The immune system is the body’s natural, disease-fighting network that battles against bacteria, viruses, fungi, environmental toxins and even cells that have turned cancerous. It works together with the lymphatic system, spread throughout the body in a microscopic web of one-way lymph vessels and invader-filtering nodes. "Lymph" refers to excess fluid absorbed from the body’s tissues.
The lymph nodes contain specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes that further subdivide as T-cells or B-cells. The T-cells multiply and attack infections. Further specialization produces fascinating killer T-cells that make proteins toxic to viruses and bacteria. The proteins attract another type of white blood cell – macrophages – that actually gobble up these foreign invaders.
The B-cells work by producing antibodies and are long-lived, remembering a foreign invader to fight it off next time; this is the idea of immunity – the body learns to be resistant to diseases.
Illnesses = Weak Immune Systems
The heart pumps the blood through the circulatory system, but the immune and lymphatic systems’ pump is bodily movement. That means if you are not regularly exercising, you are leaving yourself open to foreign invaders that are not being filtered and attacked by disease-stifling lymphocytes.
People who are sick a lot with colds, and just seem to be run-down with no energy, probably have a weak immune system. Besides exercising, in order for the immune system to function properly, one’s body must be balanced – enough sleep, not too much stress, free from negative emotions like fear and anger, and most important, healthy eating.
Eat Veggies and Yogurt, not Sugar
Naturopathic physician Michael Murray believes one of the worst nutritional culprits to weaken the immune system is sugar. Specifically, sugar seems to slow down the work of the microbe-ingesting macrophages. He stresses eating a variety of colored vegetables and yogurt to shore up the body’s disease-fighting ability. He also suggests paying attention to your emotional state; you can perk it up by watching funny TV shows or spending time with family and friends.
Pump Up Your Immune System
Besides maintaining, a vigorous, balanced body, try these specific tips:
- Drink green tea. Researchers are finding evidence for immune-enhancing and anti-cancer properties of the tea’s powerful catechins.
- Take echinacea, specifically Echinacea purpurea. A 2007 review of 14 studies found that those who took the herb had almost 60% fewer colds than a control group.
- Keep oil of oregano handy. This medicinal oil contains two phytochemicals, carvacrol and thymol, that work synergistically to attack microbes.
- Eat a lot of cooked mushrooms, even the common white button, as well as maitake, shiitake and portabellas; they are rich in antioxidants and anti-cancerous.
- Take a high-potency multivitamin with vitamin D.
Pay Attention to Your Immune System
The immune system is your safety net to fight disease-causing invaders. However, it is only triggered and kept in top form by movement – regular exercise. A healthy, balanced lifestyle with nutritional food, adequate sleep, good mental health and a few natural health additions will enhance the vital immune system and keep you well.
This is an educational article only. Consult your health care professional for advice.
Reference:
“Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health.” Web MD, accessed November 3, 2009.
Ingram, Cass., D.O. The Cure is in the Cupboard. Vernon Hills, IL: Knowledge House, 2008.
 |
 |
 |
