Your 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. The immune system acts like a superbrain- identifying, recording, and remembering foreign substances and incoming menaces. A strong immune system will respond to offenders much more efficiently than a weak one and will be able to maintain a healthy system even when exposed to toxins, chemicals and other oxidative stress. This is the reason a lifestyle that promotes a strong and ready-to-act immune system is so critically important.
Standard or traditional 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 the body's own defense mechanism. What frequently ensues is successive illness. Optimizing your body's ability to ward off offenders and fight disease on its own leads toward an increasing level of health and well-being.
Overview of the Immune System
One trillion cellular guards (white blood cells) that arise in bone marrow patrol every inch of the circulatory system bathing the body's cells. The immune system, comprised of ten times as many cells that are in the entire human nervous system, manufactures about 40 different immune agents. Your immune system is so elaborate and finely tuned that it is controlled not by a central organ such as the brain, but rather by a complex information network operating among the individual members.
There are five "immune" organs in the human body. The thymus gland is involved in the formation of T-cells; the tonsils/adenoids whose function is to distinguish invaders-that may need destroyed; the spleen is the organ that filters blood and distributes T-cells and B-cells; the lymph glands form and store white blood cells; and the bone marrow is where B-cells are produced.
The Immune Lymph "White Blood" system has three groups to it. The phagocytes, or "cell eaters," are the body's housekeepers, engulfing and digesting debris found in blood. The other two defender groups are lymphocytes, called "T-cells," and "B-cells." T-cells, which include helper T-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, and suppressor T-cells, regulate immune function and serve in specialized roles. When T-cells are in balance, we are healthy. "B-cells" are involved in the production of antibodies. Lymph, originates in the lacteals in the villi of the small intestines, meeting and combining with lymphatics of the lower extremities deep in the abdomen at the front of the spine. Lymph fluid is carried up the thoracic duct to the left base of the neck and pours into the large blood arteries. As they travel to progressively larger vessels in the body, they pick up fats from the small intestines and carry salts, minerals, and proteins from the blood to the cells. They also carry waste and toxic proteins to the blood for elimination.
We are also born with certain immune cells that act quickly to destroy any offending agent. These include our macrophages and natural killer cells. Macrophages are like pac-man cells devouring foreign or abnormal cells, bacteria, fungi, and more. In fact, in patients suffering with auto-immune diseases (i.e., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto's thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, and even food allergies), it is theorized that the body mistakenly "attacks" itself seeing normal cells as foreign and abnormal. The body seems unable to discriminate what is "self" and what in not "self." Natural killer cells go after cancer cells and virus-infected cells. Natural killer cells are directed from the lymph nodes, the spleen, and thymus to instruct "T-cells" whether to help, detect, or kill a foreign material.
The immune system is very delicate and must be kept in balance to maintain proper health. Until recently, our immune system was not well understood. With the introduction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the study of immunology has advanced dramatically. An AIDS patient does not die directly from the AIDS virus, but from immune incompetency, such as an inability to fight off pneumonia or infection. We now realize how intricately the body is connected to this important system.
Nutrients to Strengthen the Immune System
When one is confronted as to the main reason why herbal and "alternative" medicines have become so popular in Europe as well as in the United States, the most common response is for preventing disease and boosting the immune system. Inherently, botanical and herbal medicines have been used for centuries for this very purpose.
A regular supply of antioxidants is the best way to ensure protection from damage caused by oxidation and helps to maintain health through immune system enhancement. The best example that portrays the problems with oxidative stress on our body would be to compare it with an automobile left out in the harsh environment over time. What happens to the car? It rusts. Rusting is an oxidation process, which is another way of saying an "aging" process. In like manner, our bodies "age," but since we are not made of metal, we don't rust. Still oxidative stress causes a weakened immune system and increases the aging process. What do we need to reverse this process? Antioxidants!
Vitamin C: The most important of all vitamins, we need to ingest foods rich in this vitamin or supplement with vitamin C because our bodies do not manufacture it on their own. 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. Supplementation is a good idea when needs cannot be met by diet alone. Ester-C is a superior form of oral vitamin C. It is buffered with calcium, is pH neutral, and is much less acidic than regular ascorbic acid. Ester C contains bioflavonoids like quercetin, which help with absorption and improve its histamine-blocking effects. The powdered form of vitamin C is buffered with calcium potassium and magnesium, and is one of the best absorbed and fast-acting dosage forms. Dosages range from 1,000mg to 10,000mg and beyond, as prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. Vitamin C is considered a gentle laxative due to the bowel tolerance of the colon.
