DESCRIPTION
Our immune system is a complex network of inter-related cells with specialization for sensing self from non-self, useful from damaging and functional from dysfunctional. Our immunity brings awareness to the inner environments of our body’s sensing and perceiving in a perpetual state of vigilance. Just as our sensory organs of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing allow us to relate and respond to external stimuli our immune cells react to our internal signals. Our immune response therefore is responsible for helping us interpret our internal environment and provides key communication and information for maintaining our homeo-dynamic state. In this lecture Dr. Bump will review our immunity from a systems biology perspective describing the players and their roles. Lifestyle and nutrition are the key factors we can control to help strengthen or weaken our immune system. Therefore, the various reasons why immunity runs amuck and the ways we can support and maintain this amazing system will be discussed. We will focus on the strategies including diet, nutrients and other life-style factors to boost and support our “7th Sense”.