The Immune System

The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection.



The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells (B- and T-lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you sick.



Some infections, like the flu and the common cold, have to be fought many times because so many different viruses or strains of the same type of virus can cause these illnesses. Catching a cold or flu from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.



Overactivity of the immune system can take many forms, including:

• allergic diseases - where the immune system makes an overly strong response to allergens. Allergic diseases are very common. They include allergies to foods, medications or stinging insects, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergy), hay fever (allergic rhinitis), sinus disease, asthma, hives (urticaria), dermatitis and eczema.

• autoimmune diseases - where the immune system mounts a response against normal components of the body. Autoimmune diseases range from common to rare. They include multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic vasculitis.

Underactivity of the immune system, also called immunodeficiency, can:



• be inherited - examples of these conditions include primary immunodeficiency diseases such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), x-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and complement deficiencies.



• arise as a result of medical treatment - this can occur due to medications such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.



• be caused by another disease - such as HIV/AIDS or certain types of cancer. 







Your Immune Support Practitioners

Sam’s health career started out in nursing before she found her passion as a Naturopath, giving her an excellent understanding of western and complimentary medicine. With 22 years experience in Natural Medicine and continuing studies, Sam enjoys treating all conditions with her special interests being gastro–intestinal, immune and autoimmune conditions and their links to emotional and mental health.

• Herbal Medicine
• Nutritional Medicine
• Quantum Analysis
• Mental Health Issues
• Gastro-Intestinal Issues
• Autoimmune conditions
• Pathology testing (Hormones, Intolerances, Nutritional & MTHFR Gene Mutations

Adv.Dip.(Nat)

After himself defeating cancer three times, Edward uses his skills and experience to guide patients through their journey with cancer. From prevention, diagnosis, to remission, cure, or end of life transition, Edward is uniquely experienced to help make your journey with cancer as smooth and as effective as possible using his skills and experience in nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, counselling, life coaching and meditation to enhance health outcomes and complement traditional oncology care.

• Cancer coaching and mentoring
• Bi-weekly cancer support groups
• Chronic disease - autoimmune conditions, mental health conditions (anxiety and depression), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Stress reduction clinic - the PNMC stress reduction program
• Neurofeedback for children's ADHD and anxiety (the Mindful Monkeez program)
• Breathwork, mindfulness and meditation training
• Compassionate Inquiry practioner