Boost Your Immune System So Your Body Fights Invaders As You Age

The body has its own defense system called the immune system. The immune system is the one that fights disease. It is the first line of defense for things such as the common cold to more complicated disease such as cancer. Having a healthy immune system helps us stay healthy. Finding healthy immune boosters will ensure the immune system stays healthy.

The components of our body’s immune system are bone marrow, the thymus, the spleen and the lymph nodes. There are cells that are part of the immune system as well. Cells such as T-cells, natural killer cells, B Cells, Granulocytes, Macrophages and Dendritic are key components. These all work together to form a complex response when the body requires one against disease, bacteria and germs.

When the immune system is activated they work to eradicate the invaders, no matter what they are. The immune system is a vital part of our good health. We need it in optimum condition to stay healthy and happy. There are measurable things we can do to build our immune system, and they are tracked in the form of good health and not getting sick. Do you hear people say that they have not been sick in a very long time? Chances are that these folks are making good choices in regard to nutrition and other factors that are keeping them healthy.

Our first course of action is to keep our overall health in the best shape we can. This means we eat a healthy well-rounded diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Ensure there is enough protein in the diet as well. Lean meat, poultry and fish are excellent sources of protein. Low fat dairy and cheese also provide the body with essential nutrients. If it is hard to get these items integrated in your daily diet, a high quality soy protein shake is an excellent choice for optimal nutrition from protein.

It is also essential we keep our bodies in the best shape. The healthier we are the better our immune system will function. You should have heard the following recommendations from many sources. They are not just words, they have truth for good health. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly and drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Avoid things that are bad for your body. Excess alcohol, drugs and tobacco can negatively impact the body’s health and the immune system. These are things that will aid in building a healthy immune system.

Two very important minerals that affect the immune system are zinc and magnesium. Both are needed for a healthy immune system. Unfortunately these are two minerals we often lack in our daily diet. Zinc can be found in foods such as lean beef and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium can be found in dark green vegetables, nuts and grains. There are recommended daily allowances for all vitamins and minerals although even many doctors now feel that they are too low because they are seeing more deficiencies when patients have blood work performed.

There are herbs that will also act as immune boosters. Millions of dollars are spent every year fighting the flu and the common cold. One herb you can take to strengthen your immune system and fight off these two culprits is Echinacea. It is commonly called the coneflower. It grows wild and is cultivated in North America. Studies at the University of Connecticut show taking Echinacea can cut the chance of getting a cold nearly in half. It will also shorten the duration of suffering a cold or the flu. It is thought to be an Immunostimulant, a fancy title for an immune system booster.

Interferon treatments are used to manage many diseases. Interferon therapy is used in tandem with radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients. It is also used in Multiple Sclerosis and Hepatitis C treatments. Russia and Eastern Europe use interferon in low doses to treat common ailments of cold and the flu. There are very effective natural interferon supplements that are used safely to boost immune systems, help with allergies, asthma and other immune related challenges. Natural interferon does not have the side effects associated with more potent interferon.

Many people take ginseng to boost their immune system. It has been shown to help prevent and get rid of bacterial infections. Though there are no studies to back up the claim, it is said using ginseng for chronic diseases increases immune activities. Diseases such as chronic fatigue and chronic bronchitis have been treated with Korean ginseng with pleasing results.

On a daily basis our immune system is at work. We come in contact with germs, bacteria and viruses continuously. Our big fears are disease, such as cancer and hepatitis. The healthier our immune system is, the better it is able to fight off the common and the more feared diseases. The more you do to boost your immune system the healthier you can be. n