Download IMPROVE IMMunIty

the sunshine in!
ers, art supplies, and pollution.
10. When you have to accomplish tasks, playing
2. Have water tested and consider getting a
some upbeat music can be motivating.
water purifier or using bottled water, preferably
11. After showering, end briefly with cold water
in glass.
to strengthen the nervous system. Several times
3. Avoid infections by avoiding overexertion,
a day, try spraying your face with cool water that
overwork, and junk food.
has been lightly scented with pure peppermint
tion and lymphatic drainage.
5. Have regular bed and awakening times. If you
take naps, take them at a regular intervals. Try
to establish a rhythm.
6. Avoid drinking before bed so you don’t need
to wake up to urinate. If it helps, add darker curtains to your room. Earplugs may benefit sleep.
I love my eye pads!
IMPROVE IMMunIty
oil (use 20 drops essential oil to 8 ounces [1 cup
or 235 ml] water).
Your immune cells are like a circulating nervous system. Your
12. Keep your brain stimulated by using downtime to read uplifting literature more than
nervous system in fact is a circulating nervous system. It thinks.
watching TV. “TV is for the reading impaired”
(Terence McKenna).
It’s conscious.
13. If you are troubled, getting your problems
—Deepak Chopra
out of your mind and onto a piece of paper
Think of your immune system as a symphony of cells, chemi-
makes you feel lighter. Brainstorm possible
solutions. Have someone supportive to talk to.
7. Set a few specific goals for each day and write
them down the night before. Consider keeping a
journal, which can enhance creativity. Essential
oils that enhance creativity include clary sage,
helichrysum, neroli, rose, and rosewood.
8. Schedule the most difficult tasks during the
time of day when your energy is highest.
9. Put some color into your life. Reds, bright
128
in décor, help to perk you up. During the day, let
1. Reduce exposure to chemicals such as clean-
4. Massage relieves stress and improves circula-
Chapter 9
pinks, and orange tones, whether worn or used
c
Easy Ideas for
Improving Energy
cals, and organs all playing together to bring about a harmoni-
14. Pray, meditate, and keep those positive
affirmations coming. Offer every day for the
ous state of health in your body. Your immune system is also
highest good.
a twenty-four-hour security system, always on the alert, help-
15. Take the time to rest deeply. Sometimes what
ing the body distinguish between itself and foreign matter and
you really need is a nap.
removing damaged, worn-out cells.
16. Take time out to do healthy things for yourself every day!
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The Inside Scoop on
Your Immune System
Your immune system doesn’t have a set of
organs that define it anatomically, but it does
l
Your Immune System
and Viruses
Viruses are tiny particles containing RNA
Good to Know!
and DNA, too small to be seen with anything
When the immune system is deficient,
except an electron microscope. It was 1935 when
your body. However, the lymphatic organs—
underactive, excessive, or overly reac-
viruses were discovered to be something differ-
spleen, thymus, and tonsils as well as lymph
tive, it can cause autoimmune disorders.
ent from bacteria. Viruses adapt easily, chang-
nodes—play a major part.
Autoimmune disorders include aller-
ing their outer coats only to resume another
gies, arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease,
disguise. Viruses can’t reproduce on their own
diabetes, eczema, multiple sclerosis, and
and must use the reproductive capabilities of
Parkinson’s disease. Our focus should
healthy cells to produce more viruses. Viral
be in helping the immune system find a
infections are usually in the body for at least a
healthy balance.
couple of days before they show up as disease.
have cells throughout the body and in fact, is
Other systems are also integral to our immunity.
The respiratory system 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.
Diseases and illnesses caused by viruses include
AIDS, chicken pox, the common cold, croup,
encephalitis, Epstein-Barr, flu, herpes, infec-
Your Immune System
and Germs
tious hepatitis, kidney and bladder infections,
Germs, microorganisms that cause disease, are
everywhere: in the air we breathe, the hands
we shake, and in food we consume. When our
immune systems are strong, it’s more likely that
we’ll be resistant to germs that can make us sick.
measles, meningitis, mononucleosis, mumps,
Bacteria and Your
Immune System
polio, rabies, some cancers, pneumonia, con-
The Problem with
Antibiotics
Each of the 100 species of common
disease-causing bacteria now has at least
one strain that is resistant to antibiotics.
