It is a disease caused by an overactive immune system that leads to inflammation in the body. It is also the main culprit behind internal inflammation that causes the symptoms to flare up. Besides that, scratching may lead to only temporary relief and may worsen the itching in the long run. This is called the itch-scratch cycle.

In healthy skin, the outer layer (epidermis) keeps foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and allergens from entering the body. When you have atopic dermatitis, the outer layer of the skin is weaker and is more vulnerable to inflammation as a result of immune cells in the body. The damage done by scratching also contributes to the breakdown of skin cells which makes it easier for foreign substances to enter the body.

Once these foreign substances have broken through the skin barrier, immune cells alert the body that it is under attack. These immune cells travel to the lymph nodes at the dermis called as the second layer of the skin. Once they have entered the lymph nodes, these immune cells activate your body’s protectors, called T helper cells.

The immune cells release substances which cause redness and rashes on the skin. This will cause the inflammatory process to continue, so the skin reacts even when it looks clear. Even when the rash cannot be seen clearly, the underlying inflammation is still active beneath the skin. People tend to scratch when they feel itchy, and this further weakens the skin cells in the epidermis which allow more foreign substances to get in and this ultimately would increase the risk of infection.

Connection between Atopic Dermatitis & Respiratory System

Studies have shown that almost 50% - 70% of children and 7% - 9% of adults with severe atopic dermatitis will develop asthma.

Doctors and scientist came up with theories as to why a skin rash is associated with asthma. Does immune system disorders cause an overreaction to allergens that are in contact with the skin and lung airways or is it the defective skin and airways that trigger an excessive immune response?

A research by Dr. Kopan suggested that the problems started with the damaged or defective skin itself. The researchers found that cells in the damaged skin can secrete thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a compound that is able to cause an immune response and due to the skin’s effectiveness in secreting TSLP into the blood system, the substance travels throughout our body, causing AD flares up. When it reaches our lungs, it then triggers the hypersensitive characteristics of respiratory problems which could lead to asthma attacks.

Let us learn more about what causes atopic dermatitis or flare-ups/ triggers, our Skin and more on how to reduce the effects of Atopic Dermatitis in our next Blog.

Learn more how Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy can help you manage your Skin Condition here : https://hi-bliss.com/skin-eyecare-programs/

Source:

• https://atopicdermatitis.net/skin-body-parts-affected/
• https://atopicdermatitis.net/skin-body-parts-affected/
• https://www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/article.htm

Your skin might be fine for a long time. But then something happens to cause a rash or itchiness. Some things that trigger atopic dermatitis or make it worse include:

• Strong soaps and detergents
• Some fabrics, like wool or scratchy materials
• Perfumes, skin care products, and makeup
• Pollen and mold
• Animal dander
• Tobacco smoke
• Stress and anger
• Dry winter air/low humidity
• Long or hot showers/baths
• Dry skin
• Sweating
• Skin infections or especially dry skin
• Certain hormones
• Dust or sand
• Certain foods (usually eggs, dairy products, wheat, soy, and nuts)

Natural remedies to ease your Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups/ Triggers

Though there is no known cure for Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema, these are a few natural remedies to help you ease and manage your AD flare-ups.

• Apply cool compresses to your skin or take warm oatmeal baths. Antioxidants in ground oatmeal may help ease inflammation and itching.

• Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help keep your skin from drying out and being itchy.

• Do not scratch your skin. Try putting pressure on itchy areas instead of scratching them, and keep your nails trimmed. With children, you may want to have them wear gloves at night to keep them from scratching while they sleep.

• Wear loose clothing made from soft fibres, like cotton, that will not bother your skin. Loose-fitting clothes will not rub against your skin, and they can help keep you from sweating.

• Moisturize your skin daily with a rich, oil-based cream or ointment to form a protective barrier against the elements. Apply the cream right after you get out of the shower or bath to seal in moisture.

• Use fragrance-free detergents, cleansers, makeup, and other skin care products. Wear gloves and protective clothing whenever you handle chemicals.

• A healthy diet and quality sleep also help keep triggers in check.

• Hydrogen Therapy or hydrate by drinking Hydrogen Water. Its potent antioxidant powers plus anti-inflammatory properties can help provide relief and may reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

How Hydrogen Therapy Helps Atopic Dermatitis Condition

Hydrogen is the first component of the periodic table. The most important function of hydrogen in the human body is to keep you hydrated. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen and is absorbed by the cells of the body.

