The Intricacies Of The Immune System
Our bodies immune systems are truly spectacular in the way that it protects and defends us from toxins, exposures, pathogens, oxidative damage and invaders. I wish that doctors would spend more time teaching their patients HOW the immune system works and most importantly how we can support our bodies built in military defenders to optimize our health. I could write a 10,000 page blog on the immune system and still not cover everything, but I do want to spend the time to touch several of the main immune components that I look for with blood chem analysis, as well as break down how each of these pieces of our immune system works.
First I think it’s really important to understand our bodies general defense systems, these can be categorized into 2 sections.
Adaptive
Non Specific: Neutrophils, Eosinophil, Basophil, Lymphocytes
Specific: B cells, Memory T cells, T helper cells, Cytotoxic T cells, T regulatory cells
Inate
Eyes: in the form of tears
Respiratory Tract: Mucosal lining of the nose and lungs
Skin: Both as a physical barrier and our ability to sweat out toxins
The Gut: In the form of Microbiota and healthy gut junctions
It’s also crucial to understand the transmission chain (chain of infection) when it comes to exposures/ illness. Each of these links must present in a chronological order for an infection to develop. Understanding this helps people to break the transmission chain and prevent illness.
Examples of Bacterial Infections:
Lyme (Borrelia) is a bacterial infection
Bartonella includes at least 22 named species of bacteria
H-Pylori
Strep throat
bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs)
bacterial food poisoning, often caused by E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella
bacterial cellulitis, (due to Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA))
bacterial vaginosis
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
Tuberculosis
Whooping cough
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Bacterial meningitis
Tetanus
Examples of Viral Infections:
Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
EBV Influenza (the flu)
Common cold
Measles
Chickenpox
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Viral hepatitis-- hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E
Viral meningitis
West Nile Virus
Rabies
Ebola
Examples of Fungal Infections
Mold Illness and the mycotoxins they produce (mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of molds):
Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, Trichothecenes (there are hundreds of different mycotoxins produced by molds)
Candida
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Athlete's foot
Jock itch
Scalp and hair infection
Finger or toenail infection
Ringworm of the body
Barber's itch
If you do become sick, or if you are experiencing chronic illness/ infections, one of the first things that any health professional will look at regarding the bodies immune system and blood chem is WBC (White Blood Cell Count) White Blood Cells are your bodies army of soldiers that produce, transport, and distribute antibodies as part of the immune process and response team. On a lab report this bio marker is labeled ‘WBC.’ the optimal or functional range that I look for regarding WBC is between 5.5 - 7.5 K / CUMM (Keep in mind children can be a bit lower or higher naturally and pregnancy will change optimal range.)
When WBC goes LOW
When I see labs where WBC has gone low it can indicate several things:
Chronic Infections: If an infection flipped from acute to chronic I usually see WBC dip low (not always) If the infection is ‘active’ Monocytes are typically activated but not always. There are DOZENS of causes that contribute to low WBC and this is why working with a practitioner who understands root cause is so important, a few possible contributing factors to low WBC are Autoimmune disorders, congenital disorders ( related to bone marrow) spleen disorder, certain infectious diseases, cancer and parasitic diseases, Malnutrition, certain pharma specifically antibiotics, among many others.
When WBC goes HIGH
Acute Stress: Stress releases cortisol which can elevate WBC count
Injury: Injuries can elevate WBC
Acute Infection/ Inflammation: This is pretty self explanatory: if you get sick with the flu or other acute illness/ infection your WBC is going to be elevated. However increased WBC can also be a result of parasites, (there are MANY markers that go into confirming suspected parasites). WBC also elevates if your body is in a high state of systemic inflammation. Elevation of WBC is also directly associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and (NAFLD) Cancers can also raise WBC. Something to keep in mind, elevation of WBC can last for nearly a month after an acute infection. In my practice I have seen a lot of this this last year with people who have had influenza. This is also why I spend so much time understanding my clients health pictures and history before looking at the numbers. If the body was hit with an acute exposure I WANT to see elevation of WBC, this indicates to us that the immune system is doing its job.
