A healthy immune system is he most important function your body performs to keep you healthy and free from illness. It protects your body against bacteria and viral infections, destroying cancer cells and foreign substances. If it weakens, its ability to defend the body also weakens, allowing pathogens to grow and flourish. It manufactures proteins called antibodies and produces T-cells specifically designed to target particular pathogens so the body can develop a specific immunity to these pathogens.
Here are some symptoms or health problems that indicate your immune system is not working very well and may need boosting:
There is also some research that indicates that heart disease may be caused by immune system dysfunction as well. Below is just a sample of some chronic diseases caused by a malfunctioning immune system.
If you want to learn more about the immune system, there's an excellent article at the "How Stuff Works" Web site. This is an easy to understand article with lots of information about how your immune system works.
Colostrum and Transfer Factors -- Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced in a mother's mammary glands. It is collected between 24 and 48 hours after birth. The type of colostrum that is usually used in supplements comes from cows, goats or sheep. Cows are the most popular source.
Here is a quote about transfer factors:
"Transfer factors are tiny molecules found in colostrum which provide 'immune knowledge' from a mother's immune system to her baby used in recognizing and fighting outside threats. By transferring information from cell to cell, transfer factors serve as 'teachers' to the new cells, ensuring a strong immune system capable of surviving, even thriving, in its new environment." Greg B. Wilson, Ph.D. and James B. Daily, Jr., Ph.D.
N-acetylcysteine or N-A-C -- Increasing glutathione levels is one of the most important things you can do to improve your immunity. Below is an article explaining its importance and how to increase your glutathione levels using N-acetylcysteine or N-A-C.
Dietary supplement helps to keep immune system balanced
Echinacea -- Echinacea activates white blood cells. It may also increase the production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections. For this reason echinacea has traditionally been used for colds and flues.
Beta - 1,3/1,6-Glucan -- Beta-glucan enhances the immune system and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown beta-glucan to activate white blood cells. Research reveals that beta-1,3-glucan is very effective in activating white blood cells called macrophages and neutrophils. They provide one of the first lines of defense against invaders. An activated macrophage or neutrophil can kill tumor cells as well as activate other parts of the immune system.
Curcumin -- Curcumin is an extract from turmeric which is a spice used in India for cooking and dishes such as curry. Curcumin is especially known as a free radical scavenger and has been shown to protect DNA from oxidative damage. There is ongoing research on curcumin and its effects on cancer, Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.
Vitamin C -- Here's an article that will give you more information about vitamin C:
Vitamin C – The Immune Empowerer
Cordyceps -- Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom from China. It helps increase stamina and energy levels and is one of the best selling sports supplements. It is also used to build up the immune system in several immune compromised conditions such as chronic fatigue, cancer and asthma. Read below to find out more about cordyceps:
Chinese Herbs - Cordyceps for Stamina and Vitality
From Ellen --
Rainforest Treasure Tea: A tasty tea blend of 6 medicinal herbs. I can count on it to end a cold, flu or bronchitis now! These herbs boost the immune system, are effective against bacteria, viruses of all sorts, fungus, mold, including candida, parasites, kidney stones, gall stones and gastro-intestinal difficulties. It gives me calm balanced energy and mental focus with no caffeine. I have been drinking this tea for five years during which various health concerns have disappeared.
