The immune system is like a symphony of chemicals, cells, and organs playing together to bring about a harmonious state of health in the body. This 24-hour security system is always on alert, helping the body distinguish between itself and foreign matter (bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, and parasites) and removing damaged, worn-out cells.
We have immune cells throughout our bodies. However, the lymphatic organs—the spleen, thymus, and tonsils as well as the lymph nodes—play a major part. The respiratory system also contains lymph tissue that produces lymphocytes, the digestive system secretes acids that kill pathogens, and the urinary system contains lymph tissue that expels pathogens and maintains the body’s pH balance. When stressed, fatigued, and under-nourished, the immune system has a difficult time doing its job. Here’s how to build the immune strength you need.
HERBS FOR IMMUNE HEALTH
A number of herbs that have been time tested by various world cultures are known to boost immune health. Astragalus is a deep immune tonic, rich in polysaccharides, which strengthen the wei chi (also known as the body’s natural defense energy) and increase phagocytosis, interferon, and T cell activity and blood cell production. Baptisia is high in polysaccharides and increases phagocytosis. It is good for lymphatic swelling and deep inflammation.
Echinacea is high in polysaccharides and stimulates interferon production and helper T cells, making cells more resistant to pathogens. Garlic is an antioxidant and an anti-viral that kills a wide range of disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. It also increases the body’s resistance to infection and protects against epidemics. Ginger improves circulation to all parts of the body and inhibits biochemical pathways associated with inflammation. Reishi mushroom is a deep immune tonic and improves cellular immunity. It also boosts resistance to bacterial, parasitic, and viral infection due to its rich polysaccharide content. Use a dose of herbs in tea, tincture, or capsule form every couple of hours that you are awake.
VITAMINS FOR IMMUNE HEALTH
Nutrients that can help strengthen the immune system include beta-carotene and vitamin A (10,000 IU daily of either), which improve the health of mucus membranes and make them more resistant to airborne and intestinal invaders. These nutrients stimulate the thymus gland to produce T cells needed in the prevention of infection, and vitamin A helps killer cells digest invaders.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Eating black bean soup is a folk remedy for restoring one’s voice. Also try eating three cloves of raw garlic a day. Try stuffing one into a pitted date to make it easier to eat!
Vitamin C (1,000 mg daily) is an antioxidant that strengthens the body’s resistance to infection. It helps protect white blood cells, boosts macrophage activity, and raises interferon levels as well as thymic hormones and antibody levels. Quercetin, (100 mg three times daily), also part of the C complex, has antiviral capability.
Vitamin E (400 IU daily) and selenium (200 mcg daily) are considered antioxidants. Vitamin E is a free-radical scavenger that increases helper T cells and antibody response. It strengthens the membranes of macrophages. Selenium is necessary for antibody production and potentates phagocytes to kill bacteria.
Zinc (15 mg daily) has inhibiting effects on viral replication. It also helps increase natural killer cell activity in smokers. Zinc also stimulates the production of histamine, which dilates capillaries so that white blood cells can rush to the area of infection.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Every one of the 100 species of common disease–causing bacteria has at least one strain resistant to antibiotics, and that number is rapidly increasing and becoming a major medical threat. The overuse of antibiotics (which literally means “against life”) is a contributing factor in weakening the immune system. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viral ones, and they kill off helpful bacteria as well as the harmful.
Probiotics (1 high potency capsule three times daily) inhibit candida and other unfriendly microorganisms, which can contribute to a weakened immune system.
BEST FOODS TO BOOST IMMUNITY
Onions, garlic, scallions, chives, and leeks all contain quercetin, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body, scavenging up damaging free radicals. One study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that this family of veggies even lowered the risk for prostate cancer.
Cayenne, chives, cinnamon, garlic, horse-radish, leeks, oregano, rosemary, scallions, and thyme all have infection-fighting properties. Also include plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and arugula for their sulforaphane content, which is an antioxidant and stimulator of natural detoxifying enzymes.
Vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, winter squash, green leafy vegetables, and sweet potatoes, protect against carcinogens, induce protective enzyme activity, and suppress cell-destroying free radicals. Fermented foods such as yogurt, miso (made from soybeans), homemade pickles, and unpasteurized sauerkraut help promote healthy intestinal flora and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Include sea vegetables in the regimen as they provide a wide range of minerals not present in most land-grown food. Seaweeds bind with and carry harmful chemicals and pollutants out of the body and nourish the kidneys, bones, and teeth. Marine vegetables exhibit antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Shiitake mushrooms are immune enhancing, cholesterol lowering, interferon stimulating, and have antitumor activity. Wild and brown rice, quinoa, and barley are immuno-strengthening grains.
Every day, eat at least five of these immuno-supportive foods. You can use several in a soup or salad easily!
ESSENTIAL OILS TO BOOST IMMUNITY
Immune-enhancing essential oils that have strong antimicrobial properties include cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, Clary sage, garlic, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, orange, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary, and tea tree. These oils can be diluted in the bath, added to massage oils, or used in diffusers.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT BOOST IMMUNITY
Practice dry brush skin massage daily. You can find this kind of brush at your health food store. Stroke the brush over your skin (gently!) toward your heart to rev up circulation and the release of toxins. Then shower and end your shower with cold water if you are feeling brave! This constricts blood vessels on the surface, sending blood deeper into the body, facilitating the removal of toxins, and increasing T cell production. A far infrared sauna can be an excellent (and more enjoyable) way of removing toxins from the body. Be sure and get one from a reputable dealer to ensure it is built to last.
Skip This!
Excess sugar and fruit juice can contribute to hypoglycemia and suppress T cell activity and phagocytosis. Caffeine and alcohol, when consumed in excess, cause depletion of nutrients, especially calcium and B vitamins. Excess alcohol consumption can suppress lymphocyte development and their ability to produce antibodies. A high-fat diet slows down macrophage ability to destroy infection-causing invaders. Excess fat can also lead to shrinkage of the thymus gland and lymphoid tissue.
Chemical additives such as artificial food colorings, nitrates, and preservatives stress the kidneys and liver. Eating food to which one is allergic is a stress, causing the body to focus on neutralizing the allergen rather than healing. Eating less animal food minimizes contact with pesticides and other chemical additives. Choosing organic foods minimizes exposure to harmful chemical additives.
Finally, during inclement weather dress warmly. Protect the kidneys, head, and feet from overexposure to wind and temperature extremes.
Stay active. Get outside and enjoy sports or just tromp around. Yoga, chi kung, and tai chi can be done indoors during any kind of weather. Be sure to get adequate sleep as well. We need our zzzzzs to produce sleep immune specific chemicals, as during rest is when much of the body’s repair work is done.
Meditation, prayer, deep breathing, and inspirational readings are all good ways to reduce stress. Practice right living, positive thinking, and healthy relationships for a healthy immune system. Beware of negative thoughts and minimize stress. Have creative outlets and a job you enjoy. Avoid disciplines that stress you out.
We can’t always avoid every cold, flu, or sore throat that comes our way. Once in awhile we should give ourselves the opportunity to rest, recover, and be nurtured. Maybe have someone else make us soup. Practice visualization. See yourself in good health!
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
One effective and pleasant way to incorporate a number of immune-stimulating foods and herbs in your diet is to make an “Immune Soup.”
First, sauté garlic and onions in a bit of olive oil. Then add some chopped vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, or carrots. Include several sliced shiitake mushrooms. Add 2 or 3 pieces of astragalus (you won’t eat it but it will impart its therapeutic qualities to the broth) or codonopsis. Add enough water to make it the consistency you desire. Adding a small handful of sea vegetables will provide a host of minerals.
If you are not vegetarian, you can simmer a hormone-free chicken (with the skin removed) in your soup. It’s also possible to add previously cooked beans or whole grain quinoa or brown rice to the still simmering soup.
After a couple of hours, measure out 1 teaspoon (5 g) of miso for every 1 cup (235 ml) of water that you used in the soup. Make a paste by mixing the miso with a bit of the soup broth and then add it into the soup. Miso is high in lecithin and helps break down fatty deposits in the body. You have now made a very nutritious and delicious Immune Soup!
This How To Improve Immune System article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