Lets Talk types of WBC’S
Did you know that you have TYPES of White Blood Cells? and those types have specific jobs and address and defend against specific exposures, infections and toxins.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are WBC’S that specialize in bacteria and fungus. Neutrophils also provide the first line of defense of the innate immune system. They have also been shown to be crucial for Natural killer cell homeostasis and function which is one of the major way the body achieves the elimination of virus-infected cells, so Neutrophils will also come into play with viruses. Optimal range for Neutrophils is 40-60%
When Neutrophils go LOW
Acute OR Chronic Infections:
Neutrophils on their own will not be able to tell you exactly what type of infection the body is battling as they are only ONE biomarker in a sea of hundreds. This is why working with a qualified practitioner is VITAL. That said: Any bacterial infection can cause neutropenia, Fungal infections are evident with people who present with neutropenia. Many sources show that Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections can cause neutropenia. ( Common causes include HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, sepsis, and Lyme disease) Invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by molds, will cause extreme and long term neutropenia
Autoimmune/ Immune Issues
B12/ Folate or Copper Deficiency
Spleen dysfunction
Antibiotics/ Pharma
When Neutrophils go HIGH
Acute OR Chronic Infections:
Most bacterial infections cause neutrophilia, I look at several other markers in practice, especially urine analysis.. if bacteria is present in the urine… you know you are dealing with bacterial overload. Viral loads don’t typically cause neutrophilia (but they can at the onset of infection; remember Neutrophils are the FIRST line of defense) Some fungus and parasites can also drive neutrophilia.
Acute Inflammation
Inflammation is an immune response and during acute inflammation IL-1 (Interleukin-1 family) can spark Neutrophil production. Remember Neutrophils are your body’s first responders. This is also why I ask about surgeries and injuries when speaking to my clients about their health picture. If you just sustained an injury I would EXPECT to see neutrophilia. Elevation isn’t always an indication of a problem… remember go to the root to understand the symptoms.
Depression
Antibiotics and other pharma Specifically corticosteroids
Lymphocytes
The second type of WBC are Lymphocytes, these are our defenders that fight viral infections and produce antibodies, which help your body stop and remove foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and toxic chemicals. They also play an important role in immune function and inflammation. Lymphocytes live in lymph nodes and in the bloodstream/body. Think back to a time when you got sick and had swollen glands/ lymph nodes, this is your bodies lymphatic system/ Lymphocytes hard at work. Optimal Range for Lymphocytes is 24 - 42 K/CUMM
When Lymphocytes go LOW
Acute OR Chronic Infection
Inflammation:
Mot commonly noted with HIV, HPV and AIDs as well as Viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Lyme (bacteria) Lyme disease patients had higher rates of bacterial antibody production, greater rates of elevated liver enzymes and low blood lymphocytes levels. - Mark Soloski, Ph.D.
High toxin buckets/ Autoimmune/ Immune issues
If the body is in a high state of toxin distress Lymphs can tank. I also see it in rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and many other autoimmune conditions.
Depression
Stress/ Anxiety
Stress will tank the body’s Lymphocytes (how many times have you been under high stress and gotten sick in your life?) The more Lymphs drop the higher the chance for a viral infection. Stress is directly attached to this because cortisol (stress hormone) is an immune depressant and will throw off normal white blood cell communication. Think of a game of telephone with a group of first graders… not very efficient eh? This opens the body up to a host of invaders. This is why STRESS MANAGMENT is a foundation in my practice. If you can’t regulate your stress your immune system will always struggle.
When Lymphocytes go HIGH
Acute OR Chronic Infection
If Lymphs go high this is typically a response to an invader or inflammation, a spike in Lymphocytes is the body leaping into action to destroy the invader. Hepatitis, HIV and AID’s can all raise Lymphs.
Cancer
Blood Cancers and Lymphatic System Cancers can spike Lymphs most commonly this is seen in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, or just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in the lymphocytes. If you really want to go down a rabbit hole check out Bayer/ Monsanto and their connection to NHL… the moral of that story is stay the hell away from Glyphosate.
Autoimmune
Monocytes
Monocytes are the next type of WBC, they are the largest type of the White Blood Cells and act as the body's second line of defense. They protect against viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. They kill microorganisms, ingest foreign particles, remove dead cells and boost the immune response. They also can help point to inflammation. Optimal range for Monocytes is 2-6.9%
When Monocytes go LOW
Medical Conditions
If Monocytes are low this is typically related to conditions that lower WBC as a whole or harsh treatments of disease including Leukemia/Chemotherapy, Aplastic anemia, Blood infection, Burn injuries and HIV.
Stress
When Monocytes Go HIGH
Active Infection
Monocytes don’t fall for the biofilm game, if Monocytes elevate this is a strong indicator that you are dealing with an active threat (Virus, bacteria, fungus, ETC) Monocytes are also unique because they call on other WBC to assist them with dealing with an injury or infection.
Autoimmune/ Immune Issues
Inflammation (Systemic)
Severe Depression
Pregnancy/ Childbirth
Menopause
Cancer
The most common sign of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is having an excess of monocytes. Having too many monocytes also causes many of the symptoms of CMML. These monocytes can settle in the spleen or liver, enlarging these organs and causing further complications.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are White Blood Cells that fight infections like parasites. They also help with allergies, inflammation and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Optimal Range for EOS is 0.5 - 2.9%
When EOS goes LOW
I will usually see EOS tank with Alcohol misuse and high cortisol production.
