Page 7 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Our immune system is an intriguing and amazing aspect of our body. Every day, we come

into contact with unwelcome substances that invade our bodies. Our bodies respond by
triggering our immune system to attack, like soldiers on the battlefield.

Most of us only notice the effects of our immune system when it has been compromised.
That is, we run a fever, experience inflammation, or notice the development of pus around
a wound. We may recognize these things as bad, but the reality is that all these things are
the result of a healthy immune system doing its job. Microbes, viruses, bacteria, toxins
and parasites attempt to enter our bodies on a minute-by-minute basis. Our immune
system is constantly working hard to keep theses harmful invaders out and prevent them
from causing issues.

Skin and Mucus Membranes: Amazing Barriers
One of the largest components of our immune system is the skin. This is our foremost
barrier against pathogens that would try and enter. The skin contains harmless bacteria
that work for us by protecting our bodies from invaders. Mucus membranes also contain
this beneficial bacteria.

In the mouth, saliva contains an
enzyme that destroys the cell
walls of certain bacterium. This
enzyme can also be found in our
tears and airways. The nature of
mucus itself works to trap
microorganisms as well.

There are other effective ways our
body works to expel potentially
harmful substances from the
mucus membranes. The sneeze
reflex is a powerful reflex that
occurs when the body is exposed
to a foreign substance.

This spasmodic and forceful
reaction causes an ejection of air from the lungs to exit the mouth and nose. Coughing
does a very similar job. When we cough, we are forcefully releasing air from the lungs and
through the airways to help rid the body of excess mucus that may contain a foreign
substance.

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