Immunity 101 - By: RemediesAtHome

Strengthening your defenses against H1N1, and other invading organisms is possible.

Some feel almost helpless against the onslaught of these invaders to our health and wellness. However, there is much we can do to strengthen our defenses.

The greatest defense we have against diseases is a strong immune system. The immune system is more than one system of the body but rather virtually every part of our body. Aspects of it are throughout our entire bodies from our tonsils, to our skin, to our intestines to the antibodies and white blood cells in our blood. When our bodies are functioning smoothly with every part in balance with each other we basically have achieved homeostasis. Homeostasis allows the body to defend, restore and heal from invasions and damages.

The key players in our defenses are the lymph nodes, the thymus gland and the spleen. All of these organs produce lymphocytes and macrophages, which form part of the white blood cells consuming and immobilizing foreign invaders. The white blood cells play an important role in our defense system and their numbers need to be high in order to do their job effectively.

It's when this supply of important immunity cells are low or when the immune system is so overloaded from dealing with toxins, allergies and hormonal imbalances that we find ourselves with decreased immune function. Many factors come into play to create a weakened or compromised immune function.

Some of the things we can do to prevent this are avoiding sugar, excessive alcohol, smoking, stimulating drugs, stress, toxic products, and excessive antibiotics. Allergies can weaken the immune response as well as Candida infections and some medical drugs such as steroids. Also, hormonal imbalances, not enough sleep, and a poor diet wreck havoc on our defenses.

Ways that we can tell that our immune system is weakened is a general feeling of fatigue and recurrent illnesses such as colds, sore throats and allergies. Another indication is cuts or wounds that are slow to heal. These symptoms are our warning bell that our immune system needs a little help.

It's in this weakened condition that invading organisms take advantage of the low defences and set up house. We call this "opportunistic infections". The best course of action at this time is twofold. Help support the immune system, bringing it back to normal functioning and provide other avenues to kill the pathogens, which is in essence doing what the immune response normally would do.

How do we support our immune system to bring it back to normal functioning?

Lifestyle changes - Stress has been proven to be the precursor to many illnesses. Reducing the stress in our lives will help with our immunity. Exercise, stop smoking, get enough rest! Develop a life of prayer and thankfulness,. All these will strengthen our defenses. Avoid any of the known factors mentioned above that reduce immune function. Live as green