4 Life is the way: 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Which Foods Best Boost Your Immune System?

Which Foods Best Boost Your Immune System?
By Judy Muller
Nnutrition experts say much of what our bodies need to fight off infection can be found in foods.
In its latest edition, Prevention magazine says a poor diet is a top factor in making us susceptible to illness. It then lists the top five foods that give your body the best immunity: beef, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, tea and yogurt. While an all-around healthy diet is crucial, these particular foods help us best flex our immunity muscles, the magazine said.
Each of the foods should be eaten every day to boost immunity, nutritionist Heidi Skolnik told Good Morning America .
"We should eat these daily, as often as we can, especially in this weather," she said. Plenty of rest is also essential to keeping our immune systems up, she said. Health experts also advise a flu shot.
Beef It Up a Little
Of the five immunity-boosting foods, beef may be the most surprising, considering health experts recommend limiting our red meat intake. But moderation is still key.
"People should still not be eating a 24-ounce porterhouse on a daily basis," Skolnik said. "A three-ounce portion of beef -- and importantly very lean beef that is low in fat -- is an important source of zinc."
Zinc deficiency can greatly increase your risk of infection. Zinc helps develop white blood cells, the cells that we really need those to fight off foreign bacteria and viruses.
Vegetarians and those who do not eat red meat can look for their zinc supply in poultry, pork, fortified cereals, yogurt and milk. If you like oysters, they are also a fantastic source of zinc, Skolnik adds.
We should also be eating orange vegetables daily, especially this time of year. Sweet potatoes, or any of the orange vegetables, are a great way to add vitamin A to our diets. The reason? Vitamin A is important for our skin, which is the first line of defense for our immune systems, Skolnik said.
"Think orange, foods like sweet potatoes, and also carrots, squash, pumpkin," Skolnik said. "These are all great, especially because they are all in season this time of year. They all are great sources of beta-carotene, which the body quickly turns into vitamin A."
Although many of us eat carrots, it is often two or three days between servings, so we need to eat them more regularly, Skolnik said.
Mushrooms, Yogurt to the Rescue
To add to those 3-ounce lean burgers, mushrooms are another high-immunity food.
"Like beef, mushrooms help in the production of white blood cells in the body," Skolnik said. "Some recent studies have also found that they may make white blood cells act more aggressively against foreign bacteria."
The very best kinds of mushrooms are shiitake and maitake, which are available in most supermarkets.
In addition, the English may know something about fighting off a cold. Skolnik recommends a cup of black or green tea a day to muscle up our immune systems.
"Tea is a great source of polyphenols," Skolnik said. "Polyphenols clean up free radicals, damaging compounds that can hurt your DNA and accelerate aging."
Antioxidants take care of the free radicals, and tea has more antioxidants per part than fruits and vegetables.
Yogurt, another immunity-boosting food, is especially important to eat, particularly after you have been prescribed antibiotics. Brands that contain active cultures are a good source of healthy bacteria for your stomach.
"When we take antibiotics they destroy most of the bacteria in our body," Skolnik said. "The problem is that there are some beneficial bacteria that the antibiotics take care of as well. We need these, especially those found in our intestines, to help us break down foods."
The lack of those bacteria can make us vulnerable to germs that cause diarrhea, for instance.
(We recommend taking a product called Colon Essentials to rebuild the friendly bacteria in you stomach and intestines. We also have a product called Digestive Balance which will help you digest and breakdown the food you eat.)

The Truth about Your Immune System: What you need to know

The Truth about Your Immune System: What you need to know
Description
Table of Contents
An excerpt from this report
Printed Version: $16.00 Electronic Download (PDF): $16.00 Print + Electronic Download (PDF): $24.00
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Boost your Immune System
Can you boost immunity? Will certain vitamins or herbs help you fend off infection and disease? What about diet and exercise? Your immune system is your most powerful protector but it’s not fool proof. The Truth about Your Immune System sets the record straight about how your immune system fights off germs and how you can help your immune system operate at its best. Includes practical steps you can take to improve your chances of staying healthy and to fight off infection from viruses, bacteria, fungus and other disease-causing microbes. Prepared in collaboration with the editors at Harvard Medical School and Michael L. Starnbach, professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School. 38 pages. (updated: 2007)
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Table of Contents:
How your immune system works
When? Where? Why?
Microbes and hosts: Living together
The immune system in three acts
Act One: Defending the barricades
Act Two: The innate immune system
Act Three: The adaptive immune system
What about vaccines?
How vaccines work
Types of vaccines
Vaccinating infants and children
Do vaccines pose health risks?
New vaccine players
When things go wrong
Immunodeficiency disease
Hypersensitivity disorders (allergies)
Autoimmune disease
Cancer: Missed cues
What can you do?
Adopt healthy living strategies
Be skeptical
Age and immunity
What about diet?
Herbs and other supplements
The stress connection
Does being cold make you sick?
Exercise: Good or bad for immunity?
Looking ahead
“New and improved” innate immune system
Cell communication
Tomorrow’s vaccines
Glossary
Resources
Government organizations
Publications
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Here's an Excerpt from this Immune Special Health Report
You can’t feel it or see it. You can’t take its pulse or its temperature. But out of sight and out of mind, your immune system is quietly and constantly patrolling your body to detect and destroy infectious microbes. It is your most powerful protector, working tirelessly around the clock to keep you safe.
Despite its low-key profile, the immune system is the subject of great attention both in the laboratories of prominent scientists and on the shelves of retail stores carrying countless products that purport to boost or support immunity. While researchers are still trying to understand how the immune system works, product manufacturers have rushed to market everything from herbal teas to vitamin supplements that they claim will improve your immune response, with little evidence to support those claims.
To be sure, your immune system is a precious asset. It protects you from the ceaseless assaults of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The danger is very real. In 2004, 61,472 people in the United States died of influenza or pneumonia, making those diseases together the eighth leading cause of death. And each year, around 215,000 people in the United States die from a severe bacterial infection known as sepsis, which is more than the number who die from breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers combined. Worldwide, measles killed about 450,000 people in 2004, most of them children. Tuberculosis, once considered under control, was responsible for 1.7 million deaths the same year. At the same time, infectious diseases are emerging around the globe in such forms as bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Although the confirmed number of deaths from bird flu is small, experts fear a bird flu pandemic could take a vast toll on human life.
In response to such threats and many that have come before, the human body has developed a coordinated immune response that is both a marvel of elegant simplicity and an amazingly complex set of biochemical interactions. And the harnessing of this process with vaccinations is arguably the greatest public health accomplishment since the beginning of the 20th century. As a result, many infectious diseases are in retreat. Moreover, vaccination has lead to the eradication of smallpox and the near eradication of a number of other diseases, such as polio.
Usually, your immune system is quite effective in warding off disease. But sometimes things go wrong. A bacterium, virus, or other pathogen might make it past your immune defenses and make you sick. In addition, more than 1 in every 500 U.S. citizens is born with an immune system defect. Even allergies are an example of an immune response gone awry.
Learning how the immune system functions and why things sometimes go wrong is key to today’s medical efforts to prevent and cure disease. Even as scientists work on these problems, you can do your part to protect yourself from disease. This report takes you on a tour through your immune system and includes practical steps you can take to assist your immune system in its mission.

How Your Immune System Works

How Your Immune System Works
by Marshall Brain
Inside This Article
1.
Introduction to How Your Immune System Works
2.
Seeing Your Immune System
3.
Basics of the Immune System
4.
Viral or Bacterial Infection
5.
Components of the Immune System
6.
Lymph System
7.
Thymus
8.
Antibodies
9.
Complement System
10.
White Blood Cells
11.
Leukocytes
12.
Different Roles
13.
T Cells
14.
Vaccinations
15.
AIDS
16.
How Antibiotics Work
17.
Immune System Mistakes
18.
Lots More Information
19.
See all The Body articles
Photo courtesy -->Inside your body there is an amazing protection mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. To understand the power of the immune system, all that you have to do is look at what happens to anything once it dies. That sounds gross, but it does show you something very important about your immune system.
When something dies, its immune system (along with everything else) shuts down. In a matter of hours, the body is invaded by all sorts of bacteria, microbes, parasites... None of these things are able to get in when your immune system is working, but the moment your immune system stops the door is wide open. Once you die it only takes a few weeks for these organisms to completely dismantle your body and carry it away, until all that's left is a skeleton. Obviously your immune system is doing something amazing to keep all of that dismantling from happening when you are alive.
The immune system is complex, intricate and interesting. And there are at least two good reasons for you to know more about it. First, it is just plain fascinating to understand where things like fevers, hives, inflammation, etc., come from when they happen inside your own body. You also hear a lot about the immune system in the news as new parts of it are understood and new drugs come on the market -- knowing about the immune system makes these news stories understandable. In this article, we will take a look at how your immune system works so that you can understand what it is doing for you each day, as well as what it is not.

