Immune System Importance and Boosters

[Guest guest]

Nutritional Immunology A Healthy Immune System is Essential to a Long, Healthy

Life

By Kevin Cronin

By Dec 1 2009 - 1:23pm

 

According to most longevity experts, the human body can easily remain vital for

as long as 100 years, or longer, if given the proper balance of nutrients,

exercise, and restful, regenerative sleep. For the first time, in June of 2000,

the World Health Organization (WHO) calculated the " healthy life " expectancy for

all nations. The " healthy life " expectancy is the expected number of years to be

lived in what might be termed the equivalent of " full health " . Previously, life

expectancy estimates were based on the overall length of life only, without

considering the quality of one's health.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that the Japanese have the longest

healthy life expectancy of the 191 countries ranked. The rest of the top 10

nations were Australia, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland,

Monaco, and Andorra. The United States rated a disappointing 24th. In the United

States, it seems, we have been able to prolong life, but not necessarily

improved the quality of that longer life.

 

If it is true that the human body is designed to last 100 years or more, why

aren't we living longer? What are we doing wrong that is speeding us to an

earlier than necessary demise, in most cases? What can we do right to preserve

our health and youth, and live longer, more vibrant lives?

 

When we get sick, oftentimes we are told by our doctor that we have a virus

(most commonly a cold or flu virus). But do you always get sick when you are

exposed, or infected with a virus? NO! Some of us actually carry the virus in

our bodies, and pass it onto others we come in contact with, without ever

getting sick ourselves. Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people around the

world die from the common cold virus. But some people get nothing more than a

sniffle, or nothing at all, even though they have been exposed to (or infected

with) the cold virus. Why is it that being infected does not necessarily mean

being sick?

 

The answer is the human immune system. It is your immune system, if it is

strong, that prevents you from getting sick even after you have been exposed to

(or infected by) a virus. Even after everyone else around you has gotten sick, a

strong immune system can keep you healthy.

 

The immune system is like an army protecting a country. No single drug or group

of drugs can replace your immune system. No medication can be as effective as a

healthy immune system at warding off disease or illness. Many factors contribute

to maintaining a healthy immune system, capable of protecting your body from

illness. Proper nutrition is probably the most important, as your immune system

needs the proper fuel to build and feed its army.

 

 

PHYTONUTRIENTS

In recent years, the phytonutrients found in many vegetables and fruits, have

been identified as key ingredients for boosting the immune system.

Phytochemicals inhibit the progression of cell mutation, a big help to an immune

system trying to keep the growth of cancerous cells in check. The National

Cancer Institute has spent in excess of $20 million over the past five years

researching the anti-cancer potential of plant foods. Some of the foods and

herbs with the highest levels of anti-cancer phytochemicals include soybeans,

garlic, cabbage, ginger, carrots, celery, licorice, broccoli, cauliflower,

tomatoes, peppers, brown rice, whole wheat, cucumber, cantaloupe, and berries.

 

 

ANTIOXIDANTS

Also important to proper immune system function are the high levels of

antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables, especially grapeseed, pink

grapefruit, oranges, lemons, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, and mangoes.

Antioxidants delay aging and prevent cancer by destroying free radicals. Free

radicals cause cell damage, and if left unchecked, lead to the proliferation of

cancerous cells.

 

 

POLYSACCHARIDES

More recently, the polysaccharides found in certain strains of mushrooms, most

notably shitake, reishi, mahtake, chaga, and enoki, have been found to

significantly boost the anti-cancer activity of t-cells and natural killer cells

in the immune system. The t-cells tag the mutant cells to be destroyed, and the

natural killer cells destroy them, preventing the spread of cancerous growth.

 

 

PLANT FOODS VS. ANIMAL FOODS

Plant food sources (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) are rich in

phytonutrients, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. Animal foods, such as meat,

contain high levels of prostoglandins, which weaken the immune system. Animal

protein also causes an increased loss of calcium through the urine, the result

of calcium leeching from skeletal bones. An alternative to the animal protein in

meat is the plant protein found in soy (tofu, soymilk, edamame), and other beans

and nuts. Even peanut butter is a good source of plant protein.

 

 

OTHER FACTORS

Many cultures promote the drinking of coffee or tea on a daily basis. The

caffeine in these drinks stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart

rate and promoting insomnia. And while smoking tobacco causes direct damage to

human DNA, caffeine consumption significantly slows down the DNA repair

mechanism. Unfortunately, decaffeinated coffee is not much better, as the

chemical process used to extract the caffeine leaves carcinogenic chemicals in

the coffee. Herbal teas are a safer alternative.

 

Proper exercise, even just walking for 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week could

decrease the incidence of most diseases by up to 40%, according to recent

research from Harvard University. Proper hydration (water intake), and a regular

schedule of restful, regenerative sleep help to keep the immune system

functioning properly.

 

And finally, your attitude plays a major role in your overall health, as well.

Individuals who maintain a positive, happy outlook are 100 times less likely to

get sick compared to their stressed, unhappy counterparts. So eat, sleep, and

drink healthy, exercise regularly, and remain optimistic, in spite of the stress

around you, and you will be well on your way to a longer, healthier, and happier

life, maybe even until your 100th birthday!!!

 

Author's Bio

PT, ATC, JSCC

Source URL:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/nutritional_immunology_a_healthy_immune_syste\

m_is_essential_to_a_long_healthy_life

 

Bestwishes,

Scarlet

http://www.momswearyourtees.com