The strength of our immune system is what makes the difference between who gets sick and who doesn’t. The one with the immune system functioning below base-line normal has an increased risk of getting sick.
Whether you’re out in the winter wind or sheltered in an air-conditioned office, you are being constantly bombarded by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. If your body’s defences – the skin, mucosa and stomach acids are breached, a healthy immune system is your only defence against potentially lethal cell invasions.
The human immune system is a truly amazing defence mechanism capable of recognising and destroying infectious organisms as well as carrying out immune surveillance that eliminates damaged or abnormal cells such as cancer cells.
HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS
The first line of defence occurs in the body’s tissues. Patrolling macrophages (large scavenger cells) engulf foreign invaders and call upon powerful T-cells to join the fight. T-cells, emanating from the thymus gland, escalate immune response and secrete chemicals that disable or destroy the virus. Their activity also alerts B (bone marrow) cells that are able to produce antibodies, custom-designed to destroy invading organisms. These antibodies also enable the body to “remember” a particular invader, producing a quicker and stronger response, should that virus strike again. How well this team of cells functions is largely dependent on an adequate supply of specific nutrients.
EXAMPLES OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AT WORK
When you get a cut, all sorts of bacteria and viruses enter your body through the break in the skin. The immune system responds and eliminates the invaders while the skin heals itself and seals the puncture. In rare cases the immune system misses something and the cut gets infected.
Every day the body inhales thousands of germs. The immune system deals with all of them without a problem. Occasionally a germ gets past the immune system and as a result you catch a cold, get the flu or worse. A cold or flu is a visible sign that your immune system failed to stop the germ.
Each day you also eat hundreds of germs, and again most of these die in the saliva or the acid of the stomach. Occasionally, however, one gets through and causes food poisoning. There is normally a very visible effect of the breach of the immune system: vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common symptoms.
SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
The most important thing you can do for your immune system is to achieve lifestyle balance and adopt the fundamentals of healthy living. This will give your immune system what it needs to function at optimal capacity.
• Reduce stress – There are hundreds of studies attesting to how stress affects the body’s ability to respond to infection. Lowering your stress can help your body maintain both your physical and your emotional health. People who have less stress are simply healthier overall.
• Get adequate sleep – Experts say that not only does prolonged sleep deprivation wear down immune protection but getting adequate rest can help boost your defences. Lack of sleep prevents the body from repairing cells and as a result we get sick more easily. It is re
• Immune boosting foods – Research suggests that mushrooms – particularly Reichi, Maitake, and Shitake – are really good for shoring up the immune system. Other immune boosting foods include broccoli, blueberries, green tea, orange vegetables, goji berries and yoghurt. Eating a diet that periodically includes these foods along with fresh fruits and vegetables will naturally give you all the immune support
YOUR WINTER INSURANCE PLAN
GENERAL DEFENSE
• Ester C + bioflavonoids – powerful antioxidant to help protect cells from damage caused from free radicals
• Garlic – boosts natural defence mechanisms and is also a proven natural immune supporter
BOOST IMMUNITY
• Systemwell - assists the body in achieving ultimate healthy immune function in all areas of the body. To support recovery from ills and chills and the body's response to allergens. It also boosts general well being.
SUPPORT RECOVERY
• Viralex – contains the herb ProOlive Leaf Extract, which studies have shown to provide powerful support to the body's defences and recovery.
DID YOU KNOW...
• Colds are one of the leading causes of doctor’s visits and missed days from school and work
• On average, children have six to 10 colds per year and adults have two to four colds per year
• Children’s immune systems are not as mature as adult immune systems, which makes it more difficult for them to fight off viruses and bacteria. Children are also more likely to get the common cold because of close contact with other children in daycare or school.
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