The Immune System

Supporting the Immune System
is Crucial to Good Health

Maintaining a healthy, properly functioning immune system is the only way to attain true health. Supporting and enhancing it is perhaps the most important step in achieving resistance to disease and reducing susceptibility to colds, flu viruses, and cancer.

The immune system is composed of the lymphatic vessels and organs (lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and tonsils), white blood cells, specialized cells residing in various tissues, and special chemical factors. To a great extent, the health of the thymus determines the health of the immune system. Those who get frequent infections or suffer from chronic infections typically have impaired thymus activity; as do people affected by hay fever, allergies, migraine headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The immune system has the ability to learn to identify, and then to remember, specific antigens that have been encountered. It does this through two basic means, known as cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity. In cell-mediated immunity, white blood cells called T lymphocytes identify and then destroy cancerous cells, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These T cells mature in the thymus gland where they are programmed to identify one particular type of invading enemy. Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies. A type of white blood cells called the B lymphocytes, which are manufactured in the bone marrow, produce these antibodies.

A comprehensive approach is required involving lifestyle, stress management, exercise, diet, nutritional supplementation, glandular therapy, and the use of plant-based medicines. Mood and attitude have a tremendous bearing on the immune system. Positive emotional states, laughter, guided imagery, hypnosis, and other meditative states have been shown to enhance the immune system. Stress increases the levels of adrenal gland hormones, inhibiting white blood cell formation, and causes the thymus gland to shrink. Sleep is very important because during the deepest levels of sleep certain potent immune-enhancing compounds are released.

The health of the immune system is also greatly impacted by a person's dietary habits and nutritional status. Factors that depress immune function are refined sugar, and allergenic foods, whereas essential nutrients, carotenes, antioxidants, and flavonoids will enhance it.

Optimal immune function requires a healthy diet that is rich in whole, natural foods, that is low in bad fats and refined sugars, with adequate but not excessive amounts of protein. Drinking eight cups of pure water per day is helpful, as is a positive mental attitude, a good high-potency multi vitamin-mineral supplement, regular exercise, daily deep breathing and relaxation exercises, and at least seven hours of sleep every day.