HEALTHY LIVING

by

Eva Warren

Our Body’s Protector

It’s the time of year when we need to think about boosting our immune systems. It seems like the flu bug pops up everywhere during the fall, winter, and spring months. Your body may be under siege every day. Microbes, gone unchecked, can rob you of your health. The effort to protect yourself may seem daunting at times, but doing a few things right may help your immune system do its job.

Did you know we have natural pesticides in our sweat, saliva, and tears? Most germs trying to enter the body are eliminated by the skin in this way. Other germs may be trapped by mucus of the nose or mouth and later expelled by way of a cough or a sneeze. Still more germs are killed in the environment of the stomach. So you may wonder how any germs could possibly get into our bodies and make us sick.

The fact is that these microscopic uninvited organisms do breach the body's outer defenses and enter our tissues and bloodstream. Our body’s temperature is 98.6 degrees, a perfect environment for disease organisms to thrive. Since flu and cold germs are very persistent, and not easily discouraged, they have the capacity to multiply at a fast pace. Once inside, the organisms start destroying vital body cells.

Our immune system is now on alert.

It’s amazing how much we take for granted every day concerning our immune system. A trillion cells assisted by at least a hundred quintmillion antibody molecules are your personal army of defense. This army weighs approximately two pounds. Internal invasions are handled by these specialized fighting forces. Most toxic chemicals and microbes are kept at bay by our immune army. Let’s take a look at the different areas of our immune systems.

B-cells are produced in our bone marrow. These B-cells produce antibodies. Antibodies block out foreign invaders.

Lymph is our blood serum which has leaked from the bloodstream into our tissues. The lymph blood serum is recovered by a network of tiny vessels which keep it separated from our bloodstream. Tissue toxins and microbes are brought to the lymph nodes for cleansing. Gathering points for cleansing the lymph fluid are located through out our bodies. Lymph nodes are like tiny little filtering points where microbes and toxins are cleansed from our body’s immune system.

Tonsils are part of our immune system. Tonsils are lymph tissue located in our throats. Our tonsils guard the respiratory and digestive systems of our bodies.

We also have a gland, located behind our breastbone, which provides fighter B-cells and T-cells. The thymus gland is a central gland of our immune system which provides these special fighter cells for particular invaders.

Last but not least, the spleen is a lymphatic gland found under the left ribs. Our spleen helps with the filtering of the blood, as well as aiding in moving lymphatic fluid throughout our bodies.

So what are some of the enemies of our immune system? Anything that challenges our immune system is an enemy. This includes fungi, cancer cells, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other microscopic parasitic animals. There are also foods which could be considered enemies of our immune systems, Certain foods depress our immune systems so they also must be considered the enemy. White flour, sugar, and shortening are good examples. Any foods not found in their natural states, that is, refined foods, depress our immune systems.

When our immune system goes into battle the approach may be in different ways. Antigens are actually consumed by certain immune cells. Some immune cells attack by puncturing a hole in the surface of the invading bacteria. The bacteria is annilated by water and sodium leaking in and out of the bacteria wall. This upsets the balance and weakens it. Some of our immune cells use poison to kill the antigen while others may slap a cover over the toxic site of the antigen which does the damage. We have immune cells which know how to locate and destroy antigens. Other parts of our immune system wait until they receive a message which tells them what the invader may look like.

When our immune systems are under attack we need to get more rest and really look at what we are eating. Whole foods are needed by our bodies to nourish and keep our bodies healthy. Whole foods are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats (if you are not vegetarian.) There is a healthy version of all your favorite foods out there. One must seek and ye shall find.

Exercise enhances our immune systems. A twenty minute walk daily will not only improve your outlook and keep you younger, it will enhance immune function. Everyday stress causes hormones like cortisol and noradrenalin to build up and accumulate within our bodies. These hormones can be harmful to our health. Walking gets the blood flowing, stimulates our circulatory systems, improves iron usage by the body, moves the lymph and increases immune function. Set time aside every day for a twenty minute or longer walk. You will be glad you did.

Dr. Joel Elkes, director of Behavioral Medicine at the University of Louisville states, “Our mode of life itself, the way we live, is emerging as today’s principal cause of illness. “ Take the time to be quiet daily, take a walk, eat good food and supplement with a good vitamin and mineral. Herbs such as echinacea and elderberry may help also. Years from now your body will thank you.

This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe in any way. Always check with your natural health professional. Until next time I am asking you to take time for your health.

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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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