Jul 3, 2009

The Immune System And You

By Dave Field

Our modern civilization functions because of the numerous technologies and machines that sustain it. Power plants, automobiles, personal computers, cellular phones, even fast food restaurants-without machinery and technology everything would fall apart. Still, we constantly repair and renew our machines, as they will always break down without the aid of human hands. As living beings, we do not simply go the store and purchase a new body when ours breaks down. Rather, we rely upon our own bodies to repair themselves, something they have been doing for tens of thousands of years. A One vital component of this process is our internal security detail: the Human Immune System.

The immune system is a network of bacteria, cells, and organs-from the simple to the complex-which seeks out and destroys any foreign, harmful material that invades the body. In tandem, it eradicates dead cells while eliminating mutated and/or possibly cancerous cells. There are two sub-strata that comprise the human immune system: bone marrow and the thymus. Bone marrow generates leukocytes (white blood cells) which pervade the body , hunting down and eliminating dangerous invaders. The thymus is a small organ, positioned just above the heart, that trains B cells (cells that create antibodies to battle infections), T cells (cells that are able to recognize specialized infections), "killer cells" (capable of locating and killing cancerous cells), and "eating cells" (destroyers of random debris and possibly harmful microorganisms). Overall, the immune system works with the human body's systems to protect it and maintain it, allowing it to function smoothly.

There are a plethora of ways to boost the immune system, via both homeopathic and modern means.

Some herbs have been utilized in India for millennia to protect the immune system. Hoodia is perhaps the best known of these. Others include tulasi, triphala, amalaki, sahadevi, shatavari, ashwagandha, guduchi, lahsuna, and gokshura. Aromatherapy has become increasingly important and is recognized by most healthcare providers as a legitimate therapy for the immune system.

Stress is a major contributor to a weakened immune system and the sickness that results. Meditation and yoga are two excellent ways to both eliminate and greatly reduce stress on the mind and its effects on the body.

The easiest way to increase the ability of the immune system is to take a daily multivitamin. These are both easy to find (at your local grocer) and painless to take. Furthermore, you can find a bewildering multitude of vitamins and minerals for purchase, though I would suggest speaking with a healthcare professional before putting together your own regimen, as some combinations of vitamins can be dangerous.

Finally, the importance of sleep in the preservation of the immune system cannot be overstated. The less sleep an individual has, the weaker the immune system becomes as the numbers of T cells drop dramatically according to lessening levels of sleep. Consequently illness, which causes problems sleeping, further damages the immune system. It is therefore extremely important to get, at the very least, six hours of sleep a day.

Try to go to bed at the same time, each and every day. This allows your body to have a constant rhythm to which your immune system will adhere. Sometimes it helps to read a book before bed or listen to music; whatever works for you. Be sure that your room is dark, silent, and conducive to rest-avoid bringing stressful, work-related items into the bedroom. Do not eat anything for two hours before you go to bed, and avoid exercising during the same time period. Finally, avoid consuming caffeinated drinks with dinner.

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