What are the Causes of the Immune System Health Problems?

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The answer is not simple. A number of things could be causing health problems to your immune system. There could be a host of factors. Here we look at how the immune system functions and some of the health issues that can lead to a compromised immune system.

The first immune system defense that bacteria and other invaders encounter is the skin.  The skin contains keratin (which inhibits bacterial growth) and the sebaceous glands, from which hairs grow and sebum is secreted.  Sebum is composed of fatty acids and inhibits the growth of some types of bacteria and fungi.  If the skin is healthy and good health habits are practiced, such as washing hands before touching the face, then many invaders can never enter the body.

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In other cases, the treatment of some diseases leads to a compromised immune system.  Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease and a number of other diseases are theoretically caused by a dysfunction of the immune system, in which white blood cells attack healthy disease-free cells of the body causing inflammation.  Treating these diseases with immuno-suppressant drugs is what causes health problems to the immune system in some cases.  These drugs limit the body's natural ability to fight infection.    

Anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics can all lead to a general weakening of immune system defense mechanisms.  Alcohol abuse, drug abuse, exposure to radiation and/or environmental toxins can all be what causes a weakened immune system.  If health problems of the immune system is defined as a weakened immune system response, then any of the things mentioned here could be the cause.  Additionally, studies have shown that stress, depression, age, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or excessive exercise can all impair the body's natural ability to defend itself.

Some natural products can help to boost the immune system, even in cases where the immune system defense mechanisms have been compromised by any of the problems listed here.  These products may contain beta glucans, andrographis paniculata, or a variety of other ingredients.  For more information about what causes health problems to the immune system or for information about immune system boosters, visit [http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com].