That number is rapidly increasing, becoming a major medical threat. The overuse of
antibiotics (which literally means “against
life”) is a contributing factor in weakening the immune system. That’s because
antibiotics kill off helpful bacteria as well
as those that are harmful.
Keep in mind that antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections such
as a sinus or urinary tract infection, not
illnesses caused by viruses, such as the
common cold or flu.
junctivitis, and tonsillitis.
Bacteria are one-celled organisms, many of
which are beneficial. Some, however, can cause
damage by producing waste material. Illnesses
How the Immune System
Protects Your Body
from Invaders
caused by bacteria include diphtheria, staph,
strep, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis, and certain
forms of pneumonia. Bacteria require nutrients,
When your immune system is functioning at
oxygen, and water to survive.
optimal levels, your body is protected from
germs, bacteria, and viruses.
The Role of White Blood Cells and
How They Work
White blood cells are known as leukocytes and
are mainly in the vascular system but are made
in the bone marrow, helping to protect the
body against foreign substances. When infection occurs, white blood cell count increases as
the bone marrow makes more cells, which get
released into the bloodstream.
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Macrophages travel in body parts other than the
Lymphocytes
T Cells
blood and are found mainly in the skin, bronchi,
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that dwell
T cells mature in the thymus gland and attack
cells and become mast cells that can pro-
tonsils, appendix, breasts, and cervix. What
in the lymphoid tissue of the body such as the
invaders. There are several different types of T
duce histamine and help prevent allergic
these cells do is neutralize things that shouldn’t
spleen, bone marrow, and tonsils as well as in
cells, such as the following:
reactions. These also help control allergic
be there, such as bacteria, parasites, viruses,
lymph nodes. The other two kinds of lympho-
reactions and inflammation.
chemicals, and even foreign particles.
cytes are the B and T lymphocytes, both of
Killer cells attach themselves to specific cells
There are five types of white blood cells:
• Basophils migrate into spaces between
• Eosinophils form in response to chemical
contaminants and parasites. They release
an enzyme that breaks down histamine.
• Lymphocytes, some of which migrate into
lymphatic tissue, can become T cells in the
thymus gland.
• Neutrophils seek out invaders. They
Phagocytes
cent of the total white blood cell count. The
to 11,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter.
body produces about a billion lymphocytes
Lower counts indicate weakened immunity and
daily. B cells mature in the bone marrow and
higher counts indicate infection.
After the macrophages partially digest some of
the invader, they transfer some of that antigenic
enzymes or devour the invader.
material to the B cells, which make a specific
called macrophages.
Lymphocytes normally make up about 25 per-
A normal white blood cell count is around 4,000
surround foreign matter, and discharge
ing an infection and become larger cells
fetus and then migrate to the bone marrow.
Phagocytes also include other white blood cells.
contain enzymes that ingest bacteria,
• Monocytes clean up cellular debris follow-
which originate in the liver of a nine-week-old
help produce antibody precursors that travel in
search of invaders.
such as bacteria, viruses, etc., and digest them.
T helpers help to stimulate killer cells and
increase the body’s response to the invader.
They identify what needs to be eradicated in the
body and stimulate cellular growth in the spleen
and lymph nodes.
T-suppressor cells suppress immune response
and keep the body from overreacting and attacking itself.
Interferon is found in infected cells. Healthy
protein antibody that matches the chemical
cells under viral attack make this protein so
structure of the invader’s protein coating.
they can interfere with the viruses taking over.
Antibodies are Y-shaped protein molecules
What You Need to Know about
Macrophages, Phagocytes,
Lymphocytes, and T Cells
made by B cells. They are a mirror image of the
antigen and can lock onto the antigen or invader
and inactivate it. These antibodies then become
known as immunoglobulins. They go to the
Macrophages are a type of phagocyte, a white
infection site, become attached to the invader,
blood cell that ingests debris and potential
and with the help of T cells, swallow and digest
disease-causing organisms. Macrophages
attackers. Once the body has formed a specific
The Thymus Gland: The Brain or Conductor
of the Immune System
are produced in the bone marrow and digest
antibody to a specific illness, the antibody
The thymus gland is made of two soft, pinkish lobes and lies like a bib below the thyroid gland and
(phagocytize) invaders (antigens), sense trouble,
remains in the system.
above the heart. It usually decreases in size after puberty and by old age can be so small that it can
and send out chemical messages to attract other
be difficult to identify. Other factors that decrease its size are stress, nutritional deficiency, chronic
infection-neutralizing agents to a certain area of
infection, and the use of steroids.
the body.
The thymus gland is responsible for the activation of T cells. It also releases polypeptide hormones, including thymosin, thymopoietin, and serum thymic factor, which all regulate many immune
functions. The thymus gland is a storehouse for zinc and is rich in carotenes in its epithelial cells.
Thumping the thymus gland is a folk remedy for activating it. Perhaps that is what Tarzan was trying to do when thumping his chest before a heroic feat?
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An antibody is a protein molecule that is produced by the immune system when it detects a
harmful substance in the body called an antigen.
These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and parasites. The antibody is carried in
the blood and attracted to the specific antigen
that it has been programmed to destroy.
Bone Marrow 101
Skip This!
Bone marrow, the soft tissue that occupies
Certain foods can impair immune health. For example, excessive use of sugar and fruit juice can
the medullary cavities of the bones, is
contribute to a hypoglycemic state and also suppress T-cell activity and phagocytosis. Overcon-
another important part of the immune
sumption of both caffeine and alcohol can deplete our bodies of various nutrients, especially cal-
system. Immunity-producing marrow is
cium and the B vitamins. Excessive alcohol consumption can also suppress lymphocytes’ develop-
found in the skull’s flat bones and the
ment and their ability to produce antibodies.
spinal column, breastbone, collarbone,
Natural Ways to
Boost Immunity
A high-fat diet slows down macrophages’ ability to destroy infection-causing invaders. Excess fat
ribs, thighs, and upper arm. Stem and
can also be immune suppressive, leading to shrinkage of the thymus gland and lymphoid tissue.
other immune cells are produced here.
Chemical additives such as artificial food colorings, nitrates, and preservatives are stressful to our
You can take many safe and natural steps to
kidneys and livers. Avoid eating food you are allergic to, as it stresses out the body. Fluoridated
improve your immune system strength. One
water can inhibit thyroid gland function and diminish immune function.
of the best ways is to choose the right foods,
drinks, soups, and condiments to address any
nutritional deficiencies that can make you prone
to disease and boost immune power in many
Choose Cruciferous and High-BetaCarotene Veggies
healthy ways.
Include plenty of cruciferous vegetables such
as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, which
are more digestible cooked and less likely to
l
produce gas. Keep in mind that raw members of
Did You Know?
It’s a good idea to chew your food
well. That’s because the salivary
glands secrete enzymes that destroy bacteria, aiding your immune system.
this vegetable family can inhibit thyroid function. However, high-beta-carotene vegetables
The Value of Fermented Foods
Shiitake mushrooms are immune enhancing,
Fermented foods such as yogurt, miso (made
cholesterol lowering, and interferon stimulating
from soybeans), homemade pickles, and unpas-
and have been found to have antitumor activity.
teurized sauerkraut help to promote healthy
Another immune-enhancing mushroom to use
intestinal flora and inhibit the growth of harm-
as food or supplementation is maitake.
ful bacteria.
such as carrots, winter squash, green leafy
Beans such as azuki, black, and kidney are particularly strengthening to the kidneys, which are
vegetables, and sweet potatoes strengthen the
Vegetables
thyroid gland. These veggies also help to protect
Sea vegetables supply the body with a wide
against carcinogens in the body, induce protec-
range of minerals not present in most land-
tive enzyme activity, and suppress cell-destroy-
grown food. Seaweeds also bind with and carry
ing free radicals.
harmful chemicals and pollutants out of the
body and nourish the thyroid, kidneys, bones,
and teeth. Marine vegetables exhibit antibiotic,
antiviral, and antifungal properties.
more prone to weakness during the cold winter
season. They are also a good source of protein.
Maintain a Healthy
Weight for Immune
Health
Keep your weight within a healthy range
for an effective immune system. Being
obese has been linked to a depressed
immune system.
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Healthy, Immune-Boosting Foods
Include infection-fighting culinary herbs in your
Rice, spelt, and barley are immune-strength-
cooking, such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
ening grains. Soy products contain isoflavones,
During winter, eat less fruit and raw salads.
which have been shown to reduce the risk of
breast and prostate cancers as well as lower
cholesterol.
