|
|
 |
Healthy Immunity |
|
 |
| |
| |
Healthy Immunity |
 |
Back |
| |
| |
| |
A healthy immune system gives an appropriate response to antigens - potential disease creating molecules - which can throw the system off balance.
The immune system is the system of specialized cells and organs that protect an organism from outside biological influences. (Though in a broad sense, almost every organ has a protective function - for example, the tight seal of the skin or the acidic environment of the stomach.) When the immune system is functioning properly, it protects the body against bacteria and viral infections, destroying cancer cells and foreign substances. If the immune system weakens, its ability to defend the body also weakens, allowing pathogens, including viruses that cause common colds and flu, to grow and flourish in the body. The immune system also performs surveillance of tumor cells, and immune suppression has been reported to increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
The key to a healthy immune system is its ability to distinguish between the body's own cells (self) and foreign cells (non-self) . The body's immune defenses normally coexist peacefully with cells that carry this distinctive "self" marker molecule. When immune defenders encounter cells or organisms carrying the "foreign" marker they launch an attack. In abnormal situations the immune system can mistake itself for non-self and launch an attack against the body's own cells or tissues. Some forms of arthritis and diabetes are autoimmune diseases.
The organs of the immune system are positioned throughout the body. They are called lymphoid organs because they are home to lymphocytes, small white blood cells that are key players in the immune system and the body's defense against foreign invaders.
To enhance our immune system it is important to get a wide variety of foods in our diet. Different types of fruits, grains, vegetables, seeds, legumes, have different forms of immune boosting constituents such as anti-oxidants, phyto-chemicals, anti-bacterial properties, licopene and anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to include many raw foods and avoid processed foods and white sugar as much as possible. Yoga is a proven and very effective method of reducing stress.
Many factors can also contribute to the general weakening of the immune system:
* Poor eating habits
* Alcohol abuse
* Drug use (particularly the use of anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics);
* Radiation
* Exposure to certain environmental toxins, whether naturally occurring or from pollution.
* Cigarette smoke
* Stress - Research shows that psychological stress can greatly increase your susceptibility to colds and other viral diseases, namely through an increase in serum corticosteroid levels
* Age - Immune response generally decreases with age.
* Constant cutting or abrasions will not allow time to heal the cut, allowing in more pathogens weakening the immune system
* High sugar intake
* Inadequate sleep at the Delta brain wave level. According to sleep study, we need 4 hours of Delta sleep every night
* Lack of exercise as well as excessive exercise resulting in physiological stress
* Drinking contaminated and unfiltered water
* Inadequate nutrition
Supplements to enhance the body's Immune System:
PHYTOSTEROLS
Phytosterols are fatty components of plants and act as immune modulators (balancing agents). They are found in plants, seeds, grains, nuts, unrefined vegetable oils, fruits and vegetables and pine trees. Our bodies cannot make or store phytosterols.
Due to their immune balancing properties, phytosterols can also be used to control auto-immune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; as well as support immunity in times of cold and flu.
Other applications of phytosterols include: Psoriasis, herpes, asthma, type 1 diabetes, allergies, prostate health, cancer and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels.
Retail Examples:
* AOR Natureleaf
* Immunocare
BOVINE THYMUS FRACTIONS
The thymus gland, located in the upper chest, releases hormones to regulate immune function. Bovine thymus fractions provide nutritional support for hypoactive and hyperactive immune systems, specifically with regards to T-cell production.
T-cells , a specific type of white blood cell, are lymphocytes, or lymph-cells, which mature in the thymus gland. T-cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. As we age the thymus gland tends to shrink.
Retail Examples:
* Thymulus
* T-Plex
POLYSACCHARIDES
Polysaccharides, or complex sugars, are immune supporting plant constituents. The can be found in mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, maitake, and herbs such as echinacea. Herbs and mushrooms can be combined for synergistic effects, meaning ingredients can take on additional, exponential, or reinforced activity.
Herbal formulas can include echinacea, astragalus, eleuthero, codonopsis, and ligustrum. Astragalus has been traditionally used by Chinese medicine as a tonic for the chi or life-force energy of the body. It is particularly effective for chronic viral infections as it improves the lymphocytes known as natural killer cells.
Reishi mushrooms contain high levels of polysaccharides which produce interferon; an anti-viral, anti-tumour protein which stimulates T-cell and macrophage activity. Macrophages are special white blood cells that destroy old blood cells, bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.
Retail Examples:
* New Chapters Host Defense
* St. Francis Deep-Immune
* Natural Factors Anti-Viral
* Astragalus Tonic Formula by Zand
COLOSTRUM
Bovine colostrum is the fluid produced by female bovines (cows) prior to giving birth. Its purpose is to provide offspring with anti-bodies and nutrition to fortify the immune system. It has a history of use in both ayurvedic and western medicines.
The immune system benefits from its immunoglobulins, proline-rich polypeptides, interleukins, lactoferrin, cytokines, and vitamins. These components treat diseases, neutralize allergies, viruses, bacteria and yeasts, inhibit inflammation, protect immune cells from oxidation, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and regulate the thymus gland. Liquid form is best.
Retail Example:
* Sequel Colostrum
Not Medical Care
MYO is not a substitute for medical care, and offers no health warranties or guarantees of any kind. The information provided on these pages is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or health care provider. Users of MYO are advised that health advice is often subject to updating and refining due to medical research and developments. MYO is committed to bringing you the most up to date information, however, we make no guarantee that the information herein is the most recent on any particular subject. You are encouraged to consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding any health condition that you may have before starting any health or diet program. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Author/References
|
| |
| |
|
Back |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