Hydrogen contains dissolved molecular hydrogen, which can ease oxidative stress and has shown therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions, including AD. It is an element which is present in all the fluids of the human body which allows the toxins and waste to be transported and eliminated properly. Hydrogen has also been reported to increase glutathione peroxidase activity, downregulate thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC).

These are implicated in the pathogenesis of AD and used as an indicator of disease severity. Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine binds to the chemokine receptor CCR4 and induces chemotaxis in T cells, therefore acting as a proinflammatory factor in AD. It has been suggested that H2 may have therapeutic potential in AD by reducing TARC.

• Anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation. Hydrogen contains anti-inflammatory properties as it can reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine. This is effective in controlling inflammation related diseases such as atopic dermatitis. It can bring down the inflammation by suppressing the inflammatory cytokines production not only on the affected area but also the inflammation in the body. When inflammation is reduced, the symptoms of AD such as redness, dryness and itchiness of the skin will be reduced which subsequently minimizes pain and swelling.

• Powerful antioxidant to protect cells, restore organ functions & stabilize overactive immune system. Hydrogen is a potent antioxidant as not only does it help in reducing inflammation, but it is also able to protect our cells and restore organ function. This is vital for AD patients whose organs may be compromised. Hydrogen is also able to stabilize the overactive immune system caused by AD as it selectively neutralises excessive free radicals in the body that trigger an unnecessary response from the immune system. When the number of free radicals is reduced, the immune system becomes more stable and this reduces the risks of an allergic reaction occurring, hence minimizing AD flare ups.

In conclusion, hydrogen is a safe and effective medical gas that has been proven to be able to treat and control various diseases. It can suppress the levels of inflammation related mediators such as Th1, Th2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines which are the main cause in the development of diseases such as atopic dermatitis in the human body. In conclusion, Hydrogen has cemented its place as an alternative preventive treatment for AD that is also beneficial to the human body.

Functions Of The Skin

The SKIN is the largest and fastest-growing organ in the body. It has several important functions such as:

• to hold organs, muscles, and other tissues
• to maintain the body temperature
• to protect the internal organs from external factors like germs and water

The skin is made up of several layers, which protect the body from pressure, temperature, micro-organisms, radiation and chemicals.

Functions Of The Skin

The liver is the only organ in our body that can repair itself. It has a variety of functions like the ability to break down toxins, deactivate hormones, filter waste products to the bowels & kidneys, and to store nutrients such as vitamins A, D and B12. Due to this, the digestive and elimination systems which include the skin and kidneys may be affected by a sluggish liver.

When the liver is exhausted, it is unable to eliminate toxins. Other organs such as the kidneys and skin are forced to replace its role to eliminate toxins and wastes out from the body via the epidermis. This can disrupt the skin, especially if it is already sensitive or is inflicted with eczema. These toxins can easily cause irritation, itchiness and even a dreaded flare-up.

Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy: Treatment Case Study

Source:

• https://www.atopicdermatitisrevealed.ca/understanding-atopic-dermatitis
• https://atopicdermatitis.net/skin-body-parts-affected/
• https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-overview
• https://www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/article.htm
  Whole Health: http://projects.hsl.wisc.edu/SERVICE/modules/24/M24_EO_Skin_Health.pdf
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-basics#2

OA is diagnosed by a triad of typical symptoms, physical findings, and radiographic changes. The American College of Rheumatology has set forth classification criteria to aid in the identification of patients with symptomatic OA that include, but do not rely solely on, radiographic findings. Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis is done by noting the signs and symptoms:

• Pain on movement
• Chronic pain that gets worse over time
• Joint stiffness
• Tenderness around the joint
• A clicking or grinding sensation
• Crunching and creaking on movement
• Hard swelling around the joint
• Fluid swelling in the joint
• Limited range of movement
• Abnormal movement and joint laxity
• Loss of muscle size and strength

Impact of OA on Quality of Life

There are several ways in which OA can impact the quality of life such as increasing stress and sleep disruption due to pain that has intensified. Osteoarthritis also reduces the ability to perform normal activities in our daily life and reduces productivity. It can also lead to problems with anxiety and depression.

