Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hello Folks,
I am very concerned with my immune system today, but probably more concerned with getting sick. I have been exposed to several sick people in the past week. I have also had less sleep than usual and added stress at work and home. Since all of those factors can seriously hinder a strong immunity to diseases, then I am looking at how to best prevent myself from catching something.
What is the immune system comprised of?:
- Made up of the lymph system, thymus, and circulatory vessels
- Meant to disarm foreign invaders in the body
- Included in the lymph system are the tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes, spleen, appendix, peyer’s patches, and lymphatic vessels.
How does the immune system work?:
- Immune cells grow in bone marrow and transported to the thymus
- In the thymus the cells learn not to attack each other called “thymic education”
- One the immune cells no longer attack each other they leave the thymus and enter the bloodstream
- The lymph organs help filter things out
- Immune cells collect in lymph organs and attack foreign invaders until antibodies are released into the blood stream
- Once in the bloodstream the antibodies attack and destroy foreign invaders in throughout the body
Here are a few things that are known to weaken the immune system?:
- Genetic predisposition
- Unhealthy diet (sugar, alcohol, processed foods with pesticides
- Antibiotics taken in excess
- Chronic infections
- Stress
- Not enough sleep
- Heavy metals in body
- Low HCL
- Chemical exposure
- Intensive drug therapy (chemotherapy)
- Age
Here are some to the things that I do to take care of my immune system:
- Drink Combucha (pro-biotics)
- Cut out refined sugar or severely reduce it in my diet
- Drink lots of water or tea
- Eat fish, which has omega-3’s in it
- Eat raw and unprocessed food
- Eat garlic or foods with garlic
- Take vitamin D and E or eat food containing vitamin D or E
- Drink Emergen-C drinks (though, it has more sugar than necessary)\
- Eat or drink foods with Vitamin C
- Eat organic fruits and vegetables
- Take Zinc chewables
Food I Do’nt eat:
- Sugar in anything
- Yogurt, cheese or any dairy
- Food with gluten like bread
- Peanut butter or peanuts
- Caffeine and alcohol are recommended to abstain from, but I don’t drink either, but still good to know about
Why exercise can help the immune system?:
Too much exercise will actually do the opposite effect, but a good balance of activity, rest and healthy eating will actually boost the immune system...
- Sweating releasing toxins and toxins effect the immune system
- Exercise increases HCl
Until next time…
Think, Believe, Act, Adjust, Never Give up
Dakota
Today’s Mantra:
When it comes to health, when the body feels safe and is at ease, the nervous system is able to quiet and be normal.
~patricia Megregian
Sources:
http://www.quotesea.com/Quotes.aspx?by=Patricia+Megregian
http://www.jigsawhealth.com/articles/Immune%20System.html
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_Diet_Exercise_Stress_and_the_Immune_System.aspx
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/injuryprevention/a/Ex_Immunity.htm
