Healthy Immune System

Healthy Immune System

Course Outline

Learning Objectives

After completing the course, you'll be able to:

Give an overview of the immune system, its complexity and its remarkable ability to distinguish between "self" and "nonself."
Describe how the immune system is able to distinguish between self and nonself.
Explain how T cells contribute to the immune defenses.
Contrast between humoral immunity and cellular immunity.
Indicate the role played by immunoglobulins in the immune defense strategy.
Identify different ways antibodies work in the immune system.
Describe how the complement system works to destroy bacteria.
Explain how the body mounts an immune response to infections produced by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
Outline the role played by biotechnology in the development of vaccines.
Discuss autoimmune diseases and list various factors that may be their cause.
Provide an explanation about immune complex diseases.
Provide an explanation about immune complex diseases.
Describe the causes and course of various autoimmune diseases.
Identify various immunodeficiency diseases.
Name at least four cancers of the immune system.
Describe how the science has tackled the problem of body rejecting the transplant of foreign tissue.
Describe what an idiotype is and explain the interaction between idiotypes and antiido-types.
Describe the connection between the immune system and the nervous system.
Outline the research that's being carried out using hybridoma technology.
Describe innate immunity and explain how the immune system protects against invading organisms.
Identify four portals of entry and explain how each provides innate immunity.
Define and explain the following terms: host defense, natural resistance, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immune deficiency.
Discuss the ways microorganisms may enter the human body and the mechanisms of natural resistance the human body has to resist infection.
List the various types of white blood cells (WBCs), differentiate them as lymphoid or non-lymphoid and describe the function of each type.
Briefly describe the immune response discussing the roles of macrophages, B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, and the interactions between these cells.
Compare and contrast humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Compare and contrast "active" and "passive" immunity.
Discuss how the immune response accomplishes "recognition," "specificity," and "memory."
Describe the three primary methods of preparing a vaccine.
Discuss the problems associated with preparing a vaccine against HIV.
Describe what an immunodeficiency is and how someone can acquire an immunodeficiency.
Review the history of the development of immunology.
Describe functions of the organs and cells of the immune system.
Explain how we can improve our immune function by adopting good nutrition, stress reduction, plant nutrients, and vitamins and minerals.
Describe how free radicals can damage the immune system, resulting in the formation of cancer cells, premature aging, etc.
Describe the role of vitamins– vitamin A, E and C and beta-carotene in enhancing the immune system.
Explain several ways that scientists are exploring to repair the damage done to the body's immune system due to HIV.
Answer questions about plant fats–sterols and sterolins–and their impact on our immune system.
Select several fruits, vegetables and cereals that are rich in plant sterols.
Describe the deleterious effect of stress on our immune system.
List several stress-busting tips and administer a stress test to determine the immune status of a patient.
List 10 nutrients to support immune function.
Identify five types of anxiety disorders and list general symptoms for each of these disorders.
Describe conventional treatment for anxiety and stress and provide an overview of pharmaceutical approach to reducing anxiety and stress.
Describe the use of Adapton in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.
List some common symptoms of depression
Make the connection between depression and overactive immunity.
Suggest some natural remedies in prescribed dosages that may be effective in the treatment of depression.
Explain how endurance/distance exercises performed at intense levels can suppress the immune system.
Identify two breeds of "friendly" bacteria and expound upon their effect on the ability of white cells to attack and destroy hostile microogranisms.
Describe the immune-enhancing anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties of lactoferrin.
Identify several natural sources of lactoferrin.
Describe the function of adrenal glands and name the steroid hormones produced by these glands and their usefulness in regulating the body's various physiological functions.
Make an assessment of adrenal fatigue in a patient listing various symptoms
List foods that are rich in phytosterols.
Describe how phytosterols can help fight hepatitis C, stress, prostate, heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer.
Define "glycation" and explain its effect on age-related diseases such as arterial stiffening, cataract, and neurological impairment.
Describe the antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties of garlic and garlic's role in boosting body's immune capacity
Emphasize the importance of protein in the diet to prevent cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease.
Explain how eating too much can depress immunity.
List 10 richest sources of amino acids.
Describe the mechanism of infection and list 3 factors that influence infection.
Describe the treatment of cold using 3 alternative and complementary medicinal approach.
Describe 4 types of immunological reactions to allergens.
Explain why some people are affected by allergies and others are not, and the role played by our immune system in fighting off allergic symptoms.
Describe the role played by the immune system in the development of osteoporosis.
List the symptoms of herpes and outline immunologic approach to preventing herpes attacks
Prescribe an alternative therapy regimen for the treatment of shingles.
Explain what cancer is and why we get cancer.
Name several fruits and vegetables that are especially rich in cancer-blocking agents.
Compare the relative merits of breast self-examination, mammogram and Mammastatin Serum Assay in detecting breast cancer and identifying women at risk of developing breast cancer.
Describe how the phase of the menstrual cycle at the time of surgery affects the survival rate of women with breast cancer
Describe the epidemiology of asthma and identify several asthma "triggers."
Describe how the herbal tonic RespirAction can help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma.
Identify various anti-asthma nutrients and vitamins.
List five types of eczema, their symptoms and causes
Relate the impact of negative factors such as smoking, drug abuse and environmental toxins on the progression from the asymptomatic HIV to the life-threatening AIDS disease.
Describe the adverse side effects of the anti-HIV drugs.
Explain how plant sterols and sterolins help fight autoimmune diseases and restore the balance in the body's immune system.
List environmental and personal factors that can impair immune function.
Recommend a regimen of natural supplements and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Define anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, and describe their general causes.
Describe the pathophysiology of three types of anemias–pernicious anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia–and review their common treatments.
Describe the treatment for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.
Compare CFIDS with other illnesses such as fibromyalgia, neurally mediated hypotension (NMH), chronic lyme disease and intestinal cystitis.
Provide answers to common questions about CFIDS, such as what it is, its diagnosis, who gets it, its symptoms, its treatment, etc.
Provide a case definition for CFIDS and list eight primary and several other common symptoms of CFIDS.
Identify the symptoms of fibromyalgia, process of diagnosis and nursing interventions.
Compare and contrast the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Answer questions of a patient with compromised immune system concerning preventing Cryptosporidiosis.
List steps a person should take to reduce the risk of getting Crypto.
Define ITP and describe the cause and pathophysiology of chronic ITP.