Pain and stiffness can decrease your desire to be active. Not only does a lack of activity limit your enjoyment of life — it can also reduce muscle mass which leads to muscle tightness and a risk of falling and suffering from other injuries. Muscles are more prone to injury when it is tight or weak, and micro-tears lead to scarring of the muscles that can disrupt normal muscle function, therefore affecting the surrounding connective tissues.

Lack of activity can also lead to weight gain. Extra weight may exacerbate OA symptoms, and this may lead to an increased risk of getting other complications such as:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Heart disease

Other complications that can arise from OA are:

• Bone spurs
• Gait disturbance
• Loss of flexibility and stability
• Stress fractures
• Bleeding or infection in the joint
• Bone death (osteonecrosis)

Prevention of Osteoarthritis

A number of factors may put a person at risk of developing OA. Making changes may not prevent the condition, but a person may be able to reduce their risk or keep OA from advancing.

The Arthritis Foundation suggest the following:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the knees. Over time, this contributes to wearing down the cartilage. Extra fat can also cause the body to produce cytokines, a type of protein. This can lead to widespread inflammation, and it can change the way that cartilage cells work.

• Controlling blood sugar: High glucose levels can affect the structure and function of cartilage, and diabetes increases the risk of inflammation and cartilage loss.

• Exercising regularly: Moderate exercise can help the joints stay flexible, strengthen the muscles that support the knees, and reduce the risk of many health conditions. It may help to garden, walk, or swim for 30 minutes at a time, five times a week.

• Reduce the risk of injury: Cartilage that sustains damage from an injury is more likely to develop arthritis later. Reduce the risk of tripping in the home, wear shoes that fit well, and use protective gear while playing sports to prevent injury.

• Avoiding overuse: Some sports or professions involve repetitive motions of the knee joint, such as kneeling or squatting. People who regularly lift more than 55 pounds may have an increased risk of OA. Jobs that put people at risk may include laying carpets and unloading trucks or ships. Repetitive exercise can increase the risk of developing OA of the knee.

• Physical therapy: Strengthening of the muscles around the knee joint may help decrease the burden on the knee. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the knee.

• Undergoing posture and bone alignment tests: Some sources suggest that these can affect a person’s risk of developing OA.

• Eating a healthful diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying active all contribute to better overall well-being and a decreased risk of health issues, including OA.

How Oxidative Stress can lead to Osteoarthritis?

Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between the number of free radicals and antioxidants in our body. This is particularly harmful as it can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress is considered a main causative factor in the pathogenesis of OA. Many pro-inflammatory mediators or free radicals are elevated in OA, including Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS).

The excessive production of free radicals can harm cell functionality as it damages cellular lipids, proteins and DNA. Free radicals can give rise to cartilage apoptosis/ cell death, thus accelerating articular cartilage dysfunction and degeneration.

Oxidative stress is known to be detrimental to many cells and to occur during disease and with ageing. It has also been implicated in the development of OA. Although osteoarthritis has been traditionally classified as a non-inflammatory arthritis, however evidence has increasingly shown that inflammation occurs as cytokines and metalloproteinases are released into the joint. Inflammation get worse when more of these agents are released, especially when triggered by excessive free radicals. Inflammation in the cartilage and synovial leads to loss of joint structure and progressive damage to the cartilage, causing OA to become worse. Inflamed articular cartilage still remains a huge hurdle to treat due to the limited self-healing capacity of the cartilage which lacks nerves and blood supply.

How Hydrogen Therapy Can Help?

Hydrogen therapy is one of the newest and most effective treatments to manage arthritis due to its role as a therapeutic antioxidant. It is able to selectively neutralize free radicals in the affected area which reduces inflammation and prevents further damage to the joint, thereby slowing down the progression of OA. As hydrogen is the smallest molecule on earth, it is able to diffuse itself into the targeted cells without affecting the functions of other cells and organs.

Based on a research by Ding Li and Wan Chun Wang in the year of 2012, hydrogen is considered to be a selective antioxidant and can be used as a kind of therapeutic medical gas. This further reinforces the idea that hydrogen treatment can help to decrease the damage of cartilage caused by oxidative stress.

