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LIFESTYLE AND
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
The immune system is one of
the most complex and fascinating parts of the human body.
As science continually explores this factor in our body's
lifesaving ability and its protective measures against our
environment, we come to new understandings as to how
precariously we live our lives.
Whether or not you believe
in the germ theory, with the rising onset of immune
deficient diseases such as AIDS, cancer, chronic fatigue
syndrome and numerous autoimmune disorders, not to mention
disease causing bacteria and viruses that are resistant to
our wonder drug antibiotics, it becomes increasingly
important to understand how we can influence our immune
systems in positive ways.
Literally every cell is part
of the immune system. We call this cellular immunity.
Vessels, glands and organs are involved in this complex
system, which also consists of lymphatic vessels, the
thymus gland, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes,
specialized white cells and the liver.
All
these
work intricately to keep us healthy. The thymus gland,
located behind the breastbone, is the major gland of our
immune system. Its function is to produce T-cells that
number T1-T8. Each of these cells has specific capabilities
in how they regulate and affect immunity. The T-cells fight
bacteria, viruses and cancer. The thymus also produces
several hormones that regulate immunity functions. Low
levels of hormonal activity are associated with decreased
immune function and susceptibility to infection.
The lymph vessels and nodes
run parallel to arteries and veins, draining waste material
from tissues and transporting it to the nodes for
filtering. Exercise is very important for these functions
since the lymph system doesn't have a pump like our
circulatory system.
The spleen is the largest
mass of lymph tissue. It produces lymphocytes and engulfs
and destroys bacteria and cellular debris. It also destroys
worn out blood cells and platelets and serves as a blood
reservoir. The blood from the spleen goes to the liver for
further detoxification.
The liver is not considered
a lymphatic organ, but it produces the majority of lymph in
the body. Kupffer cells
(specialized white cells) filter bacteria, yeast and toxic
compounds entering from the intestines. Because lifestyle
is do important for the factors that influence immune
functions:
·
Improper nutrition: Protein malnutrition affects
cell-mediated immunity. It is usually accompanied with
vitamin and mineral deficiency. Toxins (pesticides,
herbicides and additives) and overly processed foods also
affect us negatively.
·
Sugar: Refined and excess natural sugars have shown to
suppress specific T-cell activity. Considering that most
Americans ingest approximately 5 ounces of sugar daily, our
immune systems are being suppressed regularly.
·
High
cholesterol: Increased blood cholesterol, triglycerides and
bile acids inhibit much immune cell activity, thereby
suppressing our ability to fight simple bacteria.
·
Alcohol: It has been shown to suppress immune activity
specifically with infections.
·
Antibiotics: Pharmaceutical antibiotics have shown to
suppress our bodies’ own ability to fight. Remember,
antibiotics kill bacteria and do nothing for viruses.
Residues are found in most animal foods: meat, eggs, dairy,
etc.
·
Lack
of exercise: Contributes to improper lymph drainage.
·
Emotional stress: Affects our total immune function by
affecting hormone regulation.
What are some of the
nutrients and herbs that help support a healthy immune
system?
·
Beta
carotene: Supports interferon production, protects the
thymus gland, boosts anti-tumor activity and improves
natural killer cell activity.
·
Vitamin C: Both an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Improves
host resistance by increasing interferon levels, antibody
response, secretion of thymic
hormone, and integrity of connective tissues.
It is important to take them with
bioflavaniods for better
utilization by the body.
·
Zinc: Critical for the immune system. Improves cell
mediated immunity and thymus functions. Low zinc levels
lead to lower T-cell and hormone production. The elderly
and young children are more susceptible to lower zinc
levels.
·
Selenium: Important for immune function in that it helps
protect us from tumor growth. A potent antioxidant.
·
B-complex, particularly B6: A lack reduces the quality and
quantity of antibodies produced and has been known to
shrink lymphatic tissues, including the thymus gland.
There are numerous
botanicals that aid our body's immunity. Some of the most
common are echinacea,
goldenseal, astragalus, garlic, reishi
and shitake mushrooms, usnea,
licorice root and
pau d'arco.
There has been extensive research on these plants and how
they affect our immune system.
·
Echinacea: Otherwise known as purple cone flower, it is a
perennial that has been used for more than 200 years. It
has a long history of use in all types of infections and
has been show
to
activate the T3-T4 NK cells, which produce interferon.
·
Goldenseal: One of my favorites when it comes to
infections, particularly sinusitis. It works to shrink the
mucous membranes and allows better drainage of tissues. It
is considered immunostimulatory
and has been to kill staph,
strep, salmonella, candida and
numerous other bacteria. This is not an herb to take in
high doses for long periods of time. Always consult an
authoritative source when considering herbal products.
·
Licorice root: Scientific evidence supports its use in
treating infections and stimulating macrophage activity. It
also has demonstrated antiviral activity.
·
Garlic: Antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is good
for the common cold and lung infections. I recommend eating
a clove of raw garlic at the first sign of cold or flu. Of
course, it is strong and you will smell it for awhile.
·
St. John's
Wort: Also has antiviral properties and is being used in
trials for HIV and AIDS.
·
Mushrooms such as shitake and reishi
are being studied for their anti-tumor and immune
stimulating actions.
The study of the immune
system is fascinating. I urge each of you to research on
your own this natural approach to improving immunity. The
amount of available research is vast, but once you
understand the importance of lifestyle and balance, you
will only benefit from it. Before
you
run out for the quick fix, study prevention of disease and
infection.
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