Evaluation of Individual Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of the course material, we ask that you evaluate your achievement of each learning objective on a scale of A to D (A=excellent, B=good, C=fair, D=unsatisfactory). Please indicate your responses next to each learning objective and return it to us with your completed exam.

Healthy Immune System

Course Outline

1. Understanding The Immune System

Introduction

Self and Nonself

Genes and the Markers of Self

The Anatomy of the Immune System

T Cells and Lymphokines

The Cells and Secretions of the Immune System

Lymphocytes

B Cells and Antibodies

Natural Killer Cells

Phagocytes, Granulocytes, and Their Relatives

Complement

Mounting an Immune Response

A Billion Antibodies

A Web of Idiotypes

Receptors for Recognizing Antigen

Immunity, Natural and Acquired

Vaccines Through Biotechnology

Disorders of the Immune System: Allergy

Autoimmune Diseases

Immune Complex Diseases

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Cancers of the Immune System

Bone Marrow Transplants

Immunology and Transplants

Privileged Immunity

Immunity and Cancer

The Immune System and the Nervous System

Frontiers in Immunology: Hybridoma Technology

2. Host Defense, Natural Resistance and The Immune System

Introduction

Natural Resistance

The Immune System

What is immunology?

What are the organs and tissues of the immune system?

What are antibody and complement molecules and what are their functions?

What are the cells of the immune system?

The Immune Response

3. Strengthening The Immune System

Rev Up Your Immune System to Prevent Disease

The Harmful Role of Free Radicals

Nutritional Immunology

The Role of Vitamins

Vitamin A

Beta-Carotene

Vitamin E

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Coenzyme Q10

Alpha lipoic acid

Food That Harms

Nutrition Is the Fuel For Immune Cells

Plant Fats Balance The Immune System

Stress Reduction Essential To Immune Function

What Are Sterols and Sterolins?

Why supplement?

Frequently Asked Questions on Sterols and Sterolins

What are sterols and sterolins?

Is there any research behind this product?

Is Moducare safe? Are there side effects?

