The Immune System

Arnie Shapiro, M.D.
November – December 2025 • Vol 4, No 19

All bodily systems are essential for our ongoing survival and well-functioning. It is a requirement for all complex life forms to protect themselves from incursions of potentially harmful microorganisms, which are ubiquitous in the living environment.

We have a microscopic security force constantly patrolling and guarding us from invaders. It is our immune system. Pathogens (harmful bacteria and viruses) can enter any part of our body that is exposed to the outside world. This includes the respiratory system, digestive system, orifices, cuts, scrapes, or punctures. If we had no defenses, invaders would proliferate quickly, feeding on our tissues and cells. It is our Immune System that stops them. The  response has to be rapid and lethal.

We have circulating immune cells in our blood and lymph. (Lymph is a clear fluid, leaked from capillaries, that is making its way back to the heart via specialized lymph vessels.) Immune-system cells are our white blood cells, which are produced mainly from stem cells in our bone marrow. The bone marrow is an amazing, astonishing factory. It produces trillions of red blood cells (RBCs) per day, and billions of white blood cells (WBCs) per day!

The main types of WBCs are Neutrophils and Lymphocytes. Neutrophils engulf “foreign” (invading) cells. They search for any “non-self” proteins to “eat.” Lymphocytes have antibodies on their surfaces that “zap” foreign proteins such as pathogens (invasive bacteria and viruses) and tumor (cancer) cells, or they secrete antibodies into the blood to do the job remotely.

Some lymphocytes are “stationed” in mucous membranes (exposed to the outside world), and in lymph nodes, which are concentrated filtration sites along the paths of the lymph vessels. Other lymphocytes (T and B cells) are circulating in blood and lymph and possess the attribute of “memory,” and serve to give us continuing “immunity.” (Vaccines are inactivated proteins of pathogens that boost our immunity by priming our memory lymphocytes.)

Another aspect of the immune system is allergy. This is a response to a substance (allergen), such as dust, danders, plant poisons, pollens, and foods. Common food allergens include cow’s milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Also, there are several medications that can cause allergic reaction. Allergy is the body’s overreaction to these substances. Antibodies such as IgE (from B lymphocytes) respond vigorously to the allergen on each encounter. The allergic response can take the form of itching, red-ness, swelling, trouble breathing, nausea, and diarrhea.

Weakness of the immune system is called Immune Suppression. A well-known viral infection that can cause this is HIV, in which the virus actually attacks T lymphocytes. With T lymphocytes severely weakened, the body is vulnerable to a host of other infections. Other causes of immune suppression are radiation and corticosteroids.

Another type of immune-system dysfunction is Auto-immune Disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks functioning parts of the body as if they were foreign organisms. Examples of auto-immune diseases are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Type I Diabetes.

The Immune System is a key player in the healing process of wounds. Platelets, a special form of WBC, circulate at all times and aggregate in wounds to help form blood clots to stop blood loss. After cessation of bleeding, there is a stage of inflammation. Other WBCs arrive to instigate swelling and rebuilding of the damaged tissue. Finally, stem cells arrive to participate in the rest of the healing process.

It is important to mention that some bacteria and fungi are “friendly,” and we have peaceful coexistence with them. We have an extensive microbiome in our gut, in all bodily orifices, and on our skin. Our Immune System “leaves them alone.”

We have inherited our highly advanced Immune System from our ancestors and from the Tree of Life. We have a similar Immune System to all mammals. Having an effective Immune System is crucial to individual and species survival.

How can we best take care of our Immune System over our lifespan? Like soldiers in any effective army, it has to be well-nourished, well-hydrated, and have “good morale”—so:

• Don’t smoke.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Try to minimize stress.
• Keep current with all recommended vaccines and use other natural aids like vitamin D and zinc.

Our bodily systems are miracles of the Universe. We can take them for granted—or with gratitude and awe.

Dr. Shapiro is a career clinic physician who has utilized relaxation techniques with many of his patients. Prior articles by Dr. Shapiro can be found on his Columnist page at NaturalLifeNews.com. His YouTube channel is: “Arnie Shapiro, MD • Breathing Easy.” Email Dr. Shapiro at: alloydshapiro@gmail.com.