At Pulse Center of Ocala, we are committed to supporting the health of our community throughout the current threat of illness from coronavirus COVID-19. The nature of our therapy setting ensures that there is no interaction between clients so that social distancing measures can be continued while receiving wellness support with PEMF therapy. So how can we help you stay well during this time of uncertainty?
PEMF and Immune System
Keeping your immune system strong is not easy these days. It is bombarded with negative influences, and counteracting these requires a mindful effort.
Our immune system is our main defense against possible pathogens, but it can also be very fragile. If we do not take good care of it through nutrition, exercise, supporting a healthy mind, etc., it will weaken, and fail to perform its duty properly.
Another way in which we can strengthen the immune system is with PEMF therapy. Numerous studies have proven a correlation between PEMF therapy and a stronger immune system, so let’s take some time and learn more about it.
What Is the Immune System?
The immune system is a system of defenses in our body, composed of many types of proteins, cells, tissues, and even organs. Its crucial role is to fend off attacks from viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful organisms that we encounter on a daily basis. Its main weapon, but not the only one, is white blood cells. These cells move through our blood and tissue, constantly fighting off pathogens.
Neutrophils are another type of immune cells; these are among the first ones to reach the site of infection, and play a crucial role in healing it.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are also known as leukocytes. These are primarily located in lymphatic and blood vessels, and constantly circulate throughout the body. When they spot a potential target, they start multiplying and sending signals to cells of the same type to engage, as well.
Our body has four so-called lymphoid organs, where all of our white blood cells are stored. These are:
§ Lymph nodes – These small glands are spread throughout the body, and connect to each other via lymphatic vessels.
§ Spleen – This is an organ that functions as the blood’s filter. It is located in the upper left part of the abdomen.
§ Bone marrow – Located inside the bones, this produces both white and red blood cells.
§ Thymus – A gland located above the lungs and just below the neck.
There are also two main types of white blood cells:
§ Lymphocytes – This type of white blood cells allows our body to remember familiar pathogens if they attack again, and deploy defense
§ Phagocytes – This type of white blood cells attacks pathogens and destroys them, eventually, essentially, eating them.
Immune System Disorders
Immune system disorders are just as complex as the immune system itself.
However, we can group them into three main categories:
§ Immunodeficiencies – Can be caused by obesity, age, alcoholism, disease, and so on.
§ Hypersensitivity – The immune system overreacts and attacks healthy tissue. Anaphylactic shock is an example.
§ Autoimmunity – The immune system cannot differentiate between the body’s tissue and foreign tissue, and attacks healthy cells. This disorder causes type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.
Strengthening the Immune System
The good news is that we can strengthen our immune system and keep it in good shape if we maintain some healthy habits.
Key ones are:
§ Get eight hours of sleep – Sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on the immune system.
§ Avoid drinking alcohol – A glass of wine or a bottle of beer will harm you, but too much of it will weaken your immune system.
§ Eat nutritious foods – Eat a diverse diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
§ Spend time outside – Sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D, which impacts the immune system positively.
§ Use PEMF therapy – PEMF therapy has very beneficial effects on the immune system, as numerous studies prove.
PEMF Therapy and Immune System
PEMF therapy works at the cellular level to provide its benefits. Unlike many other treatment methods, it does not favor one type of cells over another. Certain PEMF therapy settings are better for any given specific type of cells, but in general, PEMF therapy can benefit all the body’s cells equally.
The immune system is a system of cells that play the same role within the body. Like any other type of cell, they can become fatigued and dysfunctional, which is when infections and diseases happen. PEMF therapy can help us recharge our white blood cells, and keep them in optimal condition at all times. PEMF has highly beneficial effects on neutrophils, which are, along with leukocytes, the immune system’s main weapon in fighting pathogens. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the link between the two, one of which, especially, caught our eye.
A Study on PEMF and the Immune System
A study was conducted in 2002, at the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Unit, University of Ferrara in Italy, that examined the effects of low-frequency PEMF therapy on A2A adenosine receptors in human neutrophils.
The study’s principal investigators were Varani K, Merighi S, Gessi S, Cattabriga E, Iannota V, Cadossi R, Spisani S, and Borea PA. (1)
The study participants were split into two groups – the control group, and the PEMF-treated group. Before the study, a series of tests were performed to establish the adherence of the participants to the study’s requirements. A high-affinity adenosine antagonist was used to perform saturation experiments, and establish that there is one class of receptors both in the control and in the PEMF-treated group.
After one hour of exposure to PEMF stimulation, the density of binding sites was dramatically increased (P<0.01). This effect was most prominent in A2A adenosine receptors. It is also important to note that the effects were dependent on the temperature, intensity, and time. The A2A receptor agonists in the adenylyl cyclase assays, NECA and HE-NECA, improved the accumulation of cyclic AMP in untreated human neutrophils with an EC50 value of 43 (40 – 47) and 255 (228 – 284) nM, respectively. After the exposure to PEMF therapy, the ability of NECA and HE-NECA to stimulate cyclic AMP levels increased (P<0.01). NECA and HE-NECA also inhibited a generation of O2- (superoxide anion) in human neutrophils not treated with PEMF. Moreover, in those neutrophils treated with PEMF, the same compound shows a much lower value.
These results tell us that PEMF therapy leads to a significant change in the functionality and in the expression of adenosine A2A receptors, which can have a benefit the immune system greatly.
Please call our office for more information on how YOU can support your body's natural defenses!
