I never get sick! So, my immune system must be healthy so I don’t need to think about boosting it. I’m good to go!

Are you sure about that? Are you telling me people who have allergies have a poor immune system?

The Immune System

Bet you didn’t know we have three immune systems! Yes, indeed we do.

• Innate immunity: Everyone is born with an innate (or natural) immunity, a type of general protection. Without this general protection, most of us would die shortly after birth. The moment you’re born, you have entered the minefield of bacteria, both good and bad.
• Adaptive immunity: Adaptive (or active) immunity develops throughout our lives. Through exposure to environmental pathogens, our body learns to recognize those germs that are harmful to us. Active immunity is the immunity which results from the production of antibodies by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen.
• Passive immunity: Passive immunity is “borrowed” from another source and it lasts for a short time. What is passive immunity? Passive immunity is the short-term immunity which results from the introduction of antibodies from another person or animal.

Show and Tell

I’m not going to get technical in this article, but I will touch base on the basics. I like “show and tell”, so I will show you the basic immune cells. You can go in depth on how much you want to know about each cell.

Basic information includes:

1. They destroy the disease-causing agents like microorganism’s, parasites, and the toxins related to them, thereby preventing infections from taking hold.
2. Some of the cells work by neutralization of foreign material. They are the warriors or “exterminators”, our protectors.
3. The function of other cells is to eat and destroy the disease-causing microbes. Who said cannibalism is wrong? At least in this case, it’s a good thing!
4. However, a few of the cells help to keep a memory or blueprint of the previous attack. This is done so as to launch a quick attack in-case of another infection.

It’s amazing how the immune system works. I’ve just given you a thumbnail of information. Needless to say, our immune system is complex. The immune system protects your body from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and the toxins or chemicals produced by these microbes. It’s made up of different organs, cells, and proteins that work together. Amazing isn’t it?

The cells from the parts of the immune system are made in various organs of the body. These organs include: Adenoids. Two glands located at the back of the nasal passage. Bone marrow. The soft, spongy tissue found in bone cavities. Lymph nodes. Are you impressed yet? Our body is very smart!

I will leave the basic lecture at this point because I don’t want to teach a class on the immune network in this article.

But wait! There is a little more!

The definition of active immunity is:

Active immunity involves the production of antibodies (by B lymphocytes) and cell-mediated response (with T lymphocytes). It provides relatively longer immunity (compared to passive immunity).

Active immunity is a scientific term used to describe the process through which a being, typically a human or an animal, builds up a specific resistance to a harmful invading substance.

Lastly, naturally acquired active immunity occurs when a person is exposed to a live pathogen. Then they may develop the disease. By having the disease one becomes immune as a result of the primary immune response. Once a microbe penetrates the body’s skin (our largest organ), mucous membranes, or other primary defenses, it interacts with the immune system. It’s exposed to the immune process which gives the body the upper hand.

Is there a disadvantage to active immunity?

So, what do we do to support the immune system?

Go back to the basics! Chuck the junk foods! Not only does eating fast foods impair the body’s ability to protect itself, it also, destroys the workings of the body’s repair system.

Eat as much organic fruits and vegetables as possible. Limit the organic meat and grains. You’re heard me say in the past to “eat the rainbow”! It’s essential to eat a variety of foods. Foods rich in color have more nutrients than those with little color.

The best vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system include vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, selenium, copper and iron . Research shows these nutrients have a great impact on the immune response. These nutrients are directly responsible for maintaining the health of various structures in the immune system and actively support  strengthening the body.

Furthermore, it’s important to get enough sleep, exercise (just move the body), breathe from the diaphragm to move the oxygen throughout the body, and don’t forget the healthy fats. As always, limit sugar! Many diseases are fed by sugar. Limit the food supply and the germ dies.

In addition to the above, stay hydrated not only with water, but with organic teas such as Green Tea or Turmeric Tea. Drinking fluids that will help support the body and nourish it are essential to keeping you healthy.

What else can we do?

 I’m glad you asked! Meditation along with breathing exercises will help you reduce stress. You know the difference between good stress and bad stress, so, reduce the bad stress. Prolonged stress weakens the body. Take a walk and breathe deeply to help reduce stress.

In addition to the recommendations above you may find that:

• Research has shown Elderberry can reduce the symptoms of viral upper respiratory infections, but more research is needed.
• You know that coneflower you think that’s so pretty? It’s called Echinacea. A study in over 700 people found that those who took echinacea recovered from colds slightly more quickly than those who received a placebo or no treatment, but some researchers feel the difference is insignificant. Recommendation in taking Echinacea is for six weeks. Start it just before the cold and flu season. Stop it when the season is ended.
• Garlic. A 12-week study in 146 people found that supplementing with garlic reduced the incidence of the common cold by about 30%. However, please make sure you take the odorless supplement. Otherwise, you will run off more than the common cold!
• A good general multivitamin is recommended routinely for building the body’s defense system and overall health.

Remember, what your mind dwells on is what you will manifest into your life. Positive thinking promotes health, whereas, pessimistic thinking undermines healthiness. It’s ok to have fun with your food! Take a lead from children, they know how to enjoy their meals!

As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new regime.