OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

One of most important things necessary for a strong immune system is the right kind of lifestyle, proper diet and a good nutrition. Our bodies are constantly attacked by hundreds of toxic chemicals and pollution everyday. We  are also exposed to a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that keep on forming newer breeds each time which again is a result of an exposure to our human advancement technologies like radiology, harmful chemicals, antibiotics, etc.

What is the immune system? 
The immune system is the part of our body that protects us from the constant attack of bacteria and viruses in our body. The bone marrow, spleen, liver, thymus, lymph nodes and white blood cells are the main soldiers that protect our immune system from this kind of an onslaught.

The cells and organs of each human being is made different from another since the body requires a system of recognition that protects it from all that is foreign and maintains the uniqueness of each person. These cells and organs of the body constitute the immune system. E.g. If the white blood cells that roam throughout the body find out some foreign body, they attack it and remove it from the body. That is why organ transplant patients must have their immune systems suppressed or else the body will recognize the foreign tissue and attack it.  Antibiotics are nowadays highly overused making the body not only dependent on them but also contributing to being one of the main and the most common causative factors for reduced immunity. Common illnesses have now become more and more difficult to treat, because of the newer, complex and more powerful strains of bacteria and viruses formed due to the abuse of these antibiotics.

One should help teach the body how to fight an illness by using more natural and non-toxic means of treatment and also by taking in good nutrition and a balanced diet.

FOOD, NUTRIENTS AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS WHICH BOOST UP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

1. When trying to get recover from an illness, one should learn to take in more of fluids  (especially in the form of water, soups and sugar-free drinks like vegetable and fruit juices) and unrefined foods.

2. It has been seen through studies that chronic alcoholics and chronic smokers are more susceptible to infections. So stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

3. One should learn to stop using refined sugar since it tends to weaken the immune system for hours after taking it. Use natural ways of sweetening like jaggery and pure honey.

4. One should eat atleast one bowl of fresh fruits daily, since they contain a rich source of good natural nutrients.

5. The leaves of young barley (jau) and wheat plants are rich in beta-carotene, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. Thus it is useful for boosting up the immunity.

6. Vitamins A, C and E are three of the most useful antioxidant nutrients for enhancing the immune system and so food items rich in these vitamins should be taken liberally.

7. The B Vitamins, especially the Vitamins B2 and B6 are especially valuable for enhancing the immune system. These help relax the nervous system and are also necessary for a faster healing process.

8. Exposure to sunlight for about twenty minutes every day has shown to have immune enhancing properties and is also a rich source of vitamin D.

9.  A shortage of magnesium will lower the number of white blood cells, especially the T cells which results in weakened immunity. So eat a diet rich in magnesium to boost up the immunity. Magnesium is found especially in apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, brewer's yeast, brown rice, dairy products, figs (anjeer), garlic, green leafy vegetables, kelp, meat, nuts, peaches, seafood, sesame seeds, tofu, wheat and whole grains.

10. Selenium – This is a trace mineral that also helps to boost up the immune system. Depending on the soil content, selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, liver, meat, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ and whole grains.

11. Zinc – A deficiency of this mineral will impair the immune system greatly. Sources of zinc are brewer?s yeast, egg yolk, fish, lamb chops, legumes, lima beans, liver,meat,mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soybeans and whole grains.

12. Beta-carotene should be taken in doses of about 30 milligrams of beta-carotene per day for about two months to enhance the immune system.

13. The roots of the plant Echinacea Purpurea when taken in the form of an infusion are useful to boost up the immune system and are best used against viral infections like cold or flu and in chronic vaginal yeast infections. One should use this herb only when you need it and not on a daily basis since its immuno stimulating activity then decreases. Echinacea should not be used with HIV patients or in persons with autoimmune disorders.

14. CoQ10 is a non-vitamin nutrient and a powerful antioxidant that has been widely studied for its ability to protect arteries, lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart.