Our immune system is our body’s “department of defense”.  A high-functioning immune system is the key to a long healthspan.  As the military of our body, it is designed to recognize threats, repair damage, and restore balance.  It identifies enemies of good health and mounts an attack to kill cancer cells, infectious organisms, and eliminate toxins.  A healthy immune system springs into action to mount an attack when needed.  It then returns to its foxhole and lies quietly until the next invader attacks.

Inflammatory cytokines are the bullets used by our immune system.  Many conditions including leaky gut, high visceral fat, and chronic infections like bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease cause the immune system to remain perpetually activated.  It continuously releases the fire of inflammation.  This maladaptive state leads to chronic inflammation and is the root cause of all chronic diseases.

Autoimmune disease is a state where our immune system attacks healthy human tissue.  Low level of autoimmune disease is much more common than most realize.