There has been an increase in viral infections in our local community recently. This has prompted us to provide a short description of the immune system, in response to some of your questions.
The immune system is an intricately connected network of specialized cells and organs which work very much like a powerful, computerized defense system. The system is on 24 hour a day alert and its primary mission is to protect our health by detecting, identifying, mobilizing the forces, and destroying harmful and/or foreign substances e.g. virus, bacteria. Some of the principle cells and organs of the immune system are the lymphoid tissues, the thymus gland, the spleen, bone marrow, the tonsils and adenoids, and the white blood cells. Part of our immunity is inherited and the rest we obtain through our immune system's responses to foreign substances we encounter as we go through life. This amazing defense system remembers every disease, foreign body, virus, etc. we have ever been exposed to and is capable of producing millions of different antibodies, each antibody programmed to seek out and destroy a specific invader when it is detected. When our immune system is working at its optimal level, we are able to enjoy life and good health.
But like any government defense system, it cannot work without funding; without funds, there is no defense system and the country is vulnerable to invaders. Similarly, our immune system cannot operate without adequate funds; these funds are the nutrients you take in when you eat. The problem is we don't always take in enough nutrients e.g. dieting, poor digestion, poor appetite, etc. Or, we don't take in the proper nutrients e.g. over-processed foods, foods grown in nutrient poor soils, pesticide residues, food preservatives, genetically modified foods, etc. So, our personal defense systems can be weakened and we become vulnerable to infections, diseases, etc.
The immune system's effectiveness can also be weakened by conditions such as increased stress; carcinogens as found in pollution & radiation; malnutrition - as in vitamin, mineral, healthy fat deficiencies; negative thinking; pain; aging or under-active glands or organs; and some medication effects. When the immune system is weak or depleted, not surprisingly, health problems can develop. These may mean an increased number or severity of colds/infections, autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, unnoticed cell growths as in cancers, etc.
By now, you realize that the health of your immune system is greatly affected by your lifestyle choices, your dietary habits, and your nutritional status. Nutrient deficiency is often a major factor in a weakened immune system. However, it can be quite easily rejuvenated by selecting the necessary nutrients - the source can be the proper foods or vitamin & mineral supplements; preferably both. The goal is to win the war for your good health!
- S. & A. Hidasi -
We thank our readers for their comments & suggestions. Please write us or call us @ Best of Life Resources Ltd.; PO Box 1039; Peachland, BC; or PH. 250 -767-0277 after 7:00pm |
