Restore and Maintain a Healthy Immune System

By: Dr Michelle Honda Ph.D.

All aspects of our lives impact the immune system. Raising the integrity of this system will ensure the future health of those already well, lessen the frequency of infections, speed up recovery time from illness and improve chronic disease.

As with optimizing our health, strengthening the immune system is achieved through diet, lifestyle, exercise, rest and attitude. Symptoms of immune weakness include fatigue, recurring colds, lingering illness, weakness and weight loss. Relaxation will enhance your immune system, while sugar will depress the system for six hours after ingesting it.

THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS TO REBUILDING IMMUNE FUNCTION

Firstly, recognize the importance of adequate sleep – eight hours for a normal non-stressed person. And for those with serious aliments, ten hours or more are needed daily to rejuvenate the immune system. Turn the TV off before sleeping & do not eat late or do vigorous exercise before bed. Do relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing or meditative audio CDs.

We may not have control over the vast number of pollutants in our environment, but we can avoid many other chemicals over which we do have control. Toxic substances including alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, heavy metals, medications and unnecessary drugs weaken this defense system.

Alcohol depletes antioxidants, along with B vitamins, C and zinc. Antibiotics impair white blood cell function and disrupts bowel flora. Caffeine, like alcohol is a diuretic which leaches vital nutrients from our bodies.

THE GOOD NEWS IS…

The immune system responds quickly when given the essential nutrients needed to keep this complex system strong. Nutrients particularly crucial are carotenoids, powerful antioxidants found in carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, apricots and peaches. Carotenoids including beta carotene stimulate the natural killer cell activity and antibody responses. Vitamins A, E and selenium protect the white blood cells from free radical damage. Reports show one molecule of beta carotene can destroy up to 1000 harmful free radicals.

KEY NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS TO RESTORING YOUR IMMUNITY

Vitamin C assists the thymus gland to produce T cells. Rich sources include all fresh fruits and vegetables. Zinc is needed for T cell production often deficient in the diet. Zinc is abundant in nuts and seeds, particularly raw pumpkin seeds and brazil nuts, whole grains and leafy green vegetables. The essential fatty acids (EFA’s) found in cold pressed oils like flax seed oil, walnut oil, evening primrose oil and salmon oil contain linoleic acids, vital in many metabolic functions.

Probiotics, “lactobacillus acidophilus” known as friendly flora play an essential role in our defense system. Supplement your diet with fresh, plain yogurt, kefir or the freeze dried capsule form.

To lighten up the load on the lymph system and boost immunity, decrease dairy, protein, starches and sugars. Increase your daily intake of whole grains - consider all colours of the rainbow when buying fruits and vegetables. Eat more raw foods.

Exercise and sunshine will strengthen your immune system. Get out and enjoy any form of recreational activity that brightens your mood.

Stress inducing thoughts can develop mental habits. The way we think will affect how we feel, even look. Feelings of gratitude will transmit happiness and contentment.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

For additional support to a healthier defense system, stimulate the elimination channels with detoxifying therapies. This will build resistance to disease and slow the aging process.

To learn more about ways to improve your health and wellness from Dr Michelle Honda or to learn more about Acai Nutritional Special Blend Beverage, visit http://www.michellehonda.com Dr. Michelle Honda is Holistic Doctor (natural and preventative medicine) in private practice at Renew You Holistic Health in Ancaster - Hamilton Ontario Canada. She holds a Ph.D. D.Sc. in holistic health sciences, holds an advanced nutrition degree (RNCP), is a Master Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. In her private practice, she is available via telephone for health  consultations. For more details visit http://www.renewyou.ca or call the clinic at 1-905-304-0111. Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved. Reprints are acceptable ONLY if the entire article remains intact, including the author resource box!