Boosting Immunity

Boosting Immunity

Written by Christina Whitford 

The immune system is a 24-hour security system searching for viruses, bacteria, fungi and other particles that doesn't belong in the body. It is one of the hardest working (besides the heart) organ in the body.

The Immune System

The immune system wages war on the organ, tissue and cellular fronts. It encompasses the lymphatic vessels and organs (lymph nodes, tonsils), white blood cells, specialized cells in particular tissues and customized chemicals. Lymph, a milky fluid consisting of water protein and immune system. Powered by muscle movement (an important reason why exercise boosts immunity), the lymphatic system collects and transports lymphatic system to the lymph nodes.

These nodes contain certain immune cells and filter out invading antigens, as well as produce antibodies, before siphoning the lymph out into the bloodstream. If you've ever had "swollen glands," that means your lymph nodes have been in overdrive. Macrophages are the immune cells that filter lymph, consuming bacteria and cellular debris while protecting the lymph system from invasion and damage. Two organs dominate immune function:

The Thymus: The most influential, critical gland of the immune system located just below the thyroid gland and above the heart; produces T lymphocytes, white blood cells responsible for cell-mediated immunity not controlled by antibodies. This immune response is tailored to specific antigens and is vital to resisting infection from mold-like bacteria including yeast, fungi, parasites and such viruses as Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex and hepatitis. It also protects against cancer, allergies and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

The Spleen: The largest mass (about seven ounces) of lymphatic tissue in the body, located in the upper left abdomen behind the lower ribs; it produces white blood cells, which engulf and destroy bacteria and cellular debris; recycles material from worn out red cells and platelets; produces immune system enhancing compounds, including the proteins tufsin and splenopentin, and spleen extracts.

Stimulating Immunity 

Today, there are few immune-stimulating drugs available. However, there are numerous natural remedies that are capable of stimulating a sluggish immune system-empowering it to respond to a number of assaults by viruses and bacteria. Maintaining the immune system requires a comprehensive program of wholesome diet, resilient attitude, fitness enhancing activity and nutrients keyed to the clear and specific needs of this energetic machine. The immune system is a dazzlingly complex mechanism charged with guarding against infection, colds, flu and cancer.

New Immune Boosting Products

Over the last several years, there has been an increased interest in natural remedies that have an enhancing effect on immune function-including vitamins, minerals, homeopathic remedies, and herbs. Prior to this, humans lived for millions of years without pharmaceutical antibiotics until their introduction into medical practice early in the 1930s and 1940s. Before the introduction of antibiotics, physicians had to rely on antimicrobial substances such as Vitamins and Herbs. These compounds stimulated the body's own defense mechanisms, thereby fighting disease. This approach, however, is not really considered a practical one in traditional medicine.

There are two classifications of immune products: those that enhance the immune system, functioning to maintain health: and those that reinforce the immune system, helping to restore health. In some cases, these capabilities overlap.

For example, echinacea taken in small amounts through time works as a preventative while larger amounts can be used to help combat acute infections such as colds, flu, and fever. Most of us connect of the immune system with colds and flu. The immune system also plays an important part in fighting off harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites, particles, and even malignant cells. The immune system helps us against viral infections, allergies, arthritis, stress, fighting cancer and even aging.

Other helpful Immunity products

    The antioxidant grape seed extract improves circulation. Garlic possesses antibacterial properties. Sage, best used during the first stages of a cold, especially to break up congestion and bring down a fever; peppermint cools, eases fever and relieves stomach distress; chamomile calms the nerves and stomach; ginger eases nausea and increases sweating to alleviate fever; red clover aids the lymphatic system and helps clear accumulated toxins that can cause congestion and inflammation.

Licorice root is often used in both Western and Eastern herbal combinations. It helps soothe irritated mucous membranes and relieve coughs. Often used for its anti-inflammatory action, it is now recognized that licorice influences the production of interferon.

Vitamin E exerts formidable immune-enhancing influence on both antibody and cell-mediated immunity. (for more information on herbs)

BLOOD CLEANSERS: Red Clover, and/or Burdock. When the body is under stress of an acute infection, there are many toxic metabolites that result. Any one of these blood cleansing herbs assist the body in "cleaning up" this condition, as they are effective in draining the lymph system. Using Chinese medical "soldiers". I find that the blood cleansers, by reducing tissue stress in the body, make the immune-enhancing properties of Echinacea and Goldenseal more effective.

Herbs for Prevention

     The best treatment for colds and flus is prevention. Tonic herbal remedies can intensify and maintain the immune system, augmenting the body's resistance and resilience to stress and infectious disease.

ASTRAGALUS: (A. membranaceus), popular in Asia for 3,000 years; the most powerful immunity-boosting herb. In Chinese medicine the immune system is viewed simply as the body's protective energy, or wei qi. When the body's protective mechanism is strong, it can defend against disease factors such as airborne pathogens. When it is weak, viruses can more easily penetrate lungs or sinuses, resulting in colds or flus. Astragalus bolsters the wei qi. toning the lungs to enhance overall energy.

MUSHROOMS: (Maitake, Reishi) Mushrooms produce so many beneficial compounds because they constantly fight off other fungi and microbes to survive. These substances, which mushrooms utilize for defense, can apparently help humans.

One of the most important of these classes of compounds are the polysaccharides. Scientists believe these long starch molecules spark immune action that can protect us against invading germs or cancer. They may do this by persuading the body to create what are called killer T-cells. These immune warriors destroy microscopic invaders and may help stop tumors.

According to Paul Stamets, author of Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms (Ten Speed), use of polysaccharides .."will synergistically, in combination with the individual's immune system, result in dramatic recoveries ..Right now we don't clearly understand all the elements in those formulas to be able to predict downstream what will happen. But clearly with some people, it is tremendously effective" (Townsend Ltr, 6/98). In addition, mushrooms also make biologically active chemicals called steroids and terpenes, says Christopher Hobbs, author of Medicinal Mushrooms (Interweave). These substances are thought to help fight off the formation of cancerous tumors.