NEXT
Inside This Article
1.
Introduction to How Your Immune System Works
2.
Seeing Your Immune System
3.
Basics of the Immune System
4.
Viral or Bacterial Infection
5.
Components of the Immune System
6.
Lymph System
7.
Thymus
8.
Antibodies
9.
Complement System
10.
White Blood Cells

The immune system

The Body's First Line of Defense
How the Immune System Works
Antibodies
T Cells
Immune System Process The Body's First Line of DefenseThe immune system is a complex of organs--highly specialized cells and even a circulatory system separate from blood vessels--all of which work together to clear infection from the body.
The organs of the immune system, positioned throughout the body, are called lymphoid organs. The word "lymph" in Greek means a pure, clear stream--an appropriate description considering its appearance and purpose.
Lymphatic vessels form a circulatory system that operates in close partnership with blood circulation.
Lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes are the parts of the special circulatory system that carries lymph, a transparent fluid containing white blood cells, chiefly lymphocytes.
Lymph bathes the tissues of the body, and the lymphatic vessels collect and move it eventually back into the blood circulation. Lymph nodes dot the network of lymphatic vessels and provide meeting grounds for the immune system cells that defend against invaders. The spleen, at the upper left of the abdomen, is also a staging ground and a place where immune system cells confront foreign microbes.

Organs and tissues of the immune system dot the body in a protective network of barriers to infection.
Pockets of lymphoid tissue are in many other locations throughout the body, such as the bone marrow and thymus. Tonsils, adenoids, Peyer's patches, and the appendix are also lymphoid tissues.
Both immune cells and foreign molecules enter the lymph nodes via blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. All immune cells exit the lymphatic system and eventually return to the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, lymphocytes are transported to tissues throughout the body, where they act as sentries on the lookout for foreign antigens.

How the Immune System WorksCells that will grow into the many types of more specialized cells that circulate throughout the immune system are produced in the bone marrow. This nutrient-rich, spongy tissue is found in the center shafts of certain long, flat bones of the body, such as the bones of the pelvis. The cells most relevant for understanding vaccines are the lymphocytes, numbering close to one trillion.
The two major classes of lymphocytes are B cells, which grow to maturity in the bone marrow, and T cells, which mature in the thymus, high in the chest behind the breastbone.
B cells produce antibodies that circulate in the blood and lymph streams and attach to foreign antigens to mark them for destruction by other immune cells.
B cells are part of what is known as antibody-mediated or humoral immunity, so called because the antibodies circulate in blood and lymph, which the ancient Greeks called, the body's "humors."

B cells become plasma cells, which produce antibodies when a foreign antigen triggers the immune response.
Certain T cells, which also patrol the blood and lymph for foreign invaders, can do more than mark the antigens; they attack and destroy diseased cells they recognize as foreign. T lymphocytes are responsible for cell-mediated immunity (or cellular immunity). T cells also orchestrate, regulate and coordinate the overall immune response. T cells depend on unique cell surface molecules called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to help them recognize antigen fragments.
Antibodies produced by cells of the immune system recognize foreign antigens and mark them for destruction.
Antibodies
The antibodies that B cells produce are basic templates with a special region that is highly specific to target a given antigen. Much like a car coming off a production line, the antibody's frame remains constant, but through chemical and cellular messages, the immune system selects a green sedan, a red convertible or a white truck to combat this particular invader.
However, in contrast to cars, the variety of antibodies is very large. Different antibodies are destined for different purposes. Some coat the foreign invaders to make them attractive to the circulating scavenger cells, phagocytes, that will engulf an unwelcome microbe.
When some antibodies combine with antigens, they activate a cascade of nine proteins, known as complement, that have been circulating in inactive form in the blood. Complement forms a partnership with antibodies, once they have reacted with antigen, to help destroy foreign invaders and remove them from the body. Still other types of antibodies block viruses from entering cells.
T CellsT cells have two major roles in immune defense. Regulatory T cells are essential for orchestrating the response of an elaborate system of different types of immune cells.
Helper T cells, for example, also known as CD4 positive T cells (CD4+ T cells), alert B cells to start making antibodies; they also can activate other T cells and immune system scavenger cells called macrophages and influence which type of antibody is produced.
Certain T cells, called CD8 positive T cells (CD8+ T cells), can become killer cells that attack and destroy infected cells. The killer T cells are also called cytotoxic T cells or CTLs (cytotoxic lymphocytes).
T lymphocytes become CD4+ or helper T cells, or they can become CD8+ cells, which in turn can become killer T cells, also called cytotoxic T cells.
Immune system processActivation of helper T cells

After it engulfs and processes an antigen, the macrophage displays the antigen fragments combined with a Class II MHC protein on the macrophage cell surface. The antigen-protein combination attracts a helper T cell, and promotes its activation.
Activation of cytotoxic T cells

After a macrophage engulfs and processes an antigen, the macrophage displays the antigen fragments combined with a Class I MHC protein on the macrophage cell surface. A receptor on a circulating, resting cytotoxic T cell recognizes the antigen-protein complex and binds to it. The binding process and a helper T cell activate the cytotoxic T cell so that it can attack and destroy the diseased cell.
Activation of B cells to make antibody

A B cell uses one of its receptors to bind to its matching antigen, which the B cell engulfs and processes. The B cell then displays a piece of the antigen, bound to a Class II MHC protein, on the cell surface. This whole complex then binds to an activated helper T cell. This binding process stimulates the transformation of the B cell into an antibody-secreting plasma cell.

Additional Resources

Additional ResourcesPlease Note: By clicking a link to any resource listed on this page, you will be leaving the KidsHealth site.
Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF)http://www.primaryimmune.orgIDF's mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases through research and education.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunologyhttp://www.aaaai.org/The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers up-to-date information and a find-an-allergist search tool.Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America (CFIDS)http://www.cfids.orgThe CFIDS Association of America is a charitable organization dedicated to conquering chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Contact CFIDS at: Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America P.O. Box 220398 Charlotte, NC 28222-0398 (704) 365-2343Arthritis Foundationhttp://www.arthritis.orgThe mission of this group is to support research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis.Lupus Foundation of Americahttp://www.lupus.orgThe mission of the Lupus Foundation of America is to educate and support those affected by lupus and find a cure. Call: (800) 558-0121 (for written information) or (310) 670-9292 (for all other questions)American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)http://www.aap.orgThe AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.National Institutes of Health (NIH)http://www.nih.govNIH is an Agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and offers health information and scientific resources.Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyhttp://www.leukemia-lymphoma.orgThe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is dedicated to funding blood-cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Call: (914) 949-5213The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)http://www.foodallergy.orgThe FAAN mession is to raise public awareness, provide advocacy and education and to advance research on behavior for all of those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)http://www.amfar.org/cgi-bin/iowa/index.htmlThis nonprofit organization is dedicated to the support of AIDS research, prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.

