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[B942]Build Healthy Immune System

by R Fredriksen, R F

What is the immune system? The immune system is made up of cells that are designed to kill off virus or bacteria encounters. These cells, called killer cells or macrophages digest and destroy anything offensive to the body.

So what can we do to help our own body help itself?

1.Cut back on processed sugar. It is said that as little as one teaspoon of sugar shuts off our killer cells activity for up to six hours. Cutting out sugar will not only help your immune system but will also renew your energy levels and weight distribution. Alternatives to sugar are stevia or artificial sweeteners; but stevia is certainly healthier.
2.Take supplements such as Vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Finding a company that offers such vitamins in addition to supplements aimed specifically for immune support, like Jarrow Formulas, help zero in on what you are trying to accomplish. Vitamins A, C, E and B are certainly necessary for immune support but so are antioxidants, and IP6, which enhances the body’s natural killer cells.
3.Reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep. Stress, whether emotional or physical send out to the body a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol drops our DHEA levels and makes our interleukin levels rise. Sleep itself, from six to ten hours, helps balance our hormone levels, including our cortisol.
4.Drink plenty of water. Most people don’t drink enough water to purify the body of its toxins. Try adding lemon to your water. Lemon restores the acid-alkali balance which helps return your body’s pH level to a place where it supports healthy bacterial instead of the bacteria caused by viruses.
5.Eat more raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Do this especially if you are not taking a supplement to assist your body.
6.Spend time out in the cold. It seems that this is contradictory to getting a cold, but exercise and getting out of the indoors where you inhale other people’s germs, helps the body. Exercise also releases endorphins, which increases immune support.
7.Nurture your well-being. Research has shown that our nervous system directly communicates with our immune system. Feelings of joy and self worth improve and boost our immunity. It has also been proven that prayer; a positive attitude and a spiritual sense of well-being enhance our killer cell activity.

Sound easy enough? It is, so practice at least two of the above mentioned and you will notice your health improving drastically.

You might find the animated movie Osmosis Jones entertaining. However, transforming the immune system into a plain bacteria-busting police agent is really an understatement. It would be better if antibodies were treated as heroes (or heroines) because they continuously fight bacteria, viruses and microorganisms to ensure that all of the body's systems are functioning at their peak. Without your healthy white blood cells, there is a big possibility that even the simple cold virus could kill you.

Although there are many drugs manufactured everyday to help treat thousands of diseases and conditions, a healthy immune system is actually more than enough to keep you well and strong and in great physical shape. In fact, your antibodies can even help eliminate cancer cells or keep such growths dormant for a long time. In a recent study on immunity, laboratory animals were injected with cancer cells and, true enough, the areas showed signs of the development of small cancerous lumps. When the researchers blocked the test subjects' immune system, the growths increased in size and became full blown cancer.

Scientists are now looking into the possibilities of making immunotherapy in the fight against cancer.Â Immunotherapy can artificially boost the immune system in order to prevent cancer cells from growing or make them more manageable. However, more studies are still being conducted to ensure that such therapy can really be a viable solution to this deadly disease. Until then, however, it would do you no harm if you start finding ways to make your immune system work at its peak. Here are simple ways to naturally improve your immunity.

Increase Your Intake Of Fruits And Vegetables

The vitamins and minerals that you need in order to strengthen your immune system can usually be found in fruits and vegetables. If you do not eat these types of food, then you will not have enough natural sources of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, C, and zinc. Experts say that it is best that you eat at least five servings of these healthy and natural foods everyday. Aside from eating salads, raw fruits and vegetables, you can also juice and drink them.

Say No To Foods That Are High In Sugar And Refined Flour

Some experts believe that there is a correlation between high blood sugar levels and impaired immunity. Although there is no definitive study confirming this, it would still be helpful to minimize intake of sugar-rich, processed, junk foods. Avoid also food items that are made using refined flour. Diabetes is a very serious and debilitating disease that you want to avoid.

Don't Skip Exercise

Despite eating healthy, you still need to exercise to boost your immune system. What's more, regular exercise can also strengthen your cardiovascular system and improve blood circulation. You really do not need to join marathons to increase your physical fitness level. Just moderate exercise routines such as swimming, aerobics, brisk walking, jogging and light sports are enough to keep your blood pumping.

Reduce Your Stress

Many studies have linked high stress levels to poor immunity. It seems that people who are under high amounts of stress are prone to contacting colds, upper respiratory infection and other diseases that a healthy immune system could normally prevent. Thus, what you need to do is to eliminate what makes your stress levels fired up. If you can't, then you need to rest and relax every once in a while or even take up yoga and tai chi to keep your head cooler and calmer.

Have A Goodnight's Sleep

Many people are underestimating the power of sleep. However, perpetual sleep deprivation can actually lead to serious diseases and conditions, including the impairment of the immune system. Moreover, you need some snooze time in order for your brain to function properly. If you find yourself having trouble sleeping, you can always use natural sleep-enhancing supplements such as Somulin to help you achieve a restful slumber. For more information about Somulin, visit

Article Source : Importance Of Good Nutrition In Children

About Author

Both R Fredriksen & Janet Martin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

R Fredriksen has sinced written about articles on various topics from . R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of , Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other qu. R Fredriksen's top article . to your Favourites.

Janet Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Womens Health, Pregnancy Problems and Asthma. Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine.