Can Positive Thinking Boost the
Immune System?
Strengthening the Body’s Defences Naturally
The human body is constantly being attacked and invaded by microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, which cause a multitude of diseases, ranging from thrush and the common cold, to pneumonia and poliomyelitis. The body’s first line of defence against attack is the skin and mucous membranes. Behind this is a complex defensive system that protects the body against most infections, even when they do invade the body. This system is known as the ‘immune system’.
The immune system neutralises or destroys microorganisms and the toxins created by them, wherever they attack the body, via the extensive lymphatic system. The spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, bone marrow and other organs all play a part in the function of the lymphatic system. The network of lymph vessels (capillaries and lymphatics), drain the clear body fluid known as lymph from the tissues into the bloodstream. Special white blood cells that originate in bone marrow, known as lymphocytes, and complex blood protein molecules, called antibodies, are mainly responsible for carrying out the work of the immune system.
The body has two kinds of immunity. The first is known as ‘passive’ immunity, and is a general form of defence acquired at birth or through breast milk. This protects babies while they are developing their own ‘acquired’ immunity. Immunity is acquired as a response to initial contact with a virus or bacteria, and remains with the individual, so that it can mount a further defence against attack from the same organis