Your immune system

Humans have been thriving for thousands of years and fighting off all kinds of infectious disease. How is this possible? Well, let’s take a brief look at how amazing our immune defenses are.

Our bodies have several levels of defenses. Our skin is the first barrier for when a virus tries to enter. The mucous layer in our mucus membrane traps most invaders. Our tears and saliva have anti viral chemicals. If the invader still manages to get past, then there are “sentinel cells” below the outer layer ready to pounce. These sentinel cells engulf the virus and send chemical signals in the blood to call for “back up”.  White blood cells such as Macrophages and Neutrophils then rush tothe site of infection. 

If this is still not sufficient, then chemical signals cause the bone marrow to produce millions of new white blood cells every hour. These cells are part of what we call “adaptive immunity”. This army of cells goes to the lymph nodes where they are programmed to attack ONLY the new invader much like an army of assassins. Half attack directly while the other half start producing antibodies…these are like “darts” that mark and injure the infected cells. These marked cells are easy targets for the killer cells. 

Eventually the battle is won. Left over are “memory cells”. These cells last for years and stand ready to spew out antibodies should that same infection return. This is what we call “immunity”. 

How can we keep this amazing immune system as strong as possible?

1. Eat a well-balanced diet; nutrients support the immune system.
2. Keep stress low. When stressed we release “cortisol” which inhibits our immune system.
3. Get sleep. Without proper sleep, we become stressed.  

But what about supplements? While there are no miracle vitamins, you can take to make yourself 100% immune, various nutrition gurus suggest vitamin C taken several times per day, Echinacea, ginseng, Elderberry, turmeric, fish oil and a multi vitamin. These items are low cost and may help. Check with your doctor to make sure there are no contra indications.

Trust your immune system.  It kicks tail.