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In Part 1 we explored an overview of food choices, their actions within the body, and the affect they have on various body parts and processes. In this installment, we will evaluate associated aspects along with a more specific look at the inclusive effects of Immune function.
Looking at other attendant factors, we realize that a healthy diet is more then just the foods we eat, it is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. This may entail the elimination or at least moderation of, certain key elements as we include others. Heading the list to decrease or eliminate, are smoking, drug use, caffeine, alcohol, soda/ sugary drinks and stressful situations. While increasing pure water intake, fresh air, exercise, meditation and quality rest are necessary fundamentals for a more complete overall health and wellness scenario.
OK, so we get the health concept in an overall, big picture way. Let's take a look more specifically at the immune system as part of the scheme. The immune system is our body's complex system of glands, organs and substances, among them white blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic vessels, and specialized cells found in various body tissues designed to fend off disease and keep us healthy. You cannot survive without it.
Luckily for us, God designed this well orchestrated system of cells, tissues and organs to go to battle for us. In actuality it is comprised of several other systems in addition to “its own" component parts. This multi-dimensional defense system includes, but is not limited to: liver, thymus, spleen, circulatory system, digestive system, skeletal system, integumentary system (skin), excretory system, the nervous system and part of the endocrine system. Impressive!
It may in fact be more accurate to say that the body does not just have an immune system, but is an immune system. The inter systemic functions bring together the individual actions for a magnificent level of competence. When you have the full function of this system, you are an unwelcoming host to anything not beneficial to your body. The germ theory looses all of its teeth in the face of uncompromised immune function.
Why do you suppose so many remain healthy when all around them fall prey to the latest infections of flu, cold, pink eye or whatever seems to be going around? Do you think those boasting a vibrant immune system fall victim to a yearly or bi-yearly bout of bronchitis or yeast infection? If your body encounters an invader and fights it off, would it be best to let the body fight so as to make it even stronger? Questions to ponder.....
When your immune system is fully functioning, you do not get sick. It is important to understand that demonstrating various symptoms does not necessarily mean you are sick. When you are an unwelcoming host, these germs have nothing to grab onto, no where to live or thrive.
Under optimal circumstances, an invader comes along and the proper cells go to work to “destroy" what does not belong. And destroy they do, constantly, much more frequently than the average bear might be aware. Toxins, mutant cells, poisons, and foreign substances will be identified, engulfed and then disposed of by this amazing integration of intelligence, creativity, precision and adeptness.
Some of the signs showing this powerful conglomeration is hard at work may consist of runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, congestion, or fatigue. These are typical avenues of elimination. One of the misfortunes of many people today is the belief that we need to stop these natural, corrective functions and responses before they have run their course.
We are led to believe by advertisement after advertisement after advertisement, at nauseum, that it is in our best interest to dry up runny noses and eyes, to bring down a fever or to halt the progress of loose bowels that are diligently working for you by ridding your body of some harmful intruder.
A fever is not an illness. Friend, not foe, it is a superb immune response to the body's defense against infection. A fever is a sure sign your body is in a battle, and it is battling for you, not against. Because of the misleading information out there on the need to bring down a temperature too quickly,you may in many cases do more harm than good. Many do not realize the benefits of fever, or some of the other customary immune responses that actually keep us, or get us, healthy.
Most viruses and bacteria enjoy a nice warm 98.6. To attain that winning edge, the body kicks up the temperature, making you, the host, undesirable. This also impels your immune system to make more white blood cells and antibodies as well as other infection fighters.
Force feeding a body while an immune response is in high gear is a common mistake. Digestion of food is the body's highest demand on its energy reserves. When your body is in the acute process of defending itself, give it a break and do not eat! Your body needs all its energy for the battle at hand, give it the free reign to get the job done.
Stress can be destructive to immune function on several levels: mental, emotional, physical (mechanical/ injury) or chemical. Any and all of these avenues wreak havoc on the body in one form or another with a common denominator of placing your body in a state of “fight". This takes up tremendous energy while draining the adrenal glands. Integrating stress busters, such as Yoga, meditation, Pilates, long walks, alone-down time, massage and chiropractic adjustments, is essential in effective immune support.
Chemical stressors can be eliminated or decreased significantly, by avoiding obvious immune suppressors, (which act as a chemical stress to the body) such as smoking, which robs the body of vitamin C, essential in immune function, processed foods, junk food, sugar, sweets, sodas and known allergens. Many people are unaware of the fact that sugar is an instant immune suppressor, something to think about.
Recommendations for a stellar immune system, a key to your health and vitality begin with a diet of fresh, (preferably organic) fruits and vegetables, raw soaked nuts and grains, quality proteins and fats, along with other high fiber foods. (See Part 1) Fresh, pure water intake is imperative ( a good rule of thumb is ½ your body weight in ounces, i.e. 120 lbs = 60 oz) along with adequate rest, consistently.
Consuming garlic, chlorella, spirulina and other greens containing trace elements beneficial to the immune system should be high on your list. While including kelp, which contains iodine, calcium, iron protein, carotene, riboflavin and vitamin C, all necessary for the immune system's functional integrity, just adds more to your arsenal.
Nutritional supplements can be a supportive tool when needed, though our main objective should be to get our nutrition from as quality food sources as possible. When choosing supplements, investigate the whole food options available. Being made of whole food sources,(usually organic) the body accepts them as a food , making them more bio-available. In my opinion, they are second only to actual food for aiding in meeting our dietary needs, far superior to isolate supplements.
In any event, the vast majority will need to take supplements of some form, and they are just supplements, an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. In this day and age it is virtually impossible to get the nutrients you need in the typical American diet. Unless you have your own little organic farm or buy exclusively organic and do all that we should do, you will probably need to supplement your diet. Go high quality and do your research. You are wasting your money on many of the products out there.
The immune enhancing benefits of herbs can lend a hand in any focused regime. Echinacea, Goldenseal and Astragalus lead the pack for immune amplifiers. Checking them out thoroughly will lead you to the most beneficial sources while saving you throwing away money on poor quality products. Though herbs are beneficial and generally safe, considerations may be necessary if combing with medications or if you are pregnant. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care professional.
As you can see, the short list of food considerations in Part 1 explain the contribution to various cells, tissues and organs. Part 2 illustrates how these collectively make up the Immune system. Via wise food and lifestyle choices you can easily have a positive affect on your total Immune function and your well-being. You are the sum total of all your thoughts and actions, all you do affects all you are.
Hopefully this will give you something to think about in the realm of general health and immune support. This article is a good start., for informational purposes and general suggestions. You have the control, take it. With a common sense approach, you too can boast an Immune system of steel! Always consult with your health care practitioner for more personalized recommendations.
Barbara Hodal is a chiropractor and owner of Crystal Baby Organics, an on line organic baby boutique. Visit us at www.crystalbabyorganics.com for more information on how you and your children can benefit from organic.
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