immune system

The immune system, which is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, defends people against germs and microorganisms every day. In most cases, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. But sometimes problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection.
What the Immune System Does
The immune system is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.
The cells that are part of this defense system are white blood cells, or leukocytes. They come in two basic types (more on these below), which combine to seek out and destroy the organisms or substances that cause disease.
Leukocytes are produced or stored in many locations throughout the body, including the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. For this reason, they are called the lymphoid organs. There are also clumps of lymphoid tissue throughout the body, primarily in the form of lymph nodes, that house the leukocytes.
The leukocytes circulate through the body between the organs and nodes by means of the lymphatic vessels. Leukocytes can also circulate through the blood vessels. In this way, the immune system works in a coordinated manner to monitor the body for germs or substances that might cause problems.
The two basic types of leukocytes are:
phagocytes, cells that chew up invading organisms
lymphocytes, cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help the body destroy them
A number of different cells are considered phagocytes. The most common type is the neutrophil, which primarily fights bacteria. If doctors are worried about a bacterial infection, they might order a blood test to see if a patient has an increased number of neutrophils triggered by the infection. Other types of phagocytes have their own jobs to make sure that the body responds appropriately to a specific type of invader.
There are two kinds of lymphocytes: the B lymphocytes and the T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes start out in the bone marrow and either stay there and mature into B cells, or they leave for the thymus gland, where they mature into T cells. B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes have separate jobs to do: B lymphocytes are like the body's military intelligence system, seeking out their targets and sending defenses to lock onto them. T cells are like the soldiers, destroying the invaders that the intelligence system has identified. Here's how it works.
Antigens are foreign substances that invade the body. When an antigen is detected, several types of cells work together to recognize and respond to it. These cells trigger the B lymphocytes to produce antibodies, specialized proteins that lock onto specific antigens. Antibodies and antigens fit together like a key and a lock.
Once the B lymphocytes have produced antibodies, these antibodies continue to exist in a person's body, so that if the same antigen is presented to the immune system again, the antibodies are already there to do their job. That's why if someone gets sick with a certain disease, like chickenpox, that person typically doesn't get sick from it again. This is also why we use immunizations to prevent getting certain diseases. The immunization introduces the body to the antigen in a way that doesn't make a person sick, but it does allow the body to produce antibodies that will then protect that person from future attack by the germ or substance that produces that particular disease.
Although antibodies can recognize an antigen and lock onto it, they are not capable of destroying it without help. That is the job of the T cells. The T cells are part of the system that destroys antigens that have been tagged by antibodies or cells that have been infected or somehow changed. (There are actually T cells that are called "killer cells.") T cells are also involved in helping signal other cells (like phagocytes) to do their jobs.
Antibodies can also neutralize toxins (poisonous or damaging substances) produced by different organisms. Lastly, antibodies can activate a group of proteins called complement that are also part of the immune system. Complement assists in killing bacteria, viruses, or infected cells.
All of these specialized cells and parts of the immune system offer the body protection against disease. This protection is called immunity.
Humans have three types of immunity — innate, adaptive, and passive:
Innate Immunity
Everyone is born with innate (or natural) immunity, a type of general protection that humans have. Many of the germs that affect other species don't harm us. For example, the viruses that cause leukemia in cats or distemper in dogs don't affect humans. Innate immunity works both ways because some viruses that make humans ill — such as the virus that causes HIV/AIDS — don't make cats or dogs sick either.
Innate immunity also includes the external barriers of the body, like the skin and mucous membranes (like those that line the nose, throat, and gastrointestinal tract), which are our first line of defense in preventing diseases from entering the body. If this outer defensive wall is broken (like if you get a cut), the skin attempts to heal the break quickly and special immune cells on the skin attack invading germs.
Adaptive Immunity
We also have a second kind of protection called adaptive (or active) immunity. This type of immunity develops throughout our lives. Adaptive immunity involves the lymphocytes (as in the process described above) and develops as children and adults are exposed to diseases or immunized against diseases through vaccination.
Passive Immunity
Passive immunity is "borrowed" from another source and it lasts for a short time. For example, antibodies in a mother's breast milk provide an infant with temporary immunity to diseases that the mother has been exposed to. This can help protect the infant against infection during the early years of childhood.
Everyone's immune system is different. Some people never seem to get infections, whereas others seem to be sick all the time. As people get older, they usually become immune to more germs as the immune system comes into contact with more and more of them. That's why adults and teens tend to get fewer colds than kids — their bodies have learned to recognize and immediately attack many of the viruses that cause colds.
Things That Can Go Wrong With the Immune System
Disorders of the immune system can be broken down into four main categories:
immunodeficiency disorders (primary or acquired)
autoimmune disorders (in which the body's own immune system attacks its own tissue as foreign matter)
allergic disorders (in which the immune system overreacts in response to an antigen)
cancers of the immune system
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Immunodeficiencies occur when a part of the immune system is not present or is not working properly. Sometimes a person is born with an immunodeficiency — these are called primary immunodeficiencies. (Although primary immunodeficiencies are conditions that a person is born with, symptoms of the disorder sometimes may not show up until later in life.) Immunodeficiencies can also be acquired through infection or produced by drugs. These are sometimes called secondary immunodeficiencies.
Immunodeficiencies can affect B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, or phagocytes. Some examples of primary immunodeficiencies that can affect kids and teens are:
IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency disorder. IgA is an immunoglobulin that is found primarily in the saliva and other body fluids that help guard the entrances to the body. IgA deficiency is a disorder in which the body doesn't produce enough of the antibody IgA. People with IgA deficiency tend to have allergies or get more colds and other respiratory infections, but the condition is usually not severe.
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is also known as the "bubble boy disease" after a Texas boy with SCID who lived in a germ-free plastic bubble. SCID is a serious immune system disorder that occurs because of a lack of both B and T lymphocytes, which makes it almost impossible to fight infections.
DiGeorge syndrome (thymic dysplasia), a birth defect in which children are born without a thymus gland, is an example of a primary T-lymphocyte disease. The thymus gland is where T lymphocytes normally mature.
Chediak-Higashi syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease both involve the inability of the neutrophils to function normally as phagocytes.
Acquired immunodeficiencies usually develop after a person has a disease, although they can also be the result of malnutrition, burns, or other medical problems. Certain medicines also can cause problems with the functioning of the immune system. Secondary immunodeficiencies include:
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease that slowly and steadily destroys the immune system. It is caused by HIV, a virus which wipes out certain types of lymphocytes called T-helper cells. Without T-helper cells, the immune system is unable to defend the body against normally harmless organisms, which can cause life-threatening infections in people who have AIDS. Newborns can get HIV infection from their mothers while in the uterus, during the birth process, or during breastfeeding. People can get HIV infection by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person or from sharing contaminated needles for drugs, steroids, or tattoos.
Immunodeficiencies caused by medications. Some medicines suppress the immune system. One of the drawbacks of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, for example, is that it not only attacks cancer cells, but other fast-growing, healthy cells, including those found in the bone marrow and other parts of the immune system. In addition, people with autoimmune disorders or who have had organ transplants may need to take immunosuppressant medications. These medicines can also reduce the immune system's ability to fight infections and can cause secondary immunodeficiency.
Autoimmune Disorders
In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign invaders. Autoimmune diseases include:
Lupus is a chronic disease marked by muscle and joint pain and inflammation. The abnormal immune response may also involve attacks on the kidneys and other organs.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body's immune system acts as though certain body parts such as the joints of the knee, hand, and foot are foreign tissue and attacks them.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage of the skin, joints, and internal organs.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that involves inflammation of the spine and joints, causing stiffness and pain.
Juvenile dermatomyositis is a disorder marked by inflammation and damage of the skin and muscles.
Allergic Disorders
Allergic disorders occur when the immune system overreacts to exposure to antigens in the environment. The substances that provoke such attacks are called allergens. The immune response can cause symptoms such as swelling, watery eyes, and sneezing, and even a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Taking medications called antihistamines can relieve most symptoms. Allergic disorders include:
Asthma, a respiratory disorder that can cause breathing problems, frequently involves an allergic response by the lungs. If the lungs are oversensitive to certain allergens (like pollen, molds, animal dander, or dust mites), it can trigger breathing tubes in the lungs to become narrowed, leading to reduced airflow and making it hard for a person to breathe.
Eczema is an itchy rash also known as atopic dermatitis. Although atopic dermatitis is not necessarily caused by an allergic reaction, it more often occurs in kids and teens who have allergies, hay fever, or asthma or who have a family history of these conditions.
Allergies of several types can occur in kids and teens. Environmental allergies (to dust mites, for example), seasonal allergies (such as hay fever), drug allergies (reactions to specific medications or drugs), food allergies (such as to nuts), and allergies to toxins (bee stings, for example) are the common conditions people usually refer to as allergies.
Cancers of the Immune System
Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control. This can also happen with the cells of the immune system. Lymphoma involves the lymphoid tissues and is one of the more common childhood cancers. Leukemia, which involves abnormal overgrowth of leukocytes, is the most common childhood cancer. With current medications most cases of both types of cancer in kids and teens are curable.
Although immune system disorders usually can't be prevented, you can help your child's immune system stay stronger and fight illnesses by staying informed about your child's condition and working closely with your doctor.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MDDate reviewed: November 2007

Immune System

Immune System (March 2001)
Introduction
Fluid Systems of the Body
The Blood System
The Lymph System
Innate Immunity
Surface Barriers or Mucosal Immunity
Normal Flora
Phagocytes
Adaptive or Acquired Immunity
Cell-mediated Immunity
Humoral Immunity
Summary
Objectives

Terms the student should know are in blue.

