Immune Concept
The immune system detects a wide variety of agents including viruses and bacteria that invade the body.The immune system is based on several layers of defence, which identifies, remembers, attacks and destroys invading pathogens. Under healthy conditions the immune system prevents damage to the cells and reduces the risk of infection. However, sometimes the immune system is weakened or compromised, which reduces the pigeons ability to fight off disease or recover from it. In these cases a natural approach to supporting the immune system will help maintain general health. Additional advantages are believed to be as follows.
• Phyto-chemicals act to help maintain and stimulate production of T-cells and B-cells
• Polysaccharide carbohydrates can help to increase macrophage production
• Specific peptides can help to improve immunity
• Antioxidants help maintain and protect the immune system
• Adaptogens are believed to help the system to cope with challenges.
Blood system contains many blood cells including white blood cells’ leucocytes ‘ which are one of the bodies first defence mechanism against infection.
Viruses attack and replicate in ‘host’ cells
The attack of a virus on the system provokes an immune response
Immune cells engulf and digest invading pathogens
It is vital important that youngsters are able to build up a natural adaptive immunity where they can build up a natural tolerence to their surroundings as their passive immunity gained from their parents is relatively short lived.