Any contraindications or drug interactions?

Are sterols the same as steroids?

Will these plant fats make me gain weight?

Is this an immune “booster” like echinacea?

How should I take Moducare?

Do I have to take it on an empty stomach?

Can I take too much?

Healthy Immune System Is Defense Against Illness

Immune Restoration After HIV Infection

What is immune restoraration?

How can the immune system be restored?

Are new T-cells as good as old?

Five Steps to Optimal Immunity

Defenders of Our Immune System

Food that Harms and Food that Heals

Spiritual Well-being Helps

Exercise–Too Much Can Be Bad

Aiding Immunity: Plants to the Rescue

Food Is No Longer Enough

Power of Plants

Sterol Family

Aid For AIDS

How Three Amino Acids Can Strengthen Your Immune System by 34%

4. Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Stress, Aging and Cortisol: The Immune/ Endocrine Connection

Stress and Our Body Chemistry

Mother Nature’s Cortisol Balancer

Stress-Busting Tips

Stress Test to Determine Immune Status

Stress: At The Root of Women’s Health Issues

Too Much Stress Equals Disease

The Cortisol:DHEA Ratio

What Can We Do?

Anxiety and Stress Disease Therapy Protocol

Anxiety Disorders

Stress

Conventional Treatments for Anxiety and Stress

Moderate Exercise

Adapton

Other Beneficial Treatments for Anxiety and Stress

Summary

Move Over Proza: Depression and Immunity

Immune-Boosting Drugs and Depression

Overactive Immunity

Stress, Cortisol and Inflammation

Treatments That Work

Performance Immunity

References

5. Friendly Bacteria

Bacteria That Strengthen The Immune System

Whole Body Protection

References

Lactoferrin: The Bioactive Peptide That Fights Disease

Immunity

How to Obtain Lactoferrin

Anti-Viral Effects

Anti-Cancer Effects

Anti-Microbial Effects

Lactoferrin as an Antioxidant

Conclusion

Further Reading

References

6. Fighting Off Diseases

Adrenal

Supplemental Steroids and Adrenal Disease

Adrenal Fatigue

Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Function and Aging

Summary For Treating Adrenal Fatigue

Summary For Maintaining Corticosteroid Balance To Prevent Aging

Phytosterols for Hepatitis C, Stress, Prostate, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and Cancer

Human Research Proves Plant Sterols’ Action

Sterols Lower Cholesterol

Sterols: Great Stress Busters

Sterols Halt Hepatitis C

Sterols, Heart Disease and DHEA

Prostate Problems Eliminated

Stop Cervical Cancer

The Future of Phytosterols

Why Antioxidants Aren’t Enough

Gaining Control Over Our Biochemistry

Protein Browning

Alzheimer’s Disease

Protecting Brain Chemistry

Carnosine Summary

Beyond Antioxidants

References

Free Radicals Beware: There’s Garlic Present

Green Tea, Your Coffee Substitute

Eating Too Much Depresses Immunity

Are you digesting what you eat?

Linus Pauling and Vitamin C Vindicated

Warning–Killer Sugar

Protein Power Protection

Cancer, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Energy and Fat Burning

Protein protects our heart

Lower cholesterol and triglycerides

References

Soy and Whey Protein May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Common Cold

Treatment

Vitamin C

Vitamin C: how much is too much?

Zinc Gluconate

Echinacea

Astragalus

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Sambucol

Ganmaoling

Can Infection be Prevented?

Signs of a More Serious Infection

Summary

Seniors: Is Your Flu Vaccine Protecting You?

Prostate Problems

Allergies

Types of Reactions

Avoidance of Allergens

Therapeutic Options

Summary

Stop Allergies Where They Start– In Your Immune System

References

Vitamin C Supplements Ease Exercise– Triggered Asthma.

Say Goodbye To Seasonal Allergies

Plant Nutrients to the Rescue

Phytosterols Rescue Arthritis Sufferers

Guidelines for Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoporosis – An Immune System Disease?

Stress, the Immune System, and Bone Loss

Risk Factor Checklist for Osteoporosis

New Research on Hepatitis C

Plant Sterols–The Missing Key in the Battle Against Herpes.