Introduction
The human immune system is a truly amazing constellation of responses to attacks from outside the body. It has many facets, a number of which can change to optimize the response to these unwanted intrusions. The system is remarkably effective, most of the time. This note will give you a brief outline of some of the processes involved.
An antigen is any substance that elicits an immune response, from a virus to a sliver.
The immune system has a series of dual natures, the most important of which is self/non-self recognition. The others are: general/specific, natural/adaptive = innate/acquired, cell-mediated/humoral, active/passive, primary/secondary. Parts of the immune system are antigen-specific (they recognize and act against particular antigens), systemic (not confined to the initial infection site, but work throughout the body), and have memory (recognize and mount an even stronger attack to the same antigen the next time).
Self/non-self recognition is achieved by having every cell display a marker based on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Any cell not displaying this marker is treated as non-self and attacked. The process is so effective that undigested proteins are treated as antigens.
Sometimes the process breaks down and the immune system attacks self-cells. This is the case of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and some forms of arthritis and diabetes. There are cases where the immune response to innocuous substances is inappropriate. This is the case of allergies and the simple substance that elicits the response is called an allergen.
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Fluid Systems of the Body
There are two main fluid systems in the body: blood and lymph. The blood and lymph systems are intertwined throughout the body and they are responsible for transporting the agents of the immune system.
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The Blood System
The 5 liters of blood of a 70 kg (154 lb) person constitute about 7% of the body's total weight. The blood flows from the heart into arteries, then to capillaries, and returns to the heart through veins.
Blood is composed of 52–62% liquid plasma and 38–48% cells. The plasma is mostly water (91.5%) and acts as a solvent for transporting other materials (7% protein [consisting of albumins (54%), globulins (38%), fibrinogen (7%), and assorted other stuff (1%)] and 1.5% other stuff). Blood is slightly alkaline (pH = 7.40 ± .05) and a tad heavier than water (density = 1.057 ± .009).
All blood cells are manufactured by stem cells, which live mainly in the bone marrow, via a process called hematopoiesis. The stem cells produce hemocytoblasts that differentiate into the precursors for all the different types of blood cells. Hemocytoblasts mature into three types of blood cells: erythrocytes (red blood cells or RBCs),

leukocytes (white blood cells or WBCs), and thrombocytes (platelets).
The leukocytes are further subdivided into granulocytes (containing large granules in the cytoplasm) and agranulocytes (without granules). The granulocytes consist of neutrophils (55–70%), eosinophils (1–3%), and basophils (0.5–1.0%). The agranulocytes are lymphocytes (consisting of B cells and T cells) and monocytes. Lymphocytes circulate in the blood and lymph systems, and make their home in the lymphoid organs.
All of the major cells in the blood system are illustrated below.

There are 5000–10,000 WBCs per mm3 and they live 5-9 days. About 2,400,000 RBCs are produced each second and each lives for about 120 days (They migrate to the spleen to die. Once there, that organ scavenges usable proteins from their carcasses). A healthy male has about 5 million RBCs per mm3, whereas females have a bit fewer than 5 million.
Normal Adult Blood Cell Counts
Red Blood Cells
5.0*106/mm3

Platelets
2.5*105/mm3

Leukocytes
7.3*103/mm3

Neutrophil

50-70%

Lymphocyte

20-40%

Monocyte

1-6%

Eosinophil

1-3%

Basophil

<1%

The goo on RBCs is responsible for the usual ABO blood grouping, among other things. The grouping is characterized by the presence or absence of A and/or B antigens on the surface of the RBCs. Blood type AB means both antigens are present and type O means both antigens are absent. Type A blood has A antigens and type B blood has B antigens.
Some of the blood, but not red blood cells (RBCs), is pushed through the capillaries into the interstitial fluid.
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The Lymph System
Lymph is an alkaline (pH > 7.0) fluid that is usually clear, transparent, and colorless. It flows in the lymphatic vessels and bathes tissues and organs in its protective covering. There are no RBCs in lymph and it has a lower protein content than blood. Like blood, it is slightly heavier than water (density = 1.019 ± .003).
The lymph flows from the interstitial fluid through lymphatic vessels up to either the thoracic duct or right lymph duct, which terminate in the subclavian veins, where lymph is mixed into the blood. (The right lymph duct drains the right sides of the thorax, neck, and head, whereas the thoracic duct drains the rest of the body.) Lymph carries lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Since there is no active pump in the lymph system, there is no back-pressure produced. The lymphatic vessels, like veins, have one-way valves that prevent backflow. Additionally, along these vessels there are small bean-shaped lymph nodes that serve as filters of the lymphatic fluid. It is in the lymph nodes where antigen is usually presented to the immune system.
The human lymphoid system has the following:
· primary organs: bone marrow (in the hollow center of bones) and the thymus gland (located behind the breastbone above the heart), and
· secondary organs at or near possible portals of entry for pathogens: adenoids, tonsils, spleen (located at the upper left of the abdomen), lymph nodes (along the lymphatic vessels with concentrations in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin), Peyer's patches (within the intestines), and the appendix.

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Innate Immunity
The innate immunity system is what we are born with and it is nonspecific; all antigens are attacked pretty much equally. It is genetically based and we pass it on to our offspring.
Surface Barriers or Mucosal Immunity
The first and, arguably, most important barrier is the skin. The skin cannot be penetrated by most organisms unless it already has an opening, such as a nick, scratch, or cut.
Mechanically, pathogens are expelled from the lungs by ciliary action as the tiny hairs move in an upward motion; coughing and sneezing abruptly eject both living and nonliving things from the respiratory system; the flushing action of tears, saliva, and urine also force out pathogens, as does the sloughing off of skin.
Sticky mucus in respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts traps many microorganisms.
Acid pH (< 7.0) of skin secretions inhibits bacterial growth. Hair follicles secrete sebum that contains lactic acid and fatty acids both of which inhibit the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Areas of the skin not covered with hair, such as the palms and soles of the feet, are most susceptible to fungal infections. Think athlete's foot.
Saliva, tears, nasal secretions, and perspiration contain lysozyme, an enzyme that destroys Gram positive bacterial cell walls causing cell lysis. Vaginal secretions are also slightly acidic (after the onset of menses). Spermine and zinc in semen destroy some pathogens. Lactoperoxidase is a powerful enzyme found in mother's milk.
The stomach is a formidable obstacle insofar as its mucosa secrete hydrochloric acid (0.9 < pH < 3.0, very acidic) and protein-digesting enzymes that kill many pathogens. The stomach can even destroy drugs and other chemicals.

Normal flora are the microbes, mostly bacteria, that live in and on the body with, usually, no harmful effects to us. We have about 1013 cells in our bodies and 1014 bacteria, most of which live in the large intestine. There are 103–104 microbes per cm2 on the skin (Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis, diphtheroids, streptococci, Candida, etc.). Various bacteria live in the nose and mouth. Lactobacilli live in the stomach and small intestine. The upper intestine has about 104 bacteria per gram; the large bowel has 1011 per gram, of which 95–99% are anaerobes (An anaerobe is a microorganism that can live without oxygen, while an aerobe requires oxygen.) or bacteroides. The urogenitary tract is lightly colonized by various bacteria and diphtheroids. After puberty, the vagina is colonized by Lactobacillus aerophilus that ferment glycogen to maintain an acid pH.
Normal flora fill almost all of the available ecological niches in the body and produce bacteriocidins, defensins, cationic proteins, and lactoferrin all of which work to destroy other bacteria that compete for their niche in the body.
The resident bacteria can become problematic when they invade spaces in which they were not meant to be. As examples: (a) staphylococcus living on the skin can gain entry to the body through small cuts/nicks. (b) Some antibiotics, in particular clindamycin, kill some of the bacteria in our intestinal tract. This causes an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, which results in pseudomembranous colitis, a rather painful condition wherein the inner lining of the intestine cracks and bleeds.
A phagocyte is a cell that attracts (by chemotaxis), adheres to, engulfs, and ingests foreign bodies. Promonocytes are made in the bone marrow, after which they are released into the blood and called circulating monocytes, which eventually mature into macrophages (meaning "big eaters", see below).

