Immune System
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Is composed of many interdependent cell types that collectively protect the body from bacterial, parasitic, fungal, viruses, toxins, and parasites and from the growth of tumor cells. Many of these cell types have specialized functions. The cells of the immune system can engulf bacteria, kill parasites or tumor cells, or kill viral-infected cells. The organs of the immune system consists of the thymus (which produces mature T cells), spleen (an immunologic filter of the blood), lymph nodes (function as an immunologic filter for the bodily fluid known as lymph) and bone marrow (all the cells of the immune system are initially derived from the bone marrow) along with a variety of white blood cells, all protecting the body. There are 3 types of response systems in the immune system: the anatomic response, the inflammatory response, and the immune response. The anatomic response physically prevents threatening substances from entering your body. For examples, the anatomic system includes the mucous membranes and the skin. If substances do get by, the inflammatory response goes on attack. The inflammatory system works by excreting the invaders from your body. Fevers, sneezing, and runny noses are examples of the inflammatory system at work. When the inflammatory response fails, the immune response goes to work. This is the central part of the immune system and is made up of white blood cells, which fight infection. Unlike other body systems the immune system is not a group of physical structures but a system of complex interactions involving many different organs, structures and substances. The thymus gland plays a vital role in defending your body, but after puberty, the thymus gland begins to shrink. It produces a special kind of white blood cell called a T-lymphocyte. A healthy immune system will recognize and destroy tumor cells and is designed to protect us from malignancies. When a person develops cancer, the immune function has failed to provide the body with protection and for some reason, the body does not recognize malignant cells, and they are allowed to reproduce. The thymus is believed to be the source of hormones involved in the maturation of T-lymphocytes so it is crucial that we nourish and build this gland. We can supplement our diets with nutrients that include vitamin C with bioflavanoids, selenium, vitamin E, beta-carotene or Vitamin A, zinc and alpha lipoic acid. Herbs that support the thymus gland include Astragalus, Echinacea and Pau d'arco. The lymphatic system, which includes the tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes, is responsible for collecting lymph fluid and removing waste as well as producing antibodies, which are designed to kill specific organisms. This fluid must be purified by white blood cells, which destroy infections, kill microorganisms and removes cellular waste. Regular exercise also stimulates and promotes the lymphatic system. Herbs like Ginseng, Golden seal and Echinacea help support and cleanse the lymphatic system. Key immune boosting nutrients include vitamins A, vitamin C and B6, along with the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc. Some common signs of impaired immune function include fatigue, repeated infections, allergic reactions and inflammation, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea and infections that represent an overgrowth of some normally present organism such as oral thrush or yeast infections. Common immune-system concerns include viruses, bacteria, fungus, cancer, fatigue, influenza, AIDS and stress. You can do a lot to keep your defenses strong and boost your immunity.
FOODS TO HEAL: fish, chicken, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, brussel sprouts, potatoes, green beans, apricots, bananas, berries, cherries, grapes, prunes, plums, pineapple, melons, brown rice, millet
HOMEOPATHIC: Viral recovery
VITAMINS: A, C, E, B-complex
MINERALS: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Iodine, iron, chromium, zinc, selenium, silver
HERBS, PHYTONUTRIENTS & SUPPLEMENTS: AdaptaMax - Fights oxidative cellular damage. and supports the immune system. Provides energy to overcome stress and may improve mood. Anamu - joint support, boosts immunity, parasites, anti-inflammatory Caprylic Acid - has anti-fungal properties and aids yeast, candida, and provides balance of friendly bacteria Caprylimune - formula for Candida problems, builds immune system Una De Gato (Cat's Claw) - Candida, arthritis, immune booster Colloidal Silver - Immune enhancer, disables foreign invaders Colostrum with Immune Factors – Stimulates cytokines, key immunological factors. Protects the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract and promotes normal bowel function. Maintains the intestinal lining. May help boost muscle growth due to increased secretion of growth factor (IGF-1). Defense maintenance - Provides nutritional support to the immune system. Contains antioxidants and cruciferous vegetable powders. Contains essential vitamins and minerals. E-Tea - immune formula from the Ojibway Indian tribe Echinacea - natural antibiotic, infection, colds and flu Echinacea/Goldenseal - herbal antibiotic alternative, colds, flu Elderberry Defense - Promotes immune system function. Provides nutrients that create an unfavorable environment for unfriendly microbes. Garlic - antibiotic, yeast infection, colds/flu, cholesterol GC-X - supports eliminative, immune and circulatory systems Golden Seal/Parthenium - antibiotic, blood purifier, herbal insulin Grapine - grape seed and pine bark IF-C - Chinese formula, purifies blood, eliminates toxins, nourishes immune system Indole-3-Carbinol - Fights free radical damage. Protects estrogen-influenced organs. Maintains hormonal balance in cells. Immune stimulator - Strengthens the immune system. Stimulates body’s natural defenses to kill unfriendly microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, allergens, molds and parasites. Increases immunoglobulin proteins in the intestinal tract to combat foreign invaders. Acts as an antioxidant. Promotes the repair of DNA. IN-X - boosts immune, attacks invaders, soothes tissues, supports urinary Lymph Gland Cleanse - Supplies nutrients that help support glandular function. May promote better immunity. Provides an herbal source of many trace minerals. Lymphatic Drainage - Supports the lymphatic, circulatory and immune systems. Helps the body maintain a healthy network of internal vessels. Helps remove cellular waste from the body. Pau D'arco - immune enhancer from Brazil Suma Combination - It is a blend of six powerful adaptogenic herbs that bolster the immune system and provide energy and emotional support. THIM-J - increases T cell count, chronic fatigue, energy Trigger Immune - Nutritionally enhances the body’s ability to respond to weakening forces. Helps guard against nutrient depletion. Fortifies the circulatory system. VS-C - Supports the immune system. Fights off biological stressors. Strengthens the liver.
BENEFITS OF PURE ESSENTIAL OILS Enhances herbal programs. Always let your nose guide you - select the ones you are drawn to. Strengthens: Frankincense Antibacterial: Clove bud, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Myrrh, Oregano, Patchouli, Thyme, Pine needle and Tea Tree Oil Antifungal: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea Tree Oil, Thyme, Cinnamon and Bergamot Antiviral: Clove bud, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Myrrh, Oregano, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea Tree Oil, Thyme, Bergamot, Grapefruit and Mandarin
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