In Hi-Bliss Hydrogen therapy centre, we combine the therapeutic benefits of hydrogen therapy with osteopathic manual practices. Our certified physiotherapist will perform the Osteopathic Structural and Functional Examination on the lower limb area to find out the root cause of the pain by measuring the Range of Motion (ROM), Muscle Strength, Gait Analysis, Posture Alignment, Quality of Movement, Pain during Movement, Muscle Bulk and Tone. The hydrogen treatment aims to suppress inflammatory factors such as free radicals and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

By combining the Hydrogen with Osteopathic practices, we help our clients reduce pain in the joint, slow down the progression of OA and ultimately help them return to normal daily life. Hydrogen therapy is efficient in treating the inflamed joints caused by OA by repairing the internal cells in our body while our physiotherapy/osteopathic techniques helps to improve the external muscles caused by muscle imbalance. We will also educate clients about suitable stretching and strengthening exercise that aims to manage symptoms and improve joint function, flexibility and balance.

By reducing the number of OA symptoms, it will improve your ability to get around and increase your quality of life.

Learn more how Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy can help slow down the progression of OA here : https://wordpress-851564-2937612.cloudwaysapps.com/treatment-services-osteoarthritis-therapy/

References:

• https://springloadedtechnology.com/guide-to-severe-knee-osteoarthritis/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
• https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis#osteoarthritis-symptoms
• Targeting oxidative stress to reduce osteoarthritis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4730642/
• ROS/oxidative stress signaling in osteoarthritis - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443916000041

How can you improve your immune system? Overall, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes it fails: A germ invades successfully and makes you sick. Is it possible to intervene in this process and boost your immune system? In order for our immune system (which is a complex system, not a single entity) to function well, it requires balance and harmony.

In this article we will share some helpful ways to strengthen your immune system and fight off diseases. A few lifestyle changes and new habits can naturally keep your immune system strong and healthy:

1. Take steps to avoid infection by practicing Good Hygiene, such as:-

• Washing your hands frequently and properly. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after gardening or other dirty tasks. You should also wash up after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; feeding or stroking your pet; or visiting or caring for a sick person.
• Wash and bandage all cuts. Any serious cut or animal or human bite should be examined by a doctor.
• Cover a cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then dispose of it. If no tissue is handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than into your hands.
• Do not pick at healing wounds or blemishes, or squeeze pimples.
• Don't share dishes, glasses, or eating utensils.
• Avoid direct contact with napkins, tissues, handkerchiefs, or similar items used by others.
• Cooking meats thoroughly

2. Eat a balanced diet

Eating a healthful, balanced diet can improve a person’s overall well-being.

For people with a weak immune system, doctors generally recommend a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruit, which will provide plenty of nutrients.

If a person is very immunocompromised, for example, because they are undergoing cancer treatment, a doctor may recommend that they take extra steps to avoid foodborne illnesses.

These may include:

• washing all fruits and vegetables before peeling them
• avoiding undercooked meats, fish, and eggs
• refrigerating food promptly
• choosing pasteurized juices and dairy products over unpasteurized products

3. Try to minimize stress as Stress damages your Immune System

Stress has a significant effect on your immune system. During stress, a series of events release cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress hormones from the adrenal gland. Together they help your body cope with stress. Normally, cortisol is helpful because it decreases the inflammation in the body that results from the immune responses caused by stress.

But if a person is chronically stressed, stress hormones can affect the way the body functions over time. This increases your risk of health problems, including:

• Anxiety, Depression,
• Digestive Issues
• Heart Disease, Sleep Disorders
• Weight Gain
• Problems with Memory and concentration

4. Get enough sleep

You do not need a reason to get a good night’s sleep, but now you have one – It Keeps you HEALTHY! According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation has a similar effect on the body’s immune system as stress. Lack of sleep disrupts the normal production of white blood cells, a crucial component of the body’s immune system.

According to the CDC, adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per day, while infants and children need between 8 and 17 hours of sleep depending on their age.

4. Exercise regularly (and maintain a Healthy weight)

Your body will be able to fight sickness a lot better if it is strong and healthy. Regular exercise keeps the body healthy. In addition to strengthening the body, exercise causes the body to release endorphins that reduce stress levels. However, those with weak immune systems should be careful not to push themselves too hard as this can weaken the immune system further.