Shingles: The Herpes Virus Strikes Again

Potent Antiviral Agent

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

References

Cold Sore Treatment Plan

Fight Cancer and Win

Why do we get cancer?

What is cancer?

Natural Therapies Pack a Punch

Sterols and Sterolins, Star Cancer Protectives

DHEA, Cortisol and Immune Enhancement

Prostate Cancer in Remission

New Blood Test for Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Surger

Soy and whey protein may help prevent breast cancer

Stop cervical cancer

Asthma, More Than A Bad Air Day

What “Triggers” Asthma?

Exercise-induced Asthma

Herbal Tonic to Breathe Easy

Nutrients Reduce Attacks

Link Between Pollution and Asthma

References

Fight Cancer and Win

Eliminate Eczema

Symptoms

Causes

Prescription For Health

Other recommendations

Health tips to enhance eczema healing

Health fact

Stopping HIV-1 And AIDS Through Total Health Management

Autoimmunity – When Your Body Attacks Itself

What is autoimmunity?

Plant Sterols and Sterolins Return Balance

References

Autoimmune Diseases Therapies Protocol

Aging

Basic Pathways of Autoimmune Dysfunction

The Effect of Natural Supplements on the Autoimmune System

Other Considerations

Summary

Anemia-Thrombocytopenia-Leukopenia

General Causes of Anemia

Symptoms of Anemia

Common Dietary Anemias

Pernicious anemia (lack of vitamin B12)

Folic acid deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia

The anti-anemia drug

Treatment of pernicious anemia

Treatment of folic acid deficiency anemia

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Other nutritional approaches

Thrombocytopenia

Preventing and treating anemia caused by HIV antiviral drugs

Leukopenia

Preventing and treating chemotherapy induced leukopenia

Summary

HIV (Immune Deficiency) Treatment

The Critical Importance of Glutathione

Substances That Boost Glutathione Levels

Blood Tests

Immune Cell Subset Testing

Cell-Mediated Immunity Tests

Natural Killer Function

7. Understanding CFIDS

What is CFIDS?

How is CFIDS diagnosed?

What are other common symptoms?

How is CFIDS treated?

How many people have CFIDS?

Who gets CFIDS?

Do PWCs get better over time?

What causes CFIDS?

Are viruses involved in CFIDS?

Is CFIDS contagious?

What precautions should PWCs take?

Should PWCs receive flu shots or other immunizations?

Is exercise helpful or harmful?

Is weight gain common?

Is depression common?

What role does stress play in this illness?

How does pregnancy affect CFIDS?

Is CFIDS related to other illnesses?

Why is this disease called CFS or CFIDS?

How can I cope with and manage the illness?

For further reading

8. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness

Diagnosis Is Difficult

What causes FM?

Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Sterinol and Fibromyalgia

Sleep, Laughter and Exercise

5-HTP and St. John’s Wort

Magnesium and Malic Acid

Moducare and Fibromyalgia

9. Chronic ITP

Clinical Presentation of Chronic ITP

Definition

Clinical Findings

Laboratory Findings

Cause and Pathophysiology of Chronic ITP

Evaluation of Antiplatelet Autoantibody

Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis of Chronic ITP

Disorders most commonly confused with chronic ITP

Standard Treatment of Adult Chronic ITP

Who should treat ITP?

Indications for treatment

Index of treatment options

10. People With Severely Weakened Immune System

Guidance For People With Severely Weakened Immune Systems

Introduction

Background

Guidance

Further Information

Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide for People With Compromised Immune Systems

Who might be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system?

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

What are the symptoms of Crypto?

How long after infection do symptoms appear?

How long will symptoms last?

How does Crypto affect you if your immune system is severely weakened?

How is Crypto spread?

I have been diagnosed with Crypto. Should I worry about spreading infection to others?

What should I do if I think I have Crypto ?

How is a Crypto infection diagnosed?

What is the treatment for Crypto?

How can I protect myself from Crypto?

Filters designed to remove Crypto

Filters labeled only with these words may not be designed to remove Crypto

Post-Test

C Comments:

"Well written and comprehensive. I learned quite a bit." -B.S., RN, Nevada

"Great course. A lot of useful new information." -A.S., LCSW, CA

"Excellent material! Well written! -D.D., RN, MI

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