Vitamin E: Natural tocopherol is extracted from the germ of wheat and soy. The best food sources are whole grains, nuts and seeds. Dosages range from 100 IU to 2,000 IU daily, as directed by an experienced practitioner. There is overwhelming evidence to demonstrate that our modern diet, lacking in most antioxidants especially vitamin E, has significantly contributed to the increase in heart disease. Vitamin E should be a staple of supplementation but increased or decreased slowly, due to its effect on the heart muscle.
Vitamin A, Betacarotene (Provitamin A): Betacarotene is an antioxidant vitamin derived from the carotenoid molecules of colored vegetables such as beets, carrots, yams, and squash which are also its best food sources. Scientific studies have shown that carotenoids not only strengthen our eyes and skin, but also protect us against cancer. Dosages range from 10,000 IU to 200,000 IU under the direction of a qualified health practitioner.
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 selenium should be proceeded with care, for instances of toxicity have occurred, especially above 200mcg per day. Recommended amounts range from 50 to 200mcg per day.
Zinc: An important antioxidant mineral that is known to increase the size of your thymus gland, the powerhouse of your immune system, also improves T-cell function. Zinc is also important in prostate health, vision, wound healing, and can help alleviate colds and flu. Dosage is 30-60mg per day.
Magnesium: One of the most important, yet nutrient depleted minerals in our body because the American diet is inherently lacking. Magnesium is involved in over 200 enzymatic reactions in the body and works to relax muscles and acts like nature's "calcium channel blocker" by making our heart work more efficiently. Deficiency of magnesium (and calcium) is mainly due to the consumption of acidic foods and caffeinated soft drinks.
CoEnzyme Q10: An essential enzyme, although not well understood, is a very energetic cofactor in our cells, especially our heart cells. Co-Q has been proven to protect us against cancer and may help in decreasing metastasis.
L-glutathione: A vital amino acid that aids in enzyme detoxifying, liver cirrhosis, infectious hepatitis, and skin ailments. L-glutathione is the most potent detoxifier. It eliminates pollution from the body rapidly, thereby improving liver function and protecting our immune system.
Balanced Nutrition
The ancient yogas said that proper diet provides fuel for the body. They promoted a diet consisting of pure, simple, natural foods that are easily digested and assimilated to promote good health. The Yoga attitude toward diet is "Eat to live, not live to eat." A whole foods diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables are essential in maintaining a resilient immune system, which can respond efficiently to offenders. A high-fat, high sugar diet puts undue stress on the body and has been associated with a higher risk of illness and shortened life span. The best approach to diet is one of balance. Proteins, carbohydrates and fats should be balanced to an individual's needs.
Proteins are the building blocks of life and they are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, an excessive amount of protein, especially from animal sources, can be detrimental to your health. Excess protein will contribute to calcium and magnesium loss over the years. Protein deficiency, on the other hand, decreases cellular response in the immune system, making the body more susceptible to invaders. Quality protein sources are cold-water fish, fowl, beans, grains, soy, eggs, and a small amount of vegetables.
Carbohydrates are sugars that help to fuel the body and give us energy, but there are many differences between consuming refined and complex carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates, particularly table sugar, has been shown to suppress the immune system and contribute to excessive yeast growth. Try eliminating processed white sugar, processed grains, junk food, and most snack foods from the diet. A good substitution for white sugar is honey, stevia, or fruit sweeteners. Better choices with discretion can enhance your level of health.
Fiber is another essential ingredient in a health-promoting dietary program. Inadequate amounts of fiber can lead to constipation and dysbiosis. There are reports that inadequate amounts of fiber contribute to colon cancer, divriticulitis, and various diseases of the colon. Low fiber diets may cause decreased transit time through the bowel, and mat greatly increase exposure time to toxic substances. High fiber diets may decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, aid in weight loss, relieve constipation and irritable bowel disease, and may improve sugar regulation in diabetics.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are linked to lower incidence of heart disease and decreased blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Cultures relying more on cold water fish as a staple have been shown to have lower heart disease and more disease resistance. Flaxseed oil is another excellent source of omega-3. Other essential fats are borage, primrose, black current, walnut, and olive oils. Highly saturated fats, like palm oil, coconut oil, and margarine, are highly processed and will contribute to hardening of the arteries. Eliminate the unhealthy hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats in processed and packaged foods.
Eating a more vegetarian-based diet, with low refined sugar, dairy and red meat intake is a good model in filling the requirements of a diet-enhanced immune system. Complex carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and a moderate amount of high protein food such as legumes, nuts and seeds, compromise a diet that will maintain and promote good health. In the time of illness, a more therapeutic diet may be necessary.
Exercise
Routine physical exercise is an important factor in the prevention of premature degeneration of the body's vital organs. Moderate physical exercise enhances the body's immune system and leads to fewer illnesses and disease states. Aerobic exercise is steady activity that challenges and strengthens the cardiovascular and cardio-respiratory systems. Exercise saturates the organs with oxygen, increases the body's ability to fight infection and neutralizes free radical damage. Exercise also improves muscle mass and can improve conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, depression and chronic fatigue.
