The Body’s Protective Force
The immune system is responsible for protecting us against billions of bacteria, viruses, toxins, free radicals, and other parasites. The lymph system, which is part of the immune system, works closely with the blood, particularly the white blood cells, and is responsible for removing waste and harmful particles. The areas of our body that come into contact with the outside environment, like our skin, mucous membranes, nose, eyes, and the lining of our lungs, are the body’s first line of defense. If these areas are not successful, then a team of cells within the immune system goes to work to protect our bodies. Far Infrared Products work with the body to build and support a healthy immune system.
Cells of the Immune System
- Phagocytes find and eat bacteria, viruses, and dead or injured body cells.
- Lymphocytes are white blood cells (T-cells and B-cells) that originate in the bone marrow and move to every organ in the body.
- Helper T-cells are the drivers and coordinators of the immune system, responsible for activating B-cells and killer T-cells.
- Killer T-cells are responsible for attacking cells in the body that are infected by viruses and possibly bacteria. It searches cells it comes in contact with and destroys the ones that are infected.
- B-cells search for foreign substances called antigens that trigger the immune response in the body. B-cells divide and produce antibodies that directly destroy antigens, neutralize toxins, and/or incapacitate viruses, thereby preventing these invaders from infecting new cells.
- Memory Cells are produced in addition to antibodies when the B-cells divide. Each memory cell has a long lifespan and retains the biological signatures of the viruses that have invaded the body. The T-cells produce memory cells that can recognize intruders after an even longer span of time. When the same intruder attempts to enter the body again, the memory cells activate quickly, eliminating the invader before the body typically experiences any symptoms.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a vital component of our immune system, comprising a multifaceted network that supports the body’s immune defenses. It consists of the following:
- Lymph Vessels are found in almost all parts of the body. These vessels are responsible for cleaning the body by removing excess fluid, foreign particles, and other materials.
- Lymph Nodes are small, bean-shaped knots of lymphatic tissue and vessels. They are located in the groin, armpits, and neck area. These nodes produce and store immune cells and lymphocytes, and also serve as a cleanup station. As the lymph fluid passes through the node, bacteria and invading organisms are filtered out from the lymph fluid and then destroyed. As the fluid leaves the node, it picks up more immune cells to circulate throughout the body.
- Tonsils and adenoids monitor the mouth, which is a primary entrance to the body. They also serve as a location to produce more lymphocytes, trap germs, take care of local infection,n and kill bacteria that enter the mouth.
- The Spleen is about the size of a fist and is located under the left side of the rib cage. It is a main filter of the blood and is responsible for cleaning the blood by removing old, worn-out red blood cells and abnormal cells. The spleen also removes microbes and debris from the bloodstream, stores and produces lymphocytes, and then produces antibodies.
- The Thymus is located just behind the sternum and shrinks when we age. In our early years, it is larger because it programs the way our bodies will resist infection. It also produces B-cells and T-cells and contains a large number of lymphocytes. It also offers an area for T-cells to mature.
Threats to our Immune System
- Bacteria are complete organisms that reproduce by cell division. The majority of bacteria can exist independently; however, some live in or on other organisms, such as humans. Many bacteria that live off our bodies produce toxins that damage us. However, not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria are beneficial to the body and perform important functions throughout the body.
- Viruses need a host cell to survive. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own, so they take over control of the cells and mislead those cells into propagating new viruses that can then infect other cells. During this process, the host cell will often be destroyed.
- Toxins and free radicals. A toxin is any substance or agent that causes an abnormal reaction in the body. Common types of toxins are chemicals, cleaning agents, mold, pollutants, and pesticides. Toxins cause free radical damage, and toxins promote many of the diseases we face today. Free radicals steal an electron from a cell, disrupting it and making it unstable. This results in a chain reaction that moves from cell to cell. Free radicals are capable of damaging DNA and suppressing the body’s immune system. Immune cells, such as T-cells and natural killer cells, are susceptible and can then be suppressed in their activity. Many diseases have been traced to toxic overload.
Avoiding Toxic Overload
Four simple things you can do to reduce your body’s exposure to toxins.
- Reduce the amount of pre-packaged meals and processed foods you eat. These types of food contain preservatives and chemical additives.
- Eat organic produce. If you can’t eat organic produce, thoroughly clean your fruits and vegetables to ensure you remove any pesticides that may have been applied.
- Drink filtered water.
- Use natural cosmetics, creams, and household cleaners, and opt for products without artificial fragrances.
What we do affects our immune system
Our bodies and our immune systems are influenced by the choices we make. The following areas have a significant impact on our immune system.
- Stress has been defined as any type of change that causes a physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Numerous studies have highlighted the negative impact of stress on the immune system. Researchers have noted that even small amounts of day-to-day stress can confuse the immune system, potentially causing it to turn against itself.
- Food Choices are crucial to our immune system and are the most important factor in immune system health. If you do not eat nutritious, balanced meals, it can seriously weaken your immune system. Additionally, a balanced diet provides you with more energy, mental clarity, increased stamina, and a more positive attitude.
- Sleep studies have shown that adults need an average of 8 hours of sleep each night. Most people do not get enough sleep, and the lack of sleep affects our sleep cycle. During our sleep cycle, our bodies produce melatonin and prolactin. These two hormones stimulate the production of immune cells, which help eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Without the proper sleep cycle, our bodies do not produce these hormones.
- Water is the largest compound found in the body. Approximately fifty to sixty percent of our body weight is composed of water. Our lymphatic system is where our bodies store excess fluid. According to the Mayo Clinic, every system in our body depends on water. Water flushes out toxins and helps carry nutrients to our cells.
- Mental Attitude – Many health practitioners believe that our mental attitude has a direct connection to our physical well-being. Our thoughts and attitudes influence our bodies’ performance, especially our immune systems. With today’s technologies, neuroscience can now track the sequence of reactions through which harmful thoughts unleash destruction in the body. Worry, anxiety, fear, and anger create the strongest responses.
- Exercise is necessary for the lymphatic system to function properly, as its movement depends on osmotic pressure. The lymphatic fluid is only active if we are active.
Dealing with chronic pain for over 30 years and not always making good choices, I can attest to the fact that the choices we make do directly affect us. We are what we eat, think, say, and do! A friend of mine who was fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma wore an embroidered hat that said, “Attitude is Everything.” Without a healthy attitude, we won’t have a healthy body. The more we are aware of how things affect us, the more control we will have. Give your immune system a boost and support your immune system with Nature’s Sunshine. You can also take our Brilliant Body Health Assessment to help you determine which body system is in most need of support.