Some macrophages are concentrated in the lungs, liver (Kupffer cells), lining of the lymph nodes and spleen, brain microglia, kidney mesoangial cells, synovial A cells, and osteoclasts. They are long-lived, depend on mitochondria for energy, and are best at attacking dead cells and pathogens capable of living within cells. Once a macrophage phagocytizes a cell, it places some of its proteins, called epitopes, on its surface—much like a fighter plane displaying its hits. These surface markers serve as an alarm to other immune cells that then infer the form of the invader. All cells that do this are called antigen presenting cells (APCs).

The non-fixed or wandering macrophages roam the blood vessels and can even leave them to go to an infection site where they destroy dead tissue and pathogens. Emigration by squeezing through the capillary walls to the tissue is called diapedesis or extravasation. The presence of histamines at the infection site attract the cells to their source.

Natural killer cells move in the blood and lymph to lyse (cause to burst) cancer cells and virus-infected body cells. They are large granular lymphocytes that attach to the glycoproteins on the surfaces of infected cells and kill them.
Polymorphonuclear neutrophils, also called polys for short, are phagocytes that have no mitochondria and get their energy from stored glycogen. They are nondividing, short-lived (half-life of 6–8 hours, 1–4 day lifespan), and have a segmented nucleus. [The picture below shows the neutrophil phagocytizing bacteria, in yellow.] They constitute 50–75% of all leukocytes. The neutrophils provide the major defense against pyogenic (pus-forming) bacteria and are the first on the scene to fight infection. They are followed by the wandering macrophages about three to four hours later.

The complement system is a major triggered enzyme plasma system. It coats microbes with molecules that make them more susceptible to engulfment by phagocytes. Vascular permeability mediators increase the permeability of the capillaries to allow more plasma and complement fluid to flow to the site of infection. They also encourage polys to adhere to the walls of capillaries (margination) from which they can squeeze through in a matter of minutes to arrive at a damaged area. Once phagocytes do their job, they die and their "corpses," pockets of damaged tissue, and fluid form pus.

Eosinophils are attracted to cells coated with complement C3B, where they release major basic protein (MBP), cationic protein, perforins, and oxygen metabolites, all of which work together to burn holes in cells and helminths (worms). About 13% of the WBCs are eosinophils. Their lifespan is about 8–12 days. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages are all phagocytes.
Dendritic cells are covered with a maze of membranous processes that look like nerve cell dendrites. Most of them are highly efficient antigen presenting cells. There are four basic types: Langerhans cells, interstitial dendritic cells, interdigitating dendritic cells, and circulating dendritic cells. Our major concern will be Langerhans cells, which are found in the epidermis and mucous membranes, especially in the anal, vaginal, and oral cavities. These cells make a point of attracting antigen and efficiently presenting it to T helper cells for their activation. [This accounts, in part, for the transmission of HIV via sexual contact.]

Each of the cells in the innate immune system bind to antigen using pattern-recognition receptors. These receptors are encoded in the germ line of each person. This immunity is passed from generation to generation. Over the course of human development these receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns have evolved via natural selection to be specific to certain characteristics of broad classes of infectious organisms. There are several hundred of these receptors and they recognize patterns of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, bacterial DNA, dsRNA, and other substances. Clearly, they are set to target both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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Adaptive or Acquired Immunity
Lymphocytes come in two major types: B cells and T cells. The peripheral blood contains 20–50% of circulating lymphocytes; the rest move in the lymph system. Roughly 80% of them are T cells, 15% B cells and remainder are null or undifferentiated cells. Lymphocytes constitute 20–40% of the body's WBCs. Their total mass is about the same as that of the brain or liver. (Heavy stuff!)
B cells are produced in the stem cells of the bone marrow; they produce antibody and oversee humoral immunity. T cells are nonantibody-producing lymphocytes which are also produced in the bone marrow but sensitized in the thymus and constitute the basis of cell-mediated immunity. The production of these cells is diagrammed below.
Parts of the immune system are changeable and can adapt to better attack the invading antigen. There are two fundamental adaptive mechanisms: cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.
Cell-mediated immunity
Macrophages engulf antigens, process them internally, then display parts of them on their surface together with some of their own proteins. This sensitizes the T cells to recognize these antigens. All cells are coated with various substances. CD stands for cluster of differentiation and there are more than one hundred and sixty clusters, each of which is a different chemical molecule that coats the surface. CD8+ is read "CD8 positive." Every T and B cell has about 105 = 100,000 molecules on its surface. B cells are coated with CD21, CD35, CD40, and CD45 in addition to other non-CD molecules. T cells have CD2, CD3, CD4, CD28, CD45R, and other non-CD molecules on their surfaces.
The large number of molecules on the surfaces of lymphocytes allows huge variability in the forms of the receptors. They are produced with random configurations on their surfaces. There are some 1018 different structurally different receptors. Essentially, an antigen may find a near-perfect fit with a very small number of lymphocytes, perhaps as few as one.
T cells are primed in the thymus, where they undergo two selection processes. The first positive selection process weeds out only those T cells with the correct set of receptors that can recognize the MHC molecules responsible for self-recognition. Then a negative selection process begins whereby T cells that can recognize MHC molecules complexed with foreign peptides are allowed to pass out of the thymus.
Cytotoxic or killer T cells (CD8+) do their work by releasing lymphotoxins, which cause cell lysis. Helper T cells (CD4+) serve as managers, directing the immune response. They secrete chemicals called lymphokines that stimulate cytotoxic T cells and B cells to grow and divide, attract neutrophils, and enhance the ability of macrophages to engulf and destroy microbes. Suppressor T cells inhibit the production of cytotoxic T cells once they are unneeded, lest they cause more damage than necessary. Memory T cells are programmed to recognize and respond to a pathogen once it has invaded and been repelled.
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Humoral immunity
An immunocompetent but as yet immature B-lymphocyte is stimulated to maturity when an antigen binds to its surface receptors and there is a T helper cell nearby (to release a cytokine). This sensitizes or primes the B cell and it undergoes clonal selection, which means it reproduces asexually by mitosis. Most of the family of clones become plasma cells. These cells, after an initial lag, produce highly specific antibodies at a rate of as many as 2000 molecules per second for four to five days. The other B cells become long-lived memory cells.
Antibodies, also called immunoglobulins or Igs [with molecular weights of 150–900 Md], constitute the gamma globulin part of the blood proteins. They are soluble proteins secreted by the plasma offspring (clones) of primed B cells. The antibodies inactivate antigens by, (a) complement fixation (proteins attach to antigen surface and cause holes to form, i.e., cell lysis), (b) neutralization (binding to specific sites to prevent attachment—this is the same as taking their parking space), (c) agglutination (clumping), (d) precipitation (forcing insolubility and settling out of solution), and other more arcane methods.
Constituents of gamma globulin are: IgG-76%, IgA-15%, IgM-8%, IgD-1%, and IgE-0.002% (responsible for autoimmune responses, such as allergies and diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus). IgG is the only antibody that can cross the placental barrier to the fetus and it is responsible for the 3 to 6 month immune protection of newborns that is conferred by the mother.

IgM is the dominant antibody produced in primary immune responses, while IgG dominates in secondary immune responses. IgM is physically much larger than the other immunoglobulins.

Notice the many degrees of flexibility of the antibody molecule. This freedom of movement allows it to more easily conform to the nooks and crannies on an antigen. The upper part or Fab (antigen binding) portion of the antibody molecule (physically and not necessarily chemically) attaches to specific proteins [called epitopes] on the antigen. Thus antibody recognizes the epitope and not the entire antigen. The Fc region is crystallizable and is responsible for effector functions, i.e., the end to which immune cells can attach.
Lest you think that these are the only forms of antibody produced, you should realize that the B cells can produce as many as 1014 conformationally different forms.
The process by which T cells and B cells interact with antigens is summarized in the diagram below.

