subject: Health Begins With The Immune System [print this page] The human immune system has two components: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the bodys first line of defense against invading pathogens. This system is functioning at birth. It takes several weeks for an infant to develop a working adaptive immune system. When an infectious organism challenges the immune system, it develops substances that render a person immune. This is a function of the adaptive immune system.
During pregnancy, the GI tract of the fetus is sterile. At birth, newborns have a hyper-permeable gut. Infants pick up many of the species of bacteria that make up their gut flora from family members within a few weeks of birth; which can also include pathogens. However, hospitalized infants are also exposed to, and more frequently colonized by, the variety of species from the hospital environment and its staff. Once the infant develops the adaptive immune system, it starts producing antibodies.
In the first two years of life, one establishes the guts fingerprint, which is called the micro biota. It is part of a complex ecosystem that depends on many factors.
The environmental factors are diet and whether or not the living conditions are sanitary. The pre-determined factors are the host factors such as genetically determined cell receptors, hormones, and intestinal milieu. This milieu or environment is composed of mucin, intestinal secretions, and motility. It is interesting to note that in one area of the world, the typical micro biota will be different from another part of the world. Neither is wrong.
As this micro biota develops in the early years, it can temporarily change with circumstances such as illness or the use of medications, but will return to the individuals normal. The concentration of bacteria along the GI tract increases as it moves downward, increasing greatly when it crosses the ileocecal valve into the large intestines. There are hundreds of trillions of bacteria with many thousands of kinds. A healthy micro biota is essential for maintaining GI function and our survival.
Perhaps the most precious gifts one is allowed is to steward are the children. They are the hope for the world. By guarding and optimizing their health we are providing a brighter future.
About Victoria Bowmann, PhD
Dr. Victoria Bowmann received her PhD in homeopathy and natural medicine from Westbrook University as well as a doctorate in homeopathic medicine from the British Institute of Homeopathy. She is also a licensed massage and certified colon therapist in the state of Arizona. Bowmann is a regular contributor to several national publications, has been interviewed on television and radio, and has delivered numerous presentations internationally. She has personally trained physicians and colon hydrotherapist and wrote a widely used training manual on GI Health and reflorastation. Her private practice is located in Phoenix, Ariz., and Bowmann lives by the motto, "Happiness is a choice."
