The Immune System does not include an organ or group of cell, but is rather the sum of the body’s defense functions. It is made up of white blood cells and T-cells, macrophage, lymphokines and enzymes such as immune globins, superoxide dismutase, and histamine. The overall function of these defenses is to correctly identify metabolic waste, cell mutations and allergens, and eliminate them from the body.  Immune processes are part of every cell and affect all body systems. A healthy Immune System is essential for good health.

As we go about our daily lives, the immune system protects us against billions of bacteria, viruses, toxins, free radicals and other parasites. Many of these microbes view our bodies as an all-you-can-eat restaurant that offers a never-ending supply of resources for their energy and reproduction.  Fortunately for us, the myriad protections provided by the immune system make it difficult for the microbes to access these resources.

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system: it is a multifaceted network that supports the body’s defense team by producing the soldiers, providing a barracks in which they are stored, and transporting them to the various battlefronts throughout the body. The system consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and highly specialized lymphoid organs-the tonsils, the spleen and the thymus.

The Invaders of the Immune System

Now that we know which structures are in place to defend the body, it’s time to examine the pathogens that are attacking the immune system.  All day long, our body is protecting us from foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, free radicals, and toxins.

Bacteria

Complete organisms that reproduce by cell division. The majority can exist independently; however, some live in or on other organisms, such as humans. Many bacteria that thrive off of their human hosts produce toxins that damage the body. However, not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria are neutral and many are even desirable due to the important functions they perform in the body.

Viruses

Invaders that need a host cell; they cannot reproduce on their own, so they seize control of the cells of humans or other species. Viruses mislead the host cells into propagating new viruses that will then occupy other cells. During this process, the host cell will often be destroyed.

Toxins and Free Radicals

A toxin is any substance or agent that causes an abnormal reaction in the body. Common types of toxins are chemicals, cleaning agents, mold, pollutants and pesticides. An alarming amount of these toxins exist in our food, water, air and soil. Toxins cause free radical damage, and they promote many of the diseases we face today. Free radicals steal an electron from a cell, thus disrupting and destabilizing it; the result is a chain reaction that moves from cell to cell.

Free radicals are capable of damaging DNA and suppressing the body’s immune system. Immune cells, T-cells, and natural killer cells are susceptible to free radical damage, which suppresses their activity.

Lifestyle choices to strengthen the immune system

You can liken your immune system to a bank account. Every day, you have the option to make deposits or withdrawals to your “account” based on your choices. Stress management, food choices, sleep habits, water intake, mental attitudes, exercise, and toxic exposures wither deplete the bank account or fill it. The more we understand how these things affect us, the more we can ensure that our immune bank account is filled to overflowing.

There’s no question the immune system fundamentally is influenced by overall health-and a balanced diet is key. Not only are essential nutrients critical for the production and maintenance of key germ-fighting cells in the immune system, but a balanced diet also has a strong effect on vascular function, and the immune system is dependent on blood flow “David Katz, M.D., director of the Yale Prevention Research Center.

Make sure you are getting a good supply of high quality nutrients so that your body can protect you. The immune system benefits greatly from vitamins and minerals, Omega 3 fatty acids, and anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, D, B6, B12 and folic acid. Probiotics also support immunity in many ways.

Did you know

• A sure way to weaken your immune system is to consume sugar. Under the influence of sugar, immune cells take on a form of paralysis and stop doing their job.
• Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that vitamin D is crucial to activating immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin, the killer cells of the immune system, T-cells, are unable to react to and fight off serious infections.
• The lymphatic system is a one-way duct system that moves by osmotic pressure, so it only moves if you move. You can support your lymph system by:
  • Exercise
  • massage
  • Light skin brushing with skin brush
  • Sitting on a mini-trampoline and bouncing
• Up to 90% of the doctor visits in North America may be triggered by a stress-related illness, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Water is crucial to health. Our brain is composed of 95%water; blood is 82% water, and the lungs are nearly 90% water.
• It is estimated that 85% of all debilitating diseases are closely connected to toxin-related pollution present in the environment.
• Mercury is particularly toxic and has been shown to dramatically increase the production of viruses in the body, especially in the brain.

The Nutrient Challenge

Food choices and diet are a major factor in immune system health. However, it is important to realize that it is not possible to get all of the nutrition your immune system needs from food. Our soil has become so depleted of nutrients that our food does not supply us with nearly as much nutrition as it did 50-100 years ago. This is critical because major deficiencies of even one vitamin and mineral can lead to disease.

Certain essential nutrients cannot be made by your body in sufficient amounts. In order to maintain a powerful immune system, it is strongly recommended that you supplement your diet with these nutrients. The immune system benefits greatly from vitamins and mineral, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Vitamins and Minerals – required for the immune system to function efficiently. If the body suffers from micronutrient deficiencies, immunity can be suppressed. The following micronutrients support the immune “fortress” both externally and internally: Vitamins A, C, E, D, B6, B12 and folic acid, along with the trace minerals iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – It is well-known that omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits to the circulatory, structural and immune systems as well as the brain.

• cell membranes are largely comprised of essential fatty acids; if weakened, they lose their ability to communicate with other cells, Researchers believe this to be a key factor in the development of cancer.
• Studies indicate that fish oil slows breast tumor growth and inhibits cancer cells from spreading through the body.
• The intake of omega-3 fatty acids has lessened the effects of depression in many people.
• Many people who take omega-3 fatty acids have seen improvement in circulatory problems, asthma, arthritis, brain skills and skin health.

Antioxidants – counter free radicals by neutralizing them before they damage healthy cells. Free radicals destroy immune cells and wipe out communication pathways. Research suggests that a diet high in antioxidants may increase protection against cancer. Macrophages release free radicals to destroy bacteria, parasites, and viruses. If the antioxidant balance is too low, free radicals will turn on the macrophage and render it much less effective. Antioxidants assist with the detoxification of the body.

Probiotics – The term probiotics refers to “good” bacteria similar to those normally found in the gut. The intestinal tract is the largest organ in the immune system, and many good microbes are present in both our large and small intestines. Gary Huffnagle, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan health System, is one of the country’s leading researchers in probiotics. “The good microbes-and this is where probiotics come in-keep the bad microbes in small numbers. But they also stimulate the immune system and improve our digestive function. That’s the subject of research that has been going on for years.” says Huffnagle. “Today, the world of probiotics is emerging on the cutting-edge of mainstream medicine”. In 1994 the World Health Organization deemed probiotics to be the next-most important immune defense system when commonly-prescribed antibiotics are rendered useless by antibiotic resistance.

The benefits of probiotics are as follows:

• Improves digestion
• Improves nutrient absorption
• Enhances immune system
• Protects the body against viruses, bacteria, and fungi

Infections and Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic and anti-viral medications are manufactured to protect us from bacterial and viral attacks. However, in recent years there has been increased concern about viral invaders. Hospital-induced infections are on the rise due to and increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. With the rise of infectious disease, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Antibiotics such as penicillin have been key to the decline of infectious diseases over the last 60 years, but bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to existing drugs. When our immune systems are compromised, we are more at risk for bacterial infections, viruses, colds, and flus. As you can see, it is vital that we become aware of what we can do to strengthen our immune systems as well as know how it can become depleted.

Click below for Nature’s Sunshine’s Product Line