In the ABO blood typing system, when an A antigen is present (in a person of blood type A), the body produces an anti-B antibody, and similarly for a B antigen. The blood of someone of type AB, has both antigens, hence has neither antibody. Thus that person can be transfused with any type of blood, since there is no antibody to attack foreign blood antigens. A person of blood type O has neither antigen but both antibodies and cannot receive AB, A, or B type blood, but they can donate blood for use by anybody. If someone with blood type A received blood of type B, the body's anti-B antibodies would attack the new blood cells and death would be imminent.
All of these of these mechanisms hinge on the attachment of antigen and cell receptors. Since there are many, many receptor shapes available, WBCs seek to optimize the degree of confluence between the two receptors. The number of these "best fit" receptors may be quite small, even as few as a single cell. This attests to the specificity of the interaction. Nevertheless, cells can bind to receptors whose fit is less than optimal when required. This is referred to as cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity has its limits. There are many receptors to which virions cannot possibly bind. Very few viruses can bind to skin cells.
The design of immunizing vaccines hinges on the specificity and cross-reactivity of these bonds. The more specific the bond, the more effective and long-lived the vaccine. The smallpox vaccine, which is made from the vaccinia virus that causes cowpox, is a very good match for the smallpox receptors. Hence, that vaccine is 100% effective and provides immunity for about 20 years. Vaccines for cholera have a relatively poor fit so they do not protect against all forms of the disease and protect for less than a year.
The goal of all vaccines is promote a primary immune reaction so that when the organism is again exposed to the antigen, a much stronger secondary immune response will be elicited. Any subsequent immune response to an antigen is called a secondary response and it has
a shorter lag time,
more rapid buildup,
a higher overall level of response,
a more specific or better "fit" to the invading antigen,
utilizes IgG instead of the large multipurpose antibody IgM.
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Summary
Immunity can be either natural or artificial, innate or acquired=adaptive, and either active or passive.
Active natural (contact with infection): develops slowly, is long term, and antigen specific.
Active artificial (immunization): develops slowly, lasts for several years, and is specific to the antigen for which the immunization was given.
Passive natural (transplacental = mother to child): develops immediately, is temporary, and affects all antigens to which the mother has immunity.
Passive artificial (injection of gamma globulin): develops immediately, is temporary, and affects all antigens to which the donor has immunity.

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Objectives
Know: antigen, overall properties of the immune system, allergen; major fluid systems of the body; hematopoiesis occurs in stem cells of the bone; erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes; types of white blood cells; lymphoid system and lymph nodes; mucosal immunity and types of surface barriers to infection; normal flora; phagocytes, macrophages, antigen presenting cells, neutrophils, B cells and T cells are produced in the bone marrow and T cells are primed in the thymus, CD4+ and CD8+ cells, helper cells, memory cells, cytotoxic cells, suppressor cells; priming and clonal selection; antibody and Igs; differences between identifying self and non-self, innate and acquired immunity, primary and secondary immunity, active and passive immunity; specificity and cross-reactivity.

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Friday, December 7, 2007

So what Is MLM?

So, you want to be successful in your new Network Marketing, MLM business, huh?
But you're overwhelmed by everything you hear, everything you see?
You've got all this information and all of this product and you don't know what to do next?
You're wondering how you can fit this into your daily schedule?
Everything your mentor tells you you need to do to build your business takes away from your time or money?
You've talked to a few people about your product and no one seems interested?
You've talked to a few people about your opportunity and they told you you were crazy?
You're embarrassed to talk to your family and friends about your new business venture?
You're beginning to wonder what you got yourself into?
You're wondering if you did the right thing?
You're thinking of quitting?
I did a search on google.com for "what is MLM?" and this is the first thing that came up
MLM: Multi-Level Marketing. These are the pyramid schemes your teachers warned you about in school. They promise you'll make money with almost no effort. Don't believe them, and don't advertise where they do.
According to the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.htm
Some people confuse pyramid and Ponzi schemes with legitimate multilevel marketing. Multilevel marketing (aka network marketing) programs are known as MLM's, and unlike pyramid or Ponzi schemes, MLM's have a real product to sell. More importantly, MLM's actually sell their product to members of the general public, without requiring these consumers to pay anything extra or to join the MLM system. MLM's may pay commissions to a long string of distributors, but these commission are paid for real retail sales, not for new recruits.
In 1979, Network Marketing Sales was proclaimed a legal and viable method of distribution and sales in the U.S. courts (FTC versus Amway, 1979). Rules and Good Business Practice guidelines were established and all legitimate Networking companies adhere to these standards and practices.
After doing some searching on the net, I stumbled on an mlm message board and saw these posts:
I am thinking about trying mlm part-time while I work full-time until I can afford to quit my job. But, it is very confusing sifting through all the different businesses out there.
I am relatively new to working at home. In fact I am still doing a full time job and this on the side. Any advice on how to balance?
Well, here I am doing something I've never done before and wondering how to do it. I'm excited about finding this forum. I just started MLM. I have no experience, but I am excited. I'm keeping my full time job, until this turns into something. I'd love any and all advice. I believe in learning from others. Teach me.
Hi everyone - I have just joined a network marketing company. My first 3 attempts at recruitment have gone nowhere. I know it is very early days but does anyone have any tips on how to stay motivated and not lose heart when you are just starting out? And when I saw these posts, I realized.....
They have NO idea what MLM is, do they?
For days, after seeing those posts on the mlm board, I sit here in front of my computer trying to come up with words to share that would explain MLM to the market place. I read, I listen, I try to compose and still can't find the right words.
Then today, I listen to an audio conversation and NOW I understand why I have been struggling to find the words.
Because MLM is more than just an industry.
It's a process.
It's a lifestyle.
A journey one must choose to take.
And I know many will begin that journey and more will choose to go back to where they came from than those who choose to continue the journey to the end.
The journey will challenge our beliefs, who we are and what we think we know.
The journey will challenge our character, our values and our vision of our future.
The journey will challenge our strengths and our weaknesses, and only those who choose to take this journey, to the end, will be those who will fully understand....................
What IS MLM?
So, where do you go from here?
The way I see it, you have two choices.
A - You ignore anything and everything anyone in the MLM industry attempts to share with you. You go back to where you came from and continue on the same path, with the same lifestyle, with the same friends, working the same J.O.B. with the same dislikes and fears that initially brought you to MLM.
B - Or, you choose to learn all you can learn about the MLM industry, your company, your products, your market place. You choose to create a different lifestyle for yourself and your family. You choose a different career path rather than go back to where you came from. You choose prosperity.
So if you choose A - I bid you good luck, farewell and great tidings for your future.
And if you choose B - I welcome you on a journey that I myself started many years ago and continue every day.
To those who choose B - I appreciate you for having the strength and courage to take this challenge.
To REALLY become the person you speak of becoming.
To create the lifestyle you speak of so passionately.
I know it won't be an easy journey, but I also know it will be worth it.
Welcome aboard.
For you, I share my Beginners Journey recommended reading and listening list. If you sincerely chose B as your journey, then I ask you, as a beginner, to commit to a minimum of 15 minutes per day consuming this information I am about to share with you.
Work yourself up to 30 minutes per day after your first 30 days.
How?
Turn off your TV! That's how.
If you cannot commit a minimum 15 minutes per day to start, then this isn't for you.
I suggest you reconsider your options, A or B.
~~From the book Dare To Dream and Work To Win by Dr. Tom Barrett~~
If you want to learn, I will teach you. If you want to follow, I will lead you. If you want to learn how to be a leader, I will set you up for leadership. If you want to be a player on our team, I will help you. But if you just want to play, I don't have time for you.If you want to develop a serious business, then I will make a serious commitment to you. But if you just want to dabble, I will work with someone else. Think it over. I know how much I believe in you and in our business. I just need to know where you want to fit in.
To Your Success!
Money, Money, Money, Money Book by John Milton Fogg
The People's Franchise Reportby John Milton Fogg
Check Out The Biz - Online Presentation also available in DVDA generic opportunity meeting with Randy Gage. Log in with your name and email address then choose your connection.
Murphy's Committee Cassette By Jerry Clark - daRhinoWill You Make It Through The Jungle!
Why you're better off quitting your job Report by Rene Reid Yarnell
The Greatest Networker (TGN) In The World Bookby John Milton Fogg
The 10 Commandments of Power Positioning Book by Michael Fortin, the Success Doctor
Brilliant Compensation Online presentation also available in DVD by Tim Sales Recruit More Distributors with Proven Movies
Super Prospecting Book by Tom "Big Al" Schreiter
Your first year in Network Marketing Book by Mark and Rene Reid Yarnell
Get Rich Slow Ebook by John Milton Fogg
Secrets of PROSPERITY Pre-recorded training online TGN TeleCoaching Seminar - Tuesday, June 22, 2004by Randy Gage
Prosperity: Cd's or cassettes How to Apply Spiritual Laws to Create Health, Wealth, and Abundance in Your Lifeby Randy Gage
Dare to Dream and Work to Win Book Understanding the dollars and sense of success in Network Marketing.by Dr. Tom Barrett
Trying to build a profitable business in your spare time? Website You can find the tips and advice you need right here on the MLM Woman web site. Who are our readers? Our readers are part-time network marketers facing the challenges of limited time and often limited funds; full-time MLM'ers who are aggressively working towards their goals of financial freedom; and newcomers to the industry that are starting out smart by following the footsteps of the successful network marketers who have gone before them.
Mlm.com Website News, views and articles from industry leaders.
A Message from your Mentor:
You know that I care about you, right?You know that I am committed to you, right?You know that I want you to win as much as you want to win in this business, right?
I'm glad you know these things because today I'm going to hit you right between the eyes!
If you are serious about wanting to be a winner in this industry, you need to pay attention......
I doesn't matter to me if you want to earn $500 a day, week, month or year. What matters is that you are teachable and willing to learn. If you don't take the time not only to read this report But follow through on it.....
Then this business probably isn't for you.
Any business venture requires the quality of a leader, one who is willing to step up to the plate to get the job done. "The hardest part about being self employed is in employing yourself." If you cannot see yourself in a position of employing yourself at least 1-2 hours per day, every day, then being self employed is probably not the route you should be taking. But if you are ready to learn how to employ yourself and commit to the time it takes to learn how to be self employed, then I welcome you again.
About the AuthorKaren & Bill Umstattd, Home Based Business Consultants, have been involved in network marketing as a business owner, distributor, consultant, trainer, and author since 1995. Fifteen years after owning a "traditional" business, they came to the realization that they weren't even close to building that retirement income they always dreamed of. And so began their journey to find a "better way of life" that could some day help them retire from the "rat race" and live life completely as it was meant to be lived. A true example of "never, ever, ever quit" (on your dreams). So who are Karen & Bill Umstattd? Meet them online at www.KarenUmstattd.com