However, stewed fruit or applesauce with cinnamon is wonderful in colder seasons. Steamed
vegetables would be preferable to raw ones dur-
Chives, garlic, horseradish, leeks, scallions, and
ing the cold and flu seasons. Use more ginger
onions all have infection-fighting properties. To
and cayenne to help warm you up from inside.
prevent garlic breath, follow your meal
with a cup of peppermint tea, chew a bit of
organic lemon peel, or eat the garnish of breathfreshening parsley on your plate! Chives are
even a folkloric remedy to stimulate the bone
marrow to produce blood.
Immune-Boosting Soup
Note: If you are not vegetarian, you can simmer
One effective and pleasant way to incorporate a
a hormone-free chicken (with the skin removed)
number of immune-stimulating foods and herbs
in your soup. It is also possible to add beans or
is to make an immune-boosting soup. You don’t
whole grains such as barley or brown rice that
need to have any health problems to benefit!
have been cooked separately before adding to
• Simply sauté some chopped garlic and
onions in a bit of olive oil.
Choose Organic and
Humanely Raised
Protein Sources
• Add chopped vegetables such as broccoli,
cabbage, or carrots.
• Add several sliced shiitake mushrooms.
• Add two or three pieces of astragalus
Although it’s true that we need adequate
protein for effective white blood cell production,
animal food such as meat and dairy contains
pesticides and other harmful chemical additives that tax your immune system. Instead get
your protein from organic and humanely raised
animal and dairy products along with whole
grains, quinoa, beans, and nuts.
slices or codonopsis and break them up
the soup.
After a couple of hours, take 1 teaspoon of miso
for every cup (235 ml) of water that has been
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.
into four or five pieces after they have
Miso is high in lecithin and helps break down
been softened by cooking. The astragalus
fatty deposits in the body. It also helps to coat
will be too tough and fibrous to actually
the inner wall of the colon with friendly bacteria
eat, but it still will add therapeutic value to
that improves digestion, resists pathogens, and
your broth.
improves nutrient assimilation. Enjoy your very
• Add a small handful of sea vegetables for
nutritious and delicious immune-boosting soup!
a host of helpful minerals.
• Add enough water to make it the consistency you desire.
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Immune-Boosting Beverages
Oat water can help strengthen the immune
system and prevent infection. Simmer 2 tablespoons (10 g) of oats in a quart (946 ml) of
water and simmer 30 minutes. Strain and sip as
an immune tonic.
Although it’s best to avoid drinking fruit juice
that is excessively sweet (eat the fruit instead),
occasional cranberry juice can be helpful in
Astragalus: Deep immune tonic. Rich in polysac-
Codonopsis: Deep immune tonic. Helps build
charides. Strengthens wei chi (defense energy).
red blood cells. Enhances transformation of
Increases phagocytosis, interferon, T-cell activ-
white blood cells into T cells. For autoimmune
ity, and blood cell production. Prevents atrophy
The best food for the immune system is
disorders. Strengthens weak systems. Tonifies
of immune tissues. For autoimmune disorders.
breast milk. If you missed out on this as
kidneys and adrenals. Adaptogen, chi tonic,
Adaptogen and chi tonic.
and nutritive.
Baptisia: High in polysaccharides that increase
Dandelion root: Improves spleen function.
phagocytosis. For both lymphatic swelling and
Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
Mother Nature’s
News
an infant, you can’t replace it, but at least
nurse your own children so they can benefit
from this perfect immune-enhancing food.
deep inflammation. Antiseptic and surface
immune tonic.
Lemon in water can provide health benefits for
Black walnut leaves, nut, bark: Contains juglone,
its hyaluronidase, making cells more resistant to
the immune system. When you feel an infection
which has activity against candida, staph, and
pathogens. Increases activity of phagocytes and
coming on, choose herbal teas with immune-
strep. Alterative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
macrophages. For acute infections. Alterative
and antiseptic.
antifungal, antiseptic.
Boneset: Increases resistance to bacterial and
Eleuthero: Increases T-helper cells and
viral infections. Used to break up fevers, colds,
enhances white blood cells. Improves nonspe-
and flu. Immune enhancing by inducing sweat-
cific resistance to disease. Reduces cell inflam-
ing so that toxins are eliminated through the
mation and improves endurance. Adaptogen,
skin. Diaphoretic, febrifuge, immune stimulant,
anti-inflammatory, and chi tonic.
strengthening properties.
