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Healthy Immune System

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  4. Learning Objectives are spelled out here for this course.

  5. Contents gives you an overview of the course.

  6. Text is broken into several chapters and you should be able to go back and forth among these chapters.

  7. Post-Test consists of several true/false or multiple-choice questions which you must answer.  The passing score is 70%.  The test is graded interactively, so you’ll know your score at the end.

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Learning Objectives

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

Chapter 1: Understanding the Immune System

  1. Give an overview of the immune system, its complexity and its remarkable ability to distinguish between “self” and “nonself.”
  2. Describe how the immune system is able to distinguish between self and nonself.
  3. Explain how T cells contribute to the immune defenses.
  4. Contrast between humoral immunity and cellular immunity.
  5. Indicate the role played by immunoglobulins in the immune defense strategy.
  6. Identify different ways antibodies work in the immune system.
  7. Describe how the complement system works to destroy bacteria.
  8. Explain how the body mounts an immune response to infections produced by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
  9. Outline the role played by biotechnology in the development of vaccines.
  10. Discuss autoimmune diseases and list various factors that may be their cause.
  11. Provide an explanation about immune complex diseases.
  12. Provide an explanation about immune complex diseases.
  13. Describe the causes and course of various autoimmune diseases.
  14. Identify various immunodeficiency diseases.
  15. Name at least four cancers of the immune system.
  16. Describe how the science has tackled the problem of body rejecting the transplant of foreign tissue.
  17. Describe what an idiotype is and explain the interaction between idiotypes and antiido-types.
  18. Describe the connection between the immune system and the nervous system.
  19. Outline the research that’s being carried out using hybridoma technology.

Chapter 2: Host Defense, Natural Resistance and the Immune System

  1. Describe innate immunity and explain how the immune system protects against invading organisms.
  2. Identify four portals of entry and explain how each provides innate immunity.
  3. Define and explain the following terms: host defense, natural resistance, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immune deficiency.
  4. Discuss the ways microorganisms may enter the human body and the mechanisms of natural resistance the human body has to resist infection.
  5. List the various types of white blood cells (WBCs), differentiate them as lymphoid or non-lymphoid and describe the function of each type.
  6. Briefly describe the immune response discussing the roles of macrophages, B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, and the interactions between these cells.
  7. Compare and contrast humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
  8. Compare and contrast “active” and “passive” immunity.
  9. Discuss how the immune response accomplishes “recognition,” “specificity,” and “memory.”
  10. Describe the three primary methods of preparing a vaccine.
  11. Discuss the problems associated with preparing a vaccine against HIV.
  12. Describe what an immunodeficiency is and how someone can acquire an immunodeficiency.
  13. Review the history of the development of immunology.
  14. Describe functions of the organs and cells of the immune system.

Chapter 3: Strengthening the Immune System

  1. Rev Up Your Immune System to Prevent Disease
    1. Explain how we can improve our immune function by adopting good nutrition, stress reduction, plant nutrients, and vitamins and minerals.
  2. Immune Restoration
    1. Describe how free radicals can damage the immune system, resulting in the formation of cancer cells, premature aging, etc.
    2. Describe the role of vitamins– vitamin A, E and C and beta-carotene in enhancing the immune system.
    3. Explain several ways that scientists are exploring to repair the damage done to the body’s immune system due to HIV.
  3. What Are Sterols and Sterolins?
    1. Answer questions about plant fats–sterols and sterolins–and their impact on our immune system.
  4. Aiding Immunity: Plants to the Rescue
    1. Select several fruits, vegetables and cereals that are rich in plant sterols.

Chapter 4: Stress, Anxiety and Depression

  • Stress, Aging and Cortisol: The Immune/Endocrine Connection
    1. Describe the deleterious effect of stress on our immune system.
    2. List several stress-busting tips and administer a stress test to determine the immune status of a patient.
  • Ten Nutrients to Support Immune Function
    1. List 10 nutrients to support immune function.
  • Anxiety and Stress Disease Therapy Protocol
    1. Identify five types of anxiety disorders and list general symptoms for each of these disorders.
    2. Describe conventional treatment for anxiety and stress and provide an overview of pharmaceutical approach to reducing anxiety and stress.
    3. Describe the use of Adapton in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.
  • Move Over Prozac: Depression and Immunity
    1. List some common symptoms of depression.
    2. Make the connection between depression and overactive immunity.
    3. Suggest some natural remedies in prescribed dosages that may be effective in the treatment of depression.
  • Performance Immunity
    1. Explain how endurance/distance exercises performed at intense levels can suppress the immune system.

    • Chapter 5: Friendly Bacteria

    • Bacteria That Strengthen the Immune System
      1. Identify two breeds of “friendly” bacteria and expound upon their effect on the ability of white cells to attack and destroy hostile microogranisms.
    • Lactoferrin: The Bioactive Peptide That Fights Disease
      1. Describe the immune-enhancing anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties of lactoferrin.
      2. Identify several natural sources of lactoferrin.

    • Chapter 6: Fighting Off Diseases

    • Adrenal
      1. 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.
      2. Make an assessment of adrenal fatigue in a patient listing various symptoms.
    • Phytosterols for Hepatitis C, Stress, Prostate, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and Cancer
      1. List foods that are rich in phytosterols.
      2. Describe how phytosterols can help fight hepatitis C, stress, prostate, heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer.
    • Why Antioxidants Aren’t Enough
      1. Define “glycation” and explain its effect on age-related diseases such as arterial stiffening, cataract, and neurological impairment.
    • Free Radicals Beware: There’s Garlic Present
      1. Describe the antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties of garlic and garlic’s role in boosting body’s immune capacity.
    • Protein Power Protection
      1. Emphasize the importance of protein in the diet to prevent cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease.
      2. Explain how eating too much can depress immunity.
      3. List 10 richest sources of amino acids.
    • Common Cold
      1. Describe the mechanism of infection and list 3 factors that influence infection.
      2. Describe the treatment of cold using 3 alternative and complementary medicinal approach.
    • Allergies
      1. Describe 4 types of immunological reactions to allergens.
    • Stop Allergies Where They Start In Your Immune System
      1. 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.
    • Osteoporosis An Immune System Disease?
      1. Describe the role played by the immune system in the development of osteoporosis.
    • Plant Sterols–The Missing Key in the Battle Against Herpes
      1. List the symptoms of herpes and outline immunologic approach to preventing herpes attacks.
    • Shingles: The Herpes Virus Strikes Again
      1. Prescribe an alternative therapy regimen for the treatment of shingles.
    • Fight Cancer And Win
      1. Explain what cancer is and why we get cancer.
      2. Name several fruits and vegetables that are especially rich in cancer-blocking agents.
    • New Blood Test For Breast Cancer
      1. 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.
      2. Describe how the phase of the menstrual cycle at the time of surgery affects the survival rate of women with breast cancer.
    • Asthma, More Than A Bad Air Day
      1. Describe the epidemiology of asthma and identify several asthma “triggers.”
      2. Describe how the herbal tonic RespirAction can help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma.
      3. Identify various anti-asthma nutrients and vitamins.
    • Eliminate Eczema
      1. List five types of eczema, their symptoms and causes.
    • Stopping HIV-1 and AIDS Through Total Health Management
      1. 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.
      2. Describe the adverse side effects of the anti-HIV drugs.
    • Autoimmunity When Your Body Attacks Itself
      1. Explain how plant sterols and sterolins help fight autoimmune diseases and restore the balance in the body’s immune system.
    • Autoimmune Diseases Therapies Protocol
      1. List environmental and personal factors that can impair immune function.
      2. Recommend a regimen of natural supplements and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
    • Anemia-Thrombocytopenia-Leukopenia
      1. Define anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, and describe their general causes.
      2. Describe the pathophysiology of three types of anemias–pernicious anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia–and review their common treatments.
      3. Describe the treatment for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.

    • Chapter 7: Understanding CFIDS

    1. Compare CFIDS with other illnesses such as fibromyalgia, neurally mediated hypotension (NMH), chronic lyme disease and intestinal cystitis.
    2. Provide answers to common questions about CFIDS, such as what it is, its diagnosis, who gets it, its symptoms, its treatment, etc.
    3. Provide a case definition for CFIDS and list eight primary and several other common symptoms of CFIDS.

    • Chapter 8: Fibromyalgia

    • Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness
      1. Identify the symptoms of fibromyalgia, process of diagnosis and nursing interventions.
      2. Compare and contrast the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide for People With Compromised Immune Systems
      1. Answer questions of a patient with compromised immune system concerning preventing Cryptosporidiosis.
      2. List steps a person should take to reduce the risk of getting Crypto.

    • Chapter 9: Chronic ITP

    1. Define ITP and describe the cause and pathophysiology of chronic ITP.

Table of Contents

  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
    • Normal 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 restoration?
      • 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 Cortical: The Immune/ Endocrine Connection
      • Stress and Our Body Chemistry
      • Mother Nature’s Cortical 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 Cortical: 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 Prozac: 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
    • 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
    • Shingles: The Herpes Virus Strikes Again
      • Potent Antiviral Agent
      • Vitamin E
      • Vitamin C
      • References
    • Cold Sore Treatment Plan
      • Why do we get cancer?
      • What is cancer?
      • Natural Therapies Pack a Punch
      • Sterols and Sterolins, Star Cancer Protectives
      • DHEA, Cortisol and Immune Enhancement
    • Fight Cancer and Win
    • Prostate Cancer in Remission
    • New Blood Test for Breast Cancer
      • Breast Cancer Surgery
      • 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 You’re 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 Anti-platelet 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 Cryptosporidiosissporidiosis: A Guide for People With Compromised Immune Systems
    • Who might be immuno-compromised or have a weakened immune system?
    • What is Cryptosporidiosissporidiosis?
    • What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis?
    • How long after infection do symptoms appear?
    • How long will symptoms last?
    • How does Cryptosporidiosis affect you if your immune system is severely weakened?
    • How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
    • I have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidiosis. Should I worry about spreading infection to others?
    • What should I do if I think I have Cryptosporidiosis ?
    • How is a Cryptosporidiosis infection diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for Cryptosporidiosis?
    • How can I protect myself from Cryptosporidiosis?
    • Filters designed to remove Cryptosporidiosis
    • Filters labeled only with these words may not be designed to remove Cryptosporidiosis
    • Post-Test

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