Support and Enhance Your Immune System
The Immune System is the only permanent cure for disease, it has four lines of defense and can handle any challenge it is given when it is strong. Supporting and enhancing the Immune System is the most important steps in achieving resistance to disease. The Immune System is a complex system that depends on the interaction of many different organs, cells, and proteins. It chief function is to identify and eliminate foreign substances such as harmful bacteria that have invaded the body. The liver, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and lymphatic system all plays vital roles in the proper functioning of the immune system. Immunity is the condition of being able to resist and overcome disease or infection, simply put immunity means freedom from disease.
“Optimal Immune function requires a healthy diet”
Food Prescription
- Rich in whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, and nuts.
- Low in fat and refined sugars (smothers the immune systems)
- Contains adequate, but not excessive amounts of protein.
– In particular studies have shown that higher fruit and vegetables consumption reduces the risk of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
-Pineapples are especially good because they contain Bromelain (is a bronchial disease protein-digesting enzyme) which helps break down thick mucus and exerts some mild antibiotic effects as well.
– Garlic also has a long history of use as an infection fighter and optimal immune functions.
-Every individual should drink five or six 8 ounce glasses of water daily
– Adults and children should be taking a basic multivitamin-mineral supplement.
-Engage in a regular exercise program (walking, jogging, running, bicycling) at least 30 minutes a day and 5-10 minutes of relaxation exercise (yoga, ta-chi, meditation, and breathing exercises).
-Take time to enjoy family, and try to get at least six to eight hours of sleep a night.
- The most damaging food: SUGAR, mainly from carbohydrates as glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and pasteurized orange juice. They significantly reduce the ability of the white blood cells to engulf and destroy bacteria. REFINED SUGARS IS VERY HARMFUL TO THE IMMUNE FUNCTION.
- Foods that enhance the immune function are: Carotene’s as well as Antioxidants, due to their ability to protect the Thymus which is responsible for many of the immune systems functions. Carotene’s and Antioxidants may ensure optimal thymus gland activity, by preventing damage to the thymus by free radicals and pro-oxidants. Beyond protecting the thymus gland, Carotene’s have been shown to enhance the function of several types of white blood cells as well as increase the Antiviral and Anticancer properties of our own immune system mediators.
- Foods high in Carotene’s include color vegetables, such as dark greens, yellow and orange squash, carrots, yams and sweet potatoes, red peppers and tomatoes: (Cabbage family vegetables) broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and mustard, radish and turnip greens. Rich berries, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, and yogurt.