Office Phone: 314-544-5600

4225 Bayless Ave | St. Louis, MO 63123

Understanding Your Immune System

An evidence based overview of how your immune system works and why supporting immune health requires a root cause, whole person approach.

About This Resource

Your immune system is a complex network that protects your body from infections and disease. This resource draws from NIH research to explain immune function in a clear, accessible way.

Why We Share It

At Nepute Wellness, we approach immune health as part of a comprehensive, root cause wellness strategy. Understanding how your immune system works is the first step toward supporting it effectively.

Your Immune System: More Than Defense

Most people think of the immune system only when they get sick. But research has shown that immune function is deeply connected to overall health, influencing inflammation, healing, energy, and even mood. At Nepute Wellness, supporting immune health is not just about avoiding illness; it is about building a resilient foundation for total wellness.

How the Immune System Works

The immune system consists of two main branches: innate immunity (the rapid, general defense you are born with) and adaptive immunity (the targeted response that develops over time). Together, these systems work to identify, target, and neutralize threats while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Key components include white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system, the spleen, bone marrow, and the thymus. The gut also plays a critical role: research published in Clinical and Experimental Immunology suggests that approximately 70% of immune cells reside in the gastrointestinal tract, reinforcing the gut-immune connection.

Root Causes of Immune Challenges

When immune function is compromised, the root causes often extend beyond simple exposure to pathogens. Research suggests several common factors that may influence immune health: chronic stress (which may suppress immune function), poor sleep (which is critical for immune cell production), nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamins D, C, and zinc), gut microbiome imbalance, environmental toxin exposure, and chronic inflammation.

This is why a root cause approach matters. Simply boosting the immune system without addressing underlying factors like stress, gut health, or toxin burden may not produce lasting results.

The Nepute Wellness Approach

Our approach to immune health begins with comprehensive assessment: “Test, Don’t Guess.” We look at blood panels, gut health markers, stress indicators, and nutritional status to understand what may be affecting your immune function at the root level. From there, we develop personalized strategies that address the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.

Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH. Public domain material used with attribution.

Selfcare as Healthcare: supporting your immune system starts with understanding what it actually needs.

Unlock This Resource

Need help deciding what Product or Solution is a best fit for you? Ask BioLimitless A.I.

Also In This Collection:

Public
Your Digestive System and How It Works
Public
Understanding Stress and Your Body
Public
Personal Health Inventory: What Matters to You
Knowledge Is Power

Wisdom Is Applying It To Your Life.

Approximately 70% of immune cells reside in the gastrointestinal tract, reinforcing the critical connection between gut health and immune function.
Vighi G et al. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 2008
Simply boosting the immune system without addressing underlying factors like stress, gut health, or toxin burden may not produce lasting results.
Nepute Wellness

Learn More About Understanding Your Immune System

Understanding Your Immune System

Understanding Your Immune System

PDF not found
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

“Selfcare as Healthcare” is one of the guiding mantras at Nepute Wellness. It represents the belief that true healthcare starts with empowering you to take an active role in your own healing and your family’s health, rather than passively depending on the traditional sick-care system.

At Nepute Wellness, this means educating you about root causes, providing tools and resources for ongoing wellness, and giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health journey. Our goal is to move you from confusion and overwhelm to certainty and empowerment.

Yes. All treatments are performed by licensed, trained practitioners using evidence-based approaches. Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. Functional medicine testing is non-invasive. We review your medical history, medications, and contraindications before recommending any treatment. If a treatment isn’t appropriate for your condition, we’ll recommend alternatives.

Yes. Nepute Wellness can ship virtual testing kits directly to your home, no matter where you are. This makes it possible for patients across the country and around the world to access our diagnost

Yes. Hormonal imbalances are addressed through comprehensive testing to identify root causes such as nutrient deficiencies, gut health issues, stress, or metabolic dysfunction. Treatment may include nutritional support, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and addressing underlying factors affecting hormone production and balance.
Your treatment plan is based on comprehensive diagnostic findings, your health history, genetic insights (if tested), and your specific goals. We integrate findings across the Triad of Health (Physical, Chemical, Neuro-Emotional) and prioritize interventions based on the Hierarchy of Health. Your plan may include chiropractic care, nutritional support, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring.
Absolutely. We work alongside your existing healthcare providers. We can share test results and treatment plans with your primary care physician, specialists, or other providers with your permission. Our approach complements conventional medicine – we focus on root-cause optimization while your doctors handle acute care and medication management.

Nepute Wellness Testimonials

Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
I Always leave feeling great
Show
Thomas Smith
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
The staff is amazing. The level of their care is amazing.
Show
Theresa Minor
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
My son, who is only 20, was told by medical professionals that he had an autoimmune liver issue. They wanted to do a liver biopsy. Then, they told him they thought he had a pituitary tumor in his brain that would require brain surgery to remove. A friend recommended Nepute Wellness Center. Dr Nepute was able to diagnose his actual issues in 2 weeks with proper xrays and bloodwork. No autoimmune diseases. No brain tumor. It was a soccer injury from 1.5 yrs prior that had just gotten worse and caused his liver to overwork and a domino effect on his health and organs. We have been going there 3 weeks now and we are both feeling better. My son isn’t tired and can have full range of neck motion. His organ function is back to normal. Thanks Dr Nepute and team! All of you are wonderful!
Show
Jessica Turner
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
The therapists here are top notch and very personable. I honestly have never been to a physical therapy place I like as much as this (I guess what Im saying is they are really knowledgeable and are helping you to reach your goal)
Show
Monica Lightfoot
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
Always a positive atmosphere.
Show
Larry Wylie
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
I’ve been a patient for one year now and my experience has been nothing but positive. I am truly grateful to all the doctors and staff!
Show
Barbara Meister
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
The wellness center really cares about there patients and there overall health and care
Show
Lee Chambers
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
I’ve been at Nipoti wellness for almost 3 years and my original issue was resolved and I’ve continued to go back for maintenance and other things that pop up as I age. It is great for preventative measures and so much better than going to the doctor after something bad happens! Everyone is friendly and helpful.
Show
Johnna Wieter
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
Dr. Nepute and his staff are compassionate, kind and truly care about providing the best care! I’ve only been going for a week and I’m very excited to see the improvement in my health.
Show
Julia Nicholas
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
The staff was very friendly, very professional, and answered all of my questions and concerns.
Show
Abdou Badjie
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
The staff, as well as the doctors here are extremely helpful. Family oriented environment. Very knowledgeable, and fully equipped to address just about any ailments. I highly recommend Nepute Wellness as your caregiver.
Show
Herschel Turner
Google Review
Nw bl combo icon sq blk | Nepute Wellness
Great doctor who will show you the best way to be healthy.
Show
Roseanna Hottel
Google Review
Functional Medicine Clinic in St. Louis, MO

Book Your Appointment

Selfcare starts here.

Fill out the form below to book your New Patient Visit at Nepute Wellness, or to book a Virtual Consultation with Dr. Eric Nepute.

General Booking Form
DocHeadshotTransparent2024 1