Regular exercise is one of the pillars of healthy living. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.

5. Drink lots of water

Your body just functions better with water. Fill a big jug in the morning and drink it all. Alternatively, instead of just drinking normal water, consume at least 500ml or better still 1 liter of Hydrogen rich water daily for your overall health and wellness.

Ref: https://www.oatext.com/pdf/JTS-6-380.pdf

6. Be nice to your liver

Your liver does so much for you, so take care of it, especially during cold and flu months.

7. Get Some Sunshine

• Exposure to sunlight is how your body naturally produces vitamin D. This helps ward off an array of bad things like depression, heart disease, and certain cancers. It is even good for people with autoimmune disorders. Remember some sun is good, but you need to protect your skin when you plan to spend time outside.
• Stay mostly in the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Your immune system is the key to good health, so the more you can do to protect it, the better.

Let’s look at the foods that can help boost your Immune System in the next blog.

Because the immune system is so complex, there are many potential ways in which it can go wrong.

The types of immune disorders can fall into these three categories:

1. Immunodeficiencies
2. Autoimmunity
3. Hypersensitivity

Immunodeficiencies

These arise when one or more parts of the immune system do not function. Immunodeficiencies can be caused in a number of ways, including age, obesity, and alcoholism. In developing countries, malnutrition is a common cause. AIDS is an example of an acquired immunodeficiency.

In some cases, immunodeficiencies can be inherited, for instance, in chronic granulomatous disease where phagocytes do not function properly.

Autoimmunity

In autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells, rather than foreign pathogens or faulty cells. In this scenario, they cannot distinguish self from non-self.

Autoimmune disorders are when the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, resulting in diseases. This is what occurs in people with autoimmune diseases such as:

1. Multiple sclerosis  
2. Lupus
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
4. Psoriasis
5. Celiac Disease, Type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease

Hypersensitivity

With hypersensitivity, the immune system overreacts in a way that damages healthy tissue. An example is anaphylactic shock where the body responds to an allergen so strongly that it can be life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis happens when the body reacts to a foreign substance as if it were a serious threat to health. The most common triggers for these reactions are medications, foods, and insect stings. In its reaction to an allergen, the body produces large amounts of histamine — a signaling molecule that can trigger an inflammatory response. This response can lead to: 

• dilation of the blood vessels 
• a sudden drop in blood pressure 
• loss of consciousness 
• shock

In a person experiencing anaphylaxis, the airways often become narrow, making breathing difficult. In addition, the blood vessels may leak, causing edema, a type of swelling that results from the accumulation of fluid.

Signs of a weak Immune System

Most of the time, the immune system protects the body from infection. However, some people have a weak immune system that may make them prone to frequent infections. Here are some signs you might be having a weak Immune System:-

1. Susceptibility to infection.

A person with a weak immune system is likely to get infections more frequently than most other people. Infections that people with a weak immune system often get include: Pneumonia /  Meningitis  / Bronchitis  /  Skin Infections

2. You Always Have a Cold

It is perfectly normal for adults to sneeze and sniffle through two or three colds each year. Most people bounce back in seven to 10 days. During that time, it takes the immune system three to four days to develop antibodies and fight off pesky germs. But if you are constantly catching colds – or have a cold that would not run its course – that is a clear sign your immune system is struggling to keep up.

3. You feel constantly feel tired or fatigued

If you are getting enough sleep and still suffering from exhaustion, it is worth considering if your immune system is trying to tell you something. When your immune system struggles, so does your energy level. “That's because your body is trying to conserve energy to fuel your immune system so it can fight off germs,”

4. Your Stress Level is Sky-High

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens the responses of your immune system. “That’s because stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte levels, the more you’re at risk for viruses like the common cold,” explains Nadia Hasan, DO, a physician at Delancey Internal Medicine.

5. Your Wounds Are Slow to Heal

Your skin goes into damage control mode after you get a burn, cut or scrape. Your body works to protect the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin. This healing process depends on healthy immune cells. But if your immune system is sluggish, your skin cannot regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.

6. You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles

If you have frequent diarrhea, gas or constipation, it could be a sign that your immune system is compromised. Research shows that nearly 70 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that live there defend your gut from infection and support the immune system. Low amounts of these helpful gut bacteria can leave you at risk to viruses, chronic inflammation and even autoimmune disorders.