Network Marketing and Your own Website

Network Marketing and Your own Website
Many people have asked, 'How do I build my own website?' Here is a great resource for you:How To Build Your Very Own First Website. The Newbie Club Website Builder is a 4 volume library written by 3 successful Internet Marketers and a NEWBIE!. The result is a stunning Newbie-Speak publication that details everything you need to know to create, write, design, automate, backup, promote and publish your own first Website. All in 2 days using FREE programs and graphics! This blockbuster blows away the myths once and for all. Click here My First Website for FREE TRIAL. All the best,Monica
21:04 Posted in Marketing Permalink Comments (0) Email this Tags: how to build a website
12/02/2007
How to Know if You are With the Right Company
The following article are excerps from "How to know if you are in the right company" by Mike Lewis;A lot of people who love the concept of Network Marketing are completely disillusioned about how about theirbusiness is going..Or in most cases, isn’t going! These folks have read ALL the training materials. They listen to ALL the CD’s. They go to ALL the meetings. They try everything they are told…with little or no results, so they ask their ‘upline sponsoring leader’ for advice and direction, and here’s what they get:‘You need to work harder….’‘You need to be more committed…….’‘You need to go to more meetings……’‘You need to get used to the rejection…’‘You need to get outside your comfort zone….’‘You have to put the rest of your life on hold to achieve success..’‘Make a list of 100 friends and call them…’‘You need to get better at ‘closing’ people….’‘Talk to everyone who comes within 3 feet of you….’‘Sponsor like crazy to achieve momentum…’‘You need to take all-out-massive-action….’‘You need to become a ‘leader’…..‘You are being negative..Get back to work….’Have I missed any????? And THIS is what is commonly known as ‘UPLINE SUPPORT’ I have a better word for it….I call it BULLSHIT! Lets get one thing very clear here!Your success as a Network Marketer has very little to do with what you say or do, but it has an awful lot to do with how you FEEL about what you say or do!Want to know what the REAL key to success is in Network Marketing?It has NOTHING to do with the following..* The Product* The Pay Plan* The Company* The Training* The Upline..and if you are thinking I’m wrong..check your ‘BS Meter’!What’s the ‘secret’?????There are NO secrets, and there are NO special skills required to become successful at Network Marketing…NONE!That stuff is ALSO BS! (Sorry MLM Guru’s the truth had to surface sometime!)There is ONE solution to your problem and that solution has been right under your nose all the time!You just have to look at why people QUIT..and why people STAY in any Networking company!The real reason people quit is because of ……. THE WAY THEY FEEL ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE BEEN TREATED!..It’s simple! This is an all volunteer business..if you DON’T treat people with kindness, with respect, with care, and with gratitude sooner or later they will quit.If you tell people they are lazy, not committed, need to get out of their comfort-zone, or they have to get used to rejection, or tell them to do things that just don’t work, they WILL quit!Why wouldn’t they? Who in their right mind would tolerate that BS in an all-volunteer business. So why do people STAY?The ONLY reason people stay is because of ……THE WAY THEY FEEL ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE BEEN TREATED!If you treat people with kindness, with respect, with care and with gratitude, THEY WILL NOT QUIT!I told you it was SIMPLE! Here’s where it can get a little more complex! If you treat people well, they smile a lot.When they smile a lot, they feel good. When they feel good, people ask them why they are feeling good..and no matter how hard they try they can’t help telling people why they feel good!Now, do they tell the people they meet all about their wonderful product?Do they tell them about their wonderful Pay Plan?Do they tell them about their wonderful Company? Hell NO!They tell them about this great group of people they got to know who is helping them create their own home based business!Those people can’t help but ask ..What kind of business?Do they tell them what kind of business? Hell NO!They say …’Why don’t you come and meet some of my new friends?…...Who knows..if you ever wanted to start your own home based business they might be able to help you too!’So they go visit with some of the new friends. Do the new friends tell them about their wonderful product?Do they tell them about their wonderful Pay Plan? Do they tell them about their wonderful company? Hell NO!They don’t TELL them anything. They ASK! They ask questions like. Have you ever thought about starting a business of your own? What have you looked at? What was it about that kind of business that you really liked?Was there anything about it you didn’t like?If you could design a perfect business for YOU, what would it look like? In short they engage people in conversation just like you would with any new friend. You get to know them by talking about how life is rightnow, and how you might like it to be.They don’t make any presentations..there is no need, unless you are particularly fond of rejection! They answer any questions that surface in an honest, open and direct manner, in much the same way as if you were talking with your best friend!They simply have a conversation to discover if this person is looking for something that their home-based business idea might fulfill.So, if the upline that you are with doesn’t support you in finding a way to create your business that works for YOU. OR if the support you are offered is CONDITIONAL on you doing things that you cannot do or don’t work for you. OR if the support you are offered is CONDITIONAL on you saying things that make you feel uncomfortable or don’t work for you.It’s time to re-evaluate!Don’t think of it in terms of quitting! Think of it in terms of adjusting your course. If you were sailing in heavy seas and all you could see ahead were storms, storms and more storms, you would be well advised to changecourse for sunny skies and calmer waters, right? Then change course!Go find a group of people in your current company that you really enjoy..Who show you kindness, respect and unconditional support in helping you find a way to build your business that works for YOU! Pretty soon, you will be smiling…Then you will start to feel good..Then someone will ask you why you are feeling good..then you can mention your new friends!By the way..if you current company doesn’t ‘allow’ cross-line cooperation…RUN! Corporate BS is deeper than upline BS! Go find a company that ENCOURAGES cross-line support..and find a group in that company that fits..for YOU!Here’s a quote from Zig Ziglar that has supported me on my journey for many years.‘You can have anything in life you want…if you just help enough other people get what they want!’ You‘ll notice that he doesn’t say..convince..persuade…force..sell..close..arm-twist…or talk to death! He says ‘help’…and to find out how to help..you only have to ASK and LISTEN..there is no telling involved!Keep Smiling!Mike Lewishttp://www.adventuresinnetworkmarketing.comP.S. If you would like the entire article, let me know. I will be happy to pass it on.Monicahttp://MLMnurse.com
04:04 Posted in MLM Success Tips Permalink Comments (0) Email this Tags: right network marketing company
07/11/2007
Mind Follows Mood
Mind over Mood by MarlaFor years, MLM Discovery Central had 3 "Life Phrases" that have guided me.1. Emotions are REAL but they're not always RIGHT (so don't trust themuntil you've examined them closely)2. It is WELL with my SOUL (because my soul is safe in God. So no matterwhat happens, I'll be OK)3. And it came to pass (Luke 2:1)......(It didn't come to STAY. No matterhow bad it is (or how good, unfortunately), it will pass)Recently I've added a fourth phrase. It's something I've always known, buthave just decided it's worthy to be included in my Life phrases.That new Life Phrase is, "Where the Mind goes, the Mood follows." Thisphrase, of course, leads right into Life Phrase #1.This new phrase has inspired me to write a new post on my blog. I hope youfind it helpful.

