Alive, September 2001

BOOST YOUR DISEASE-FIGHTING DEFENCES
by Dr. Daniel T. Wagner

The human immune system is a complex world made up of microscopic cells functioning to defend and protect your body from disease, infection and other potentially harmful foreign agents. It's actually a superbrain-identifying, recording and remembering foreign substances and incoming menaces. A strong immune system will respond to invaders quickly and efficiently and be able to maintain health in the whole organism, even when exposed to toxins, chemicals and other oxidative stress.

A lifestyle that promotes ready-to-act immunity is critically imortant. Standard or conventional medicine (including pharmaceuticals) can effectively alleviate illness and treat diseases by fighting them on an external level. However, drugs and surgery do little or nothing to strengthen natural, built-in defences. What frequently ensues is successive illness. Optimizing your body's abiltiy to ward off offenders and fight disease on its own leads to an increased level of health and well-being.

One trillion cellular guards (white blood cells) that arise in bone marrow patrol every inch of circulatory system, bathing cells. The immune stsem, comprised of 10 times as many cells as in the entire human nervous system, manufactures about 40 different immune agents. It's elaborate and finely tuned and is controlled not by a central organ such as the brain, but rather by complex information network operating among the individual members.

Organs of Immunity

There are five "immune" organs in the human body:

• The thymus gland is involved in the formation of T-cells.
• The tonsils and adenoids distinguish invaders that may need destroying.
• The spleen is the organ that filters blood and distributes T-cells and B-cells.
• The lymph glands form and store cells.
• The bone marrow is where B-cells are produced.

Proper nourishment-unprocessed, whole foods that are easily digested and assimilated-provides fuel for the body. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables is essential in maintaining a resilient immune defence which can respond efficiently to offenders. A high-sugar diet puts undue stress on the body and has been associated with a higher risk of illness and a shortened life span.

Routine physical exercise is also an important factor. Moderate physical exercise enhances immunity and leads to fewer illnesses and disease states.

Nutrients Strengthen Immunity

When confronted with the fact that herbal and "alternative" medicines have become popular in Europe and the USA, the reason given is that they prevent disease and boost the immune system. Botanical and herbal medicines have been used for centuries for this very purpose. As well, a regular supply of antioxidants ensures protection from damage caused by oxidation and helps to maintain health. Some antioxidants are:

• Vitamin C: The most important of all vitmains. We need to both ingest foods rich in this vitamin as well as supplement with it because our bodies do not manufacture vitamin C on their own. Dosages range from 1,000 mg to 10,000 mg and beyond. Bowel tolerances is a good indicator of dosage. The best food sources are fruits and vegetables such as greens and sprouts. Kiwi fruit is one of the world's highest sources of vitamin C.
• Vitamin E: Natural tocopherol is extracted from the germs of wheat and soy. The best food sources are whole grains, nuts and seeds. Supplementary osages range from 100 IU to 2,000 IU daily. There is overwhelming evidence to demonstrate that our modern diet is lacking in vitamin E, which has significantly contribted to the ncrease in heart disease.
• Selenium: A valuable trace mineral with antioxidant properties, selenium is often lacking in the American diet as a result of its deficiency in soil. Natural sources include bran and the germ of grains and vegetables such as broccoli, onions, kale and tomatoes. Supplementing with selenium should proceed with care for instances of toxicity have occurred, especially above 200 mcg per day. Recommended amounts range from 50 to 200 mcg per day.
• Zinc: An important mineral that is known to increase the size of your thymus gland, the powerhouse of your immune system. It also improves T-cell function. Zinc is important in prostate health, vision, wound healing and can help alleviate colds and flu. Recommended dosage is 30 to 60 mg per day.
• Magnesium:One of the most important minerals in our bodies, magnesium is involved in over 200 enzymatic reactions in the body. It works to relax muscles and acts like nature's "calcium channel blocker" by amkng the heart work more efficiently. Deficiency of magnesium (and calcium) is mainly due to the consumption of acidic foods and caffeinated soft drinks.
• Co-enzyme Q10:An essential enzyme, although not well understood. It is a very energetic cofactor in our cells, especially heart cells, and has been proven to protect against cancer. It may help decrease metastasis.
• L-glutathione:A vital amino acis that aids in enzyme detoxifying, liver cirrhosis, infectious hepatitis, and skin ailments. L-glutathione is a potent detoxifier. It eliminates pollution from the body rapidly, therebt imporving liver function and protecting our immunity.

Daniel T. Wagner is a natural and clinical pharmacist, herbalist and botanical medicine researcher. He lives in Wildwood, PA.

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