7. The other symptoms of a weak immune system can include the following:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Inflammation of the internal organs
• Blood disorders or abnormalities, such as anemia
• Digestive issues, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
• Growth and developmental delays in infants and children

Let’s look at the various ways to boost your Immune System in the next blog.

Our immune system is incredibly complicated and essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. It is our immune system that keeps us healthy as we drift through a sea of pathogens.

Our immune system is our body’s version of the military - sworn to defend against all who threaten it, both foreign and domestic. Everyone’s immune system is different but, generally, it becomes stronger during adulthood as, by this time, we have been exposed to more pathogens and developed more immunity.

Our immune system protects against disease, infection, and helps us recover after an injury. Several different systems and cell types work in perfect synchrony (most of the time) throughout the body to fight off pathogens and clear up dead cells. It has some interesting soldiers that help make this possible.

Our immune system is a complex fighting system powered by five (5) liters of blood and lymph. Lymph is a clear and colorless liquid that passes throughout the tissues of the body. Together, these two fluids transport all the elements of the immune system so they can do their jobs.

White blood cells charge into battle at any sign of trouble. There are two different types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes.

• Phagocytes can move through your blood vessels and tissue to ingest or absorb invaders. Phagocytes target organisms that cause disease (or pathogens) and toxins. Each pathogen carries a specific type of antigen, and each lymphocyte in your body carries antibodies meant to fight the antigens carried by pathogens.

• There are three (3) main types of lymphocytes in the body: B cells, T cells, and Natural killer cells.
• B cells create antibodies that attack bacteria, viruses, and toxins that enter the body.
• T cells kill cells in the body that have been overtaken by viruses or that have become cancerous.
• Like T cells, natural killer cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) kill infected or cancerous cells. But instead of producing antibodies, they make a special enzyme, or chemical, that kills the cells.

In humans, the blood–brain barrier, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and similar fluid–brain barriers separate the peripheral immune system from the neuroimmune system, which protects the brain.

These brave soldiers only live up to a few weeks, so it’s a good thing there’s a lot of them — a single drop of blood can contain up to 25,000 white blood cells.

How an Immune Response works?

The immune system needs to be able to tell self from non-self. It does this by detecting proteins that are found on the surface of all cells. It learns to ignore its own or self proteins at an early stage.

An antigen is any substance that can spark an immune response. In many cases, an antigen is a bacterium, fungus, virus, toxin, or foreign body. But it can also be one of our own cells that is faulty or dead. Initially, a range of cell types works together to recognize the antigen as an invader.

Your body creates new antibodies whenever it is infected with a new antigen. If the same antigen infects you a second time, your body can quickly make copies of the corresponding antibody to destroy it.

Once an antibody has been produced, a copy remains in the body so that if the same antigen appears again, it can be dealt with more quickly. That is why with some diseases, such as chickenpox, you only get it once as the body has a chickenpox antibody stored, ready and waiting to destroy it next time it arrives. This is called Immunity.

What is Immunity?

Immunity is the body’s defense system against infection and disease. White blood cells play a key role. Some rush to attack any harmful microbes that invade the body. Other white blood cells become specialists, adapted to fight particular pathogens. All of them work to keep the body as healthy as possible.

There are three types of immunity in humans called innate, adaptive, and passive:

i.) Innate immunity

We are all born with some level of immunity to invaders. Both Human and many animals immune systems, will attack foreign invaders from day one. This innate immunity includes the external barriers of our body — the first line of defence against pathogens — such as the skin and mucous membranes of the throat and gut.

This response provides Fast and General defence. If the pathogen manages to dodge the innate immune system, adaptive or acquired immunity kicks in.

ii.) Adaptive (acquired) immunity

This is a Complex and Targeted Response to Pathogens. This protection to pathogens develops as we go through life. As we are exposed to diseases or get vaccinated, we build up a library of antibodies to different pathogens. This is sometimes referred to as immunological memory because our immune system remembers previous enemies.

iii.) Passive immunity

This type of immunity is “borrowed” from another source, but it does not last indefinitely. For instance, a baby receives antibodies from the mother through the placenta before birth and in breast milk following birth. This passive immunity protects the baby from some infections during the early years of their life.

Source:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101#immune-system-disorders