07/25/2020
Did you know that God gave each one of us a built-in mask? Your body is an absolute marvel and is like a super-ninja when it comes to warding off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
The COVID 19 virus has brought to light the need for a strong immune system. Masks are being used by millions of Americans to help ward off the virus. However, what many people may not know or fully embrace is that the body has a line of defense that is unparalleled.
(Of course, some people have more compromised immune systems and may want to take extra precautions like hand washing and isolating a bit more, but people who are considered healthy overall, can rely on their body’s own “mask”)..
Let’s start with your skin. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and contains dendritic cells (Langerhans cells). These are white blood cells that ward off and attack pathogens. Your skin microbiome is amazing in itself. It is the shield between you and the outside world. Each square centimeter of your skin contains between a million and a billion microorganisms!
Moving on to your mucous membranes which line your nose, throat, and lungs (also your bladder and reproductive organs). These membranes “trap” pathogens, allergens, debris, etc in the mucous and expel them (think coughing and sneezing- these are good things but a topic for another day).
Your tonsils and adenoids are the next stop for an invading pathogen (note: if you have had surgery to remove your tonsils and adenoids, you will be at higher risk for foreign invaders to make it past your throat). These are made up of lymphoid tissue and situated at the back of the throat. The surface of the tonsils and adenoids host M cells which can detect bacteria, viruses, and all manner of pathogens. Once identified, they trigger an immune response and the B and T cells of your immune system spring into action.
Your lymphatic system is also working behind the scenes. There are over 600 lymph nodes in your body and many in your head, neck and jaw. These are filled with lymphocytes that filter pathogens and activate white blood cells to fight them off.
That is just the first several steps in the process. There is also your gut flora (where a huge part of your immune response resides), your bone marrow, your thymus, your spleen, your appendix (yes, it does have a purpose after all, it contains lymphoid tissue filled with white blood cells and is thought to help replenish gut flora), your liver, and your bowel.
Unfortunately, people have caused damage to some of these mechanisms leaving them more susceptible to infections. Medications (over the counter and prescribed) used over time can damage mucous membranes, cough and cold suppressants can lead to pathogens remaining in the body instead of being expelled, many people have had surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids, and sanitizers are overused which damages the skin microbiome.
My hope is highlight this amazing design and bring people towards the notion of trusting the body to know what to do and how to do it.
Viruses are very opportunistic and look for susceptible hosts. We should all be working hard to make sure we are not susceptible hosts.
Have faith in your built-in mask.