It is important to develop an exercise program (especially with the help of a qualified trainer) that fits one's particular needs and lifestyle so that it can be practically maintained over time. Examples of aerobic exercise include: jogging, walking, hiking, swimming, water aerobics, treadmills, tennis, racquetball, and cross-country skiing.
Relaxation and Stress Management
The mind/body connection is quickly becoming one of the most important aspects of overall health. The mental and spiritual components of a health-promoting lifestyle are being increasingly recognized as a major factor in relieving stress- a major contributor to poor and ill health. Using the mind to relax and create a healing environment in the body is becoming a more commonly practiced approach, and today many hospitals are implementing the Dean Ornish Diet, which has been shown to lower heart disease by improving diet, exercise and stress management.
There are various ways to eliminate the stressors that each individual has control over. Visualization techniques are being used in cancer patients and others to try to utilize the power of thought in combating disease. It seems to be working. Dr. Lee Dosey has proven how the power of prayer and meditation can improve health significantly. Learning to cope to reduce stress is the key. Positive interventions such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, somantics, kata, or even walks in nature increase the body's immune capabilities. Let us not forget that a good sense of humor can also be a leading factor in overall health improvement. Healing with "laughter" was made famous by Dr. Patch Adams, and his stunning results were exemplified in a Hollywood movie about the likable doctor. Other work done in the area of positive thought and forgiveness is being researched.
The Power of Plants
The most plausible cure for many diseases, particularly auto-immune disease, is not in the chemical kingdom. And it's not in the animal kingdom. The answer to many of mankind's ills are in the power of plants- green medicine from nature. Plants utilize the energy of the sun and the nutrients from the earth to make both food and medicine. Some of the leading botanicals (medicines from plants) include:
Echinacea (purple coneflower) which is America's favorite and most used herbal. Echinacea is indicated for weak immune response during both acute and chronic infection, especially at the onset. It harbors antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial characteristics. Many herbalists consider it an excellent lymphatic and blood cleanser. It is safe to use in both adults and children, however extended use in patients with auto-immune diseases may be contraindicated. See a qualified health practitioner before using echinacea for proper dosing and duration.
Allium sativum (garlic) has been used for generations around the world, due to its antiviral, antibiotic, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal qualities. Garlic stimulates the immune system by increasing elimination through the skin, lungs, colon and kidneys. It has successfully been used to help lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Dosages vary from one clove daily as part of a dietary regimen to up to high doses of concentrate (oil of garlic or freeze-dried garlic), as directed by a physician.
Astragalus is a Chinese herb that has adaptogenic characteristics. This means that it helps improve our immune system by filtering out damaging free-radicals in the environment. Astragalus is especially effective against respiratory and urinary infections.
Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is a leading immune boosting herb in the European market. Milk thistle is highly effective as a liver detoxification agent by eliminating harmful free-radicals that stress our livers and raise liver enzymes. Milk thistle can be utilized in any liver disease including hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Other immune-stimulating botanicals include Glycerrhiza glabra (licorice root), Panax ginseng (ginseng), goldenseal, olive leaf extract, and Pau d'arco.
We would do well to look at the cultures and historic periods that lived to old age without disease and learn from them. Unless you are living on whole foods, organically grown in undamaged soil in a clean environment, you will probably benefit from supplementing your diet with plant sterols and antioxidant vitamins and minerals each day. Science and medicine is beginning to better understand the complexity of how our body works in fighting disease and maintaining health. We can all develop positive living habits that enhance and promote good health.
Although we cannot control all environmental and inherited factors that make up each individual person, we can work with what we are given to optimize the body's own defense mechanism by decreasing stress, exercising, eating a purer and more natural diet, and making better "choices." All of life is a litany of choices. We need never make a "right" or "wrong" choice, just regard every choice as a "healthier" or "unhealthier" one.
Dr. Dan Wagner is a natural and clinical pharmacist and herbalist from Pittsburgh, PA. He owns "NutriFARMACY" - Western Pennsylvania's only all-natural pharmacy. In 2000 his natural pharmacy practice was awarded the Dupont Pharmaceuticals "Innovative Pharmacy Practice of the Year Award.". Dan does extensive research on plant medicines in the rain forests of Africa and Central and South America. He integrates his passion for natural medicine by selling quality herbs and supplements, coupled with professional consulting on the use and misuse of drugs/herbs/vitamins/nutrition. Visit Nutri-farmacy's website at www.nutrifarmacy.com for more articles and information, or call toll-free 1-877-289-7478.