HEALTHY LIVING

by

Eva Warren

Boosting Our Immune Function

Most of us take our immune systems for granted. The keys to immune system health are exercise, rest, and proper nutrition. The immune system in our body works very silently until some type of virus or bacteria enters our bodies that we have no defense for. The result is sickness. This month we will look at ways to build up our immune function so that we rarely, if ever, get sick.

Inside our bodies are a trillion highly specialized immune cells. These cells will attack alien organisms within minutes of foreign viruses or bacteria entering the body. Scavenger cells are sent out quickly in the body when an invader is recognized. The tonsils, lymph, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and bone marrow are all part of our defense system in our bodies. How does each work?

We all know where the tonsils are located if we are lucky enough to have them still. The tonsils are lymph tissue situated in the throat. Our tonsils guard our respiratory & digestive systems.

Lymph is a serum which leaks continually from our bloodstream. Lymph fluid moves into tissue spaces. A network of little vessels recover the lymph serum and keep it separate from the bloodstream. Tissue toxins and microbes are filtered through the lymph nodes. These microbes and toxins are unloaded at the lymph nodes sites. Regular exercise keeps the lymph moving and keeps us healthier.

B-cells are produced in the bone marrow. Antibodies are produced by the B-cells. Foreign invaders are neutralized by these antibodies. Antibodies keep our immune system strong.
Behind the breastbone the central gland of the lymphatic system produces T-cells. This is the thymus gland. The t-cells are trained from some of the B-cells to attack a certain enemy of our immune function.

The spleen is located under the left ribs. This gland of the lymphatic system filters the blood. The spleen also pumps lymph fluids throughout the body.
When all of these parts are synchronized and work together our immune system does its job. If any one of these parts break down the whole body suffers. Every day your body must fight off a repeated assaults of microbes and other disease causing bacteria or viruses. How strong is your immune system?

Our skin protects us from most germs. Sweat, saliva and tears act as natural pesticides to throw off germs which might invade our bodies. The mucus in our nose and mouth further protect us. The stomach is usually too acid for germs to survive if they get that far into our bodies.

One would think with all these defenses the body has that it would be impossible to get any illness. These organisms can be persistent however and invade the bloodstream and tissues of the body’s outer defense system. Our body’s normal temperature is 98.6 degrees, this is a perfect environment for these foreign invaders to grow. Disease organisms can grow at an alarming rate once inside the body. Vital body cells can be destroyed.

A strong immune system will fight back and destroy these invading organisms. Nobel laureate Baruj Benacerraf, president of Boston’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute named this complex network of highly specialized cells which contain potent hormones an “enormous edifice.” A trillion highly specialized immune fighting cells go into action. At the cell level it could be compared to an enormous army fighting off the invaders. If your immune system is strong, your body is the conqueror.

Maintaining a healthy system with exercise, rest, and good nutrition is the key to a healthy immune system. To begin with , take a good look at your life. Do you exercise at least 30 minutes most days? How is your sleep? Seven to eight hours of sleep per night would be most beneficial. How about your diet? Is it full of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains and quality protein? A person does not have to be a health nut to eat a good diet. Stay away from refined foods. These foods are generally found in the middle of the grocery store. Shop the perimeter and you will be safer.

Stress in our lives can lower immune function. The National Institute on Aging indicates stress reduction can strengthen our immune systems. Eighty per cent of all illness is tied directly to stress according to the American Academy of Science. This study indicates the defenses of the immune system break down and make the body more vulnerable to invading organisms. Take some time each day for prayer, meditation or destressing exercise. It can make a world of difference.

Do you take a good quality vitamin? R.K. Chandra, M.D., professor of pediatric research at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, states, “When your diet is deficient nutritionally, your defenses go down, permitting proliferation of virus germs and the risk of illness. You don’t even have to be grossly undernourished. A few minor deficiencies can break down the immune system.”

A balanced diet is most likely the important consideration in maintaining a healthy immune system. A good vitamin and mineral formula is important as well. You may want to take extra vitamin C, B-complex, E, calcium, selenium and zinc. Eats lots of vegetables , fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, and high quality protein.

Exercise in itself is a great de-stressor. Make sure to rest well at night.

We can all have a healthier life if we will just take the time to do what we know we need to do. Until next time I am wishing for you good health.

This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe in any manner. Always check with your natural health provider. Until next time I am wishing for you the best in health and life.

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Eva is a graduate of the American Institute of Holistic Theology and practices as a Doctor of Naturology. You may reach her at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com

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