When EOS goes HIGH
Parasites
If I see elevated EOS parasites are my first suspicion. That is because when parasites worms invade muscle tissue EOS rush into the scene to contain the invader.
Asthma
Eczema/ Dermatitis Issues
MCAS/ Inflammation
Addisio’s Disease
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Basophils
Basophils are White Blood Cells that play a role in inflammation and defend against parasites, allergic reactions, tissue damage and autoimmune diseases. These often elevate with CIRS or MCAS
When BASOS go LOW
Depression
If I see BASOS tanked to zero I will take a hard look at my clients mental and emotional state, depression can drive BASOS to zero.
Inflammatory Response
With an injury the BASOS rush to the injury site leaving less in the bloodstream
When BASOS Go HIGH
Inflammation
Parasites
Asthma
Allergies, Histamine issues, MCAS
All of these types of WBC give us insight into where the body is struggling and help to paint a picture of what is going on within the body. These are just a few examples and a few markers that I use in practice when looking into my clients biochemistry. I believe that everyone should have the knowledge to understand what each of these types of WBC’s mean and most importantly the optimal ranges associated with each marker.
Stepping away from Biochemistry and Stepping into the Gut’s Role in your immune system
You have probably heard it before… ‘you are what you eat’ or that health begins with diet; and while that is true, I think its really important to understand WHY it’s true. There are three main hurdles that pathogens need to overcome to cause an infection in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract: the intestinal microbiota, the intestinal epithelial layer, and the mucosal immune system. The gut microbiota consists of a multispecies microbial community, consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living within a particular niche in synergy with the host. Gut microbes and mammals have coevolved, so while microbes get a habitat to flourish, the microbes regulate various host physiological functions, including regulating protective immunity against pathogens. SOURCE
So what happens when we disturb that ecosystem? Leaky Gut happens. Many of my clients begin their journey back to health with addressing metabolic regulation and gut heath. This is because gut health IS health. 80% of your immune system is in your gut so if you are dealing with leaky gut and nutritional issues that is the missing foundational pillar that is going to present you with the keys to take back your sovereignty.
So what is leaky gut anyway? Leaky gut is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes permeable, allowing bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream, resulting in chronic SYMPTOMS, especially constantly getting sick (this is the number 1 complaint I hear in my practice.) Think of leaky gut like trying to hold water with a chain link fence, complete failure right? Now imagine the water is pathogens, toxins, molds, bacteria and viruses and the chain link fence is your protective gut barrier… all of that garbage is headed straight into your bloodstream and now your immune system that we discussed previously in this blog post has its work cut out for it.
What causes Leaky Gut
Poor diet, diets that are high in SUGARS, processed foods, food dyes, SEED OILS and lack nutrient density is the highest causation for leaky gut
Inflammation, if your diet is inflammatory that full body inflammation is going to continue to drive your leaky gut
Antibiotics and other medications. Antibiotics have their place, however, we are an OVERMEDICATED society and a direct impact of over utilizing pharma is leaky gut
Autoimmune can exacerbate leaky gut, however autoimmune is not a root cause
So how do we heal our guts which in turn heals and supports our immune system?
It’s all in the kitchen.
Changing how and WHAT you are eating is how we change your health.
Daily Nutrition Thoughts
Create a ceremony around preparing food and nurturing the body, maybe this looks like a trip to the farmers market for the most beautiful vegetables and fruits, cooking with your partner or friends, learning a new skill in the kitchen, or just slowing down and savoring the time that you get to nurture your body, mind and spirit utilizing food as your medicine. Lean into whole and nutrient dense foods, focus on starting your day with plenty of protein and healthy fats, eat the rainbow! beautiful fruits and vegetables carry so much vitality and numerous antioxidants. Purchase high quality grass fed beef, organic chicken and wild caught fish. Aim to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
Avoid processed foods, seed oils, food dyes and SUGAR as these degrade the gut and exacerbate dysfunction in the body. Cook with ghee, butter, tallow and coconut oil, utilize avocado oil and olive oil for dressings. If you can’t pronounce or don’t immediately recognize an ingredient, it doesn’t belong in your mouth. If it came in packaging or through the drive through window… don’t eat it. Get rid of sodas and processed ‘treats’ Monitor your caffeine intake and alcohol consumption. Additionally focus on keeping yourself hydrated, a few ways to help you stay on track with this aim to drink at least 8oz of water first thing in the morning before coffee or tea, re-mineralize with a pinch of Celtic salt on the tongue, stay consistent throughout the day with your water intake; herbal teas can also be a wonderful way to keep yourself hydrated and also can provide the body with antioxidants.
Remember Food IS The Medicine
If you would like bio- tailored support on your nutrition, or want to order labs and discuss a gameplan to reclaim your sovereignty and autonomy to take back your health let’s work together!
As always, be well and Live in Good Medicine,
-A