What is Network Marketing?

There is a world wide megatrend involving home based businesses. Every 11 seconds, someone establishes a new home based business. The majority of these involve Network Marketing. About 30,000 people per week are joining Network Marketing companies. The reason is clear. Network Marketing is a way for an average individual, without any prior business experience and technical training, to establish a world-wide, highly profitable marketing organization, and to run it out of their own home. Network marketing is simply an efficient way of getting products from a manufacturer, directly into the hands of the customer (end user), without all the middle men who serve to increase the cost of the product, and without the traditionally huge advertising expenses most companies incur.
Let's use Henry Ford as an example. When Ford started making automobiles, he hoped to make his cars available to every American. He knew he was limited in how many cars he could sell himself. His solution was to establish dealerships (distributors) nationwide whom he would teach to present his cars to interested consumers. The result was that he had hundreds of dealerships selling his product. Each dealer outlet is sponsored and trained directly by Ford headquarters.
With Network Marketing, the concept is the same. By establishing a massive distribution network, you create a structure where products are then able to flow through the organization you've created where they are distributed and consumed. The larger the organization you create, then the more products flow through it, and the more money you make. The difference and advantage you have over Ford's dealers, is that you have the ability to sponsor and train new outlets, and you are rewarded directly for the success of the new outlet (distributor).
This system frees the company (Reliv) to concentrate on exceptional product research and development, while distributors find and train new distributors. The beauty is that these products are consumable, and consumable products means repeat business. This system allows you the ability to achieve lifetime residual income and resulting financial freedom in just a few years of active business building. You can get started for as little as $39.95, not half a million dollars with most "franchises!" Some of the most successful companies in the United States distribute their products and services through Network Marketing. These include Microsoft, AT&T, Gillette, Colgate, IBM, Xerox, General Motors, Toyota, General Electric, Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Oracle and Coca Cola.
For a more detailed understanding of the power of Network Marketing, we invite you to watch you to watch the Animated presentation Brilliant Compensation (enter User ID "realfamilynews" to view.) Learn how Reliv is at the forefront of the free enterprise system in the new millennium and how you can profit from it for a lifetime. This presentation will explain the business and marketing concepts of consumerism for the future and how you can be a part of and profit from it. Sit back, relax and ENJOY!

Upcoming Networking University Training!

As you may or may not know, I am a faculty member at Networking University.
I joined the faculty because I believe in Networking University’s vision, credo (Education Changes Everything), purpose, and mission.
This faculty, as a group, is dedicated to keeping you (and your team) building your organizations. We have set our sights high: to educate you and your team from the fundamentals to the finer points on the path towards your personal definition of success.
My fellow faculty members and I will work independently and together to accelerate your growth. There is much to learn and clearly, time is our most precious commodity. Our goal is to provide you with the insights distilled from years of experience and in the process shorten the time you’ll need to spend to become a true networking professional and own your dreams and visions.
In fact, I have an event that’s coming up.
Check it out!
The Retention System Training with Dale Calvert
Only University Students receive credit towards certification. FREE for Everyone! Credits earned towards Networking University. December 19th, Wednesday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (PST)
Certification:1Department:Professional Development
Click This Link For More Information and to Register:http://www.networkingtimes.com//catalog/seminar_signup.php?seminar_id=198
As we all know, the best training is LIVE training! Networking University has put together an impressive array of faculty members teaching the best ideas and methods in the profession.
Are you ready for success? Join us on Wednesday evening, December 19th and watch your business grow!
For more information and to register, again go to:http://www.networkingtimes.com//catalog/seminar_signup.php?seminar_id=198
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Our Readers writeNovember 27th, 2007
Dale,I would like to tell YOU thank you for all the time and energy you put into your teaching us how to work this business. I would also like to thank you for the wedding package, books and 21 ways to work our warm market. Jeannie and I are having a meeting on the 29th of November with our upline and RSD’s to listen to your DVD’s and CD’s and read over the work book. We have the Club House Meeting room reserved from 5 pm til 10 pm. We will be doing alot of training. I also thought you would like to know that I now have a whole three foot shelf dedicated to your training information. I call it my Dale Calvert Shelf. I listen to something from you everyday. I have a 30 minutes of coaching from you coming up but to make the best use of it I need to finish listening to what I have now and then see what I still need help on. I have donated some of the books to the local libraries. They were so happy to recieve them.So again I would like to thank you so very much for all your help.
Judith GilbertsonHope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
SIDENOTE: If you have not subscribed to The MLM Minute, weekly MLM Training Videoyou can right here: http://www.TheMLMMinute.com IT’S FREE!
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Interesting trend spotted in Orlando this weekendNovember 19th, 2007
Hi it’s Sunday afternoon and I just returned back home from a very good weekend in Orlando at Michael Penlands’s Internet Marketing and Joint Venture seminar. I had the opportunity to speek at this event on the concept of developing cash flow and leads with Ebay and Online Auctions.
So this wasn’t a Network Marketing Training, but another niche I have been working in for the last 4 or 5 years. I had a great time and Michael’s events always feature cutting edge speakers and interesting entreprenur minded attendees. Several of the “No Fluff” ezine subscribers were there and it was good to have the opportunity to put a face with a name.
Now for the interesting trend. Most Internet Marketers in the past have avoided Network Marketing for the most part. However I would say that at least 1/2 of the speakers at this event were involved in some type of network marketing program and probably 70% of the attendees. This is by far the highest percentage for both speakers and attendess that I have ever seen over the last 10 years or so when speaking at these type of INTERNET MARKETING events.
This is good and bad.
Unfortunately the market place today is full of alot of peolple who are jacks of all trades and masters of none. Find what’s right for you……….FOCUS…………BECOME SELF EDUCATED…………………MASTER IT…………THEN MOVE ON.
This advise works well when learning how to market online. If you want to learn how to drive traffic to your website, MASTER one system at a time.
Google AdwordsArticle MarketingBanner AdvertisingPress Release MarketingEzine Advertisingetc. etc. etc.
In Network Marketing you can’t just MASTER NETWORK MARKETING in one class. Break MLM Training down the same way you would learning internet marketing or driving traffic to your website. One topic at a time in a Sequential order.* Master the Recruiting Process * Learn how to start MLM Distributors right* Master Local Lead Generation* Master Funded Proposals* Master How to Create Leads Online* Master How to Develop Leaders and Help team members over hurdlesetc.etc.etc.
Don’t try to Learn Algebra until you Master Addition!
The Internet Marketing Worlds and Network Marketing Worlds will continue to combine. Most Internet Marketing Pros will always treat MLM like a multi-level affiliate program. However those who take the time to MASTER NETWORK MARKETING and get the proper Network Marketing Training will create the fortunes in the future.
We all need to be smart enough to “know what we don’t know” Knowledge begins, AFTER we know it all!
Have a great week!

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