Make a health cocktail by adding 1 tablespoon
each of apple cider vinegar (15 ml) and honey
(20 g) with ⁄4 teaspoon ginger powder stirred
1
into a cup (235 ml) of hot water to ward off
infections.
Helpful Herbs for
Immune Function
from A-Z
A bounty of herbs that have been tested by various world cultures over the millennia can help
to boost immune health. These herbs are antimicrobial and stimulate both macrophage and
Green juices such as wheatgrass, barley grass,
interferon production and helper T cells. Inhib-
and tonic.
T-cell activity. Your health practitioner, herbal-
Garlic: Kills a wide range of disease-causing
and kamut grass are high in chlorophyll, build
ist, naturopath, or local health food store owner
Burdock root, seed: Antiseptic and antifungal
the blood, speed up wound healing time, and
can guide you in your purchase and tell you how
due to polyacetylenes. Bone marrow tonic.
and protozoans. Increases body’s resistance to
to use each herb and what to expect.
Adaptogen, alterative, anti-inflammatory,
infection. Protects against epidemics. Surface
diaphoretic, nutritive, and rejuvenative.
immune herb. Alterative, antioxidant, immune
condition or health issues, talk to your health
Cat’s claw: Activates macrophages, lympho-
stimulant, and vasodilator.
practitioner before using these herbs.
cytes, and leukocytes. Inhibits blood platelet
Ginseng Asian, American: Bone marrow tonic
aggregation. Antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
that restores production of cells. Enhances
antioxidant, antiseptic, and antiviral.
phagocytosis and increases immunoglobulins.
Adaptogen, immune stimulant, nutritive,
Cayenne: High in vitamin C. Stimulates endor-
Promotes lymphocytic transformation and
and rejuvenative.
phin production. Alterative, anti-inflammatory,
help make us more resistant to infection. Also
beneficial are the algaes—chlorella, spirulina,
and blue-green algae. Chlorella has been found
to be antiviral and stimulating to interferon
production.
Note: If you are pregnant or have a specific
Ashwagandha: Strengthening tonic. Calms
the mind. Improves exhaustion and fatigue.
antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral,
carminative, and circulatory tonic.
138
Echinacea: High in polysaccharides. Stimulates
decreasing bacterial levels in the urine.
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organisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi,
production of red and white blood cells.
Contains germanium. Adaptogen, chi tonic,
and digestive tonic.
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Goldenseal: Surface immune herb. Reduces
Propolis: Effective against bacteria, virus, and
Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
Panothenic acid reduces histamine response. It
infection in mucous membranes. Stimulates
fungi. Strengthens the thyroid and thymus
Both beta-carotene and vitamin A can help
also nourishes and protects the adrenal glands
circulation to the spleen and activates macro-
glands. Rich in flavonoids. Enhances white
strengthen our immune systems by improving
and promotes antibody production.
phages. Contains berberine, which stimulates
blood cell activity.
the health of our mucous membranes, making
us more resistant to airborne and intestinal
Niacin (B3) dilates blood vessels, which may
Reishi: Deep immune tonic. Improves cellular
macrophage activity. Active against a wide
range of pathogens. Alterative, antifungal,
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and
bitter tonic.
invaders. These nutrients are also believed to
immunity. Immunoregulator. Stimulates phago-
stimulate the thymus gland to produce T cells
cytosis and increases resistance to bacterial,
help leukocytes to move through blood vessel
walls.
parasitic, and viral infection. Inhibits histamine
needed in preventing infection.
Lemon balm: Antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic,
and activates interferon. Adaptogen, anti-inflam-
Vitamin A helps killer cells digest invaders.
The sunshine vitamin is also an antioxidant
digestive tonic, nervine, and rejuvenative.
matory, and antiseptic.
Diets high in beta-carotene appear to help make
that strengthens the body’s resistance to infec-
Lemongrass: Shows activity against gram-posi-
Schizandra: Decreases fatigue and increase the
us more resistant to cancers of the cervix, colon,
tion. Vitamin C helps protect white blood cells,
tive bacteria. Antiseptic, antiviral, diaphoretic,
body’s resistance to infection. Improves oxygen
lung, prostate, and stomach. Both nutrients help
boosts macrophage activity, and raises inter-
and digestive tonic.
metabolism. For bone marrow regeneration,
to make an enzyme called lysozyme that attacks
feron levels as well as thymic hormones and
Licorice: Inhibits viral growth and inactivates
liver protection.
germs landing on mucous membranes.
antibody levels. Vitamin C also helps to
virus particles. Increases number of antibodies
Shiitake: Bone marrow tonic. Rich in polysac-
and efficiency of white blood cells. Stimulates
charides. Stimulates activity of macrophages,
B Vitamins
Because our skin is one of our first lines of
production of interferon, slows tumor growth,
interferon, and natural killer cells. Adaptogen,
Taking a B-complex vitamin can help your body
defense, vitamin C is needed for collagen pro-
and improves adrenal health. Anti-inflammatory,
antiviral, immune stimulant, kidney and liver
stay well. Vitamin B1 works as an antioxidant
duction and wound healing (see sidebar on page
antiseptic, and chi tonic.
tonic, rejuvenative, and restorative.
and preserves the potency of T cells. A B1 defi-
Myrrh: Surface immune herb. Increases both the
Thyme: Helps deter bacterial, fungal, and viral
ciency can lead to a decrease in B- and T-cell
number and motility of white blood cells. Nor-
infections. Antifungal, antiseptic, diaphoretic,
production.
malizes mucous membrane activity and inhibits
rejuvenative, tonic, and vulnerary.
B2 and B6 aid in the production of antibodies
help the body resist infection. Bioflavonoids
Usnea: Usnic acid has been found more effective
that fight infection. B6 helps increase white
have antiviral activity and improve the effective-
than penicillin against staph and strep. Usnic
blood cell production.
ness of vitamin C. Quercetin, also part of the
acid disrupts their ability to produce energy,
B12 and folic acid are needed for the production
C complex, has antiviral activity. Pycnogenol
Nettle: Rich in chlorophyll. Natural antihista-
and they die. Herbal broad-spectrum antibiotic.
of white blood cells and lymphocyte activity.
has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to
mine. Strengthens kidneys and spleen. Alter-
Surface immune herb. Antifungal, antiseptic,
Folic acid enhances T cells’ ability to digest
transport vitamin C.
ative, circulatory stimulant, nutritive, and tonic.
and immune stimulant.
invaders.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and free-radical
infection. Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, carminative, decongestant, and
rejuvenative.
Vitamin C
detoxify histamine.
143 for more advice on taking care of your skin).
Bioflavonoids
Taking vitamin C with bioflavonoids can also
P’au d’arco: Contains lapachol, which has been
scavenger that increases helper T cells and
found effective against gram-positive, acid-fast
antibody response. It also strengthens the
bacteria and fungi. Increases red blood cells.
membranes of macrophages.
Deep immune herb. Antifungal, alterative, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral,
and immune stimulant.
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Immune-Boosting Minerals
Many minerals can help improve immune function. For example, selenium, an antioxidant, is
necessary for antibody production and potentiates phagocytes to kill bacteria. Germanium
has antiviral and antitumor activity. It’s also an
antioxidant that helps activate macrophages and
killer cells.
Magnesium produces properdin, a blood
Are You Missing
These Two Nutrients?
Use Aromatherapy
to Boost Immunity
The Effect of Stress
on Your Immune System
Essential oils can help improve immunity when
When we are stressed, fatigued, and under-
Not getting enough copper and iron can
used in the bath, in diffusers, or in massage.
nourished, our immune system has a difficult
Consider the antiviral properties of cinnamon,
time doing its job. Stress is one of the greatest
garlic, oregano, tea tree, and thyme. Both
hazards for the immune system, as it inhibits
patchouli and tea tree oil have antifungal
interferon production. Emotions associated with
properties.
a weakened immune system include anxiety,
Antibacterial essential oils include balsam of
bereavement (see chapter 11), depression, guilt,
diminish immune function. You need copper for antibody production, and an iron
deficiency can make you more prone to
infection and decrease the number of B
and T lymphocytes.
Peru, bergamot, cinnamon, cedarwood, clove,
isolation, loss, and loneliness.
also helps prevent thymus gland atrophy and
lavender, lemon, orange, oregano, pine, tea tree,
Meditation, prayer, and inspirational readings
improves phagocytosis.
and thyme. Antiseptic properties are found in
are all good ways to relieve stress. Practice right
essential oils of clary sage, grapefruit, lemon,
living, positive thinking, and healthy relation-
lime, marjoram, and sage.
ships for a healthy immune system. Be aware of
protein that helps fight viruses and bacteria. It
Zinc has been found to have inhibiting effects
on viral replication. It also helps increase natural killer cell activity in smokers. Zinc nourishes
the thymus gland, which will shrink if zinc is
deficient. Zinc also produces histamine, which
dilates capillaries so that white blood cells can
rush to the area of infection.
L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that
negative thoughts and answer them with a more
helps in the production of antibodies. The liver
constructive view. Have creative outlets and a
uses it to detoxify chemicals and pollutants that
job you enjoy. Avoid disciplines so rigid that
can weaken the immune system.
they stress you out. For more ways to relieve
L-lysine has antiviral properties.
stress, see chapter 2.
L-phenylalanine, if deficient, can make antibodies less effective.
More Nutrients for
Better Immune Health
Not getting enough coenzyme Q10 is linked to an
Take Care of the Skin You’re In
impaired immune function. You need it to boost
the activity of immune cells.
The skin is often referred to as one of our first lines
Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps to neu-
of defense, because it serves as a barrier to possible
tralize and get rid of free radicals. If its levels
invaders and its natural oil content helps to inacti-
are low, T cells cannot function.
vate microbes. Take care of small wounds; use a
Taking probiotics such as acidophilus as a
daily supplement of fish or hemp seed oil, which has
supplement can help inhibit candida, which
immune-enhancing, T-cell-activating, and anti-inflam-
contributes to a weakened immune system.
matory properties so the skin will be well lubricated;
practice dry brush skin massaging; wear natural-fiber
L-arginine increases lymphocyte activity in the
clothing that is not constricting; and sleep in natural-
blood. It can help improve immune functions
fiber bedding so the skin can breathe.
that have been compromised by disease and/or
surgery.
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1. Use cold water in the shower. If you feel
brave, try ending your showers with cold water.
This constricts blood vessels on the surface,
sending blood deeper into the body, facilitating the removal of toxins, and increasing the
production of T-cells.
Chapter 10
Skip This!
c
Important Advice
for Improving Immunity
Exposure to radiation destroys B cells.
Overexposure to electromagnetic pollution
may also have an adverse effect upon the
immune system. Avoid having your sleeping area contaminated by electric blankets,
water bed heaters, digital clocks, and
2. During inclement weather dress warm. It is
Reduce
cHRONIc PAIN
other electronic paraphernalia.
especially important to protect the kidneys,
head, and feet. Overexposure to wind and
temperature extremes can also weaken the
immune system.
3. Sunbathing can suppress the immune system
for up to fifteen days and decrease lymphocyte
activity.
4. Consider removing mercury fillings and
doing it right. Exposure to heavy metals can
weaken the immune system by inhibiting
antibody response and T-cell activity. Minimize
your chemical exposure.
5. Removing organs unnecessarily, such as the
tonsils and appendix, which are part of the
immune system, can increase stress on the rest
8. Find ways to stay active. Get outside and
enjoy sports or just tromp around. Yoga, chi
One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life.
kung, and tai chi can be done indoors during
That word is love.
any kind of weather. Exercise, but not to exhaus-
—Sophocles
tion. Practice deep breathing! Dance!
9. Practice visualization. See yourself in good
health and well-being.
One hundred million people in the United States suffer pain
10. Allow yourself to rest and recover. We can’t
daily. Pain is Nature’s way of giving us clues to our body’s
always avoid every cold that comes our way.
When you can, give yourself the opportunity to
ailments so that we can do something about them. But that
rest, recover, and nurture yourself to wellness.
doesn’t mean that it’s easy to deal with. Chronic pain, espe-
of the immune system.
cially, can be difficult both mentally and emotionally. Natural
6. Take care of minor infections so that big ones
remedies can provide relief from mild to moderate pain and
don’t have to clamor for your attention.
7. Get enough sleep. During sleep immune-spe-
make way for healing. If your pain does not abate, however,
cific chemicals are released in the body. You’ll
it’s important to see your health care practitioner.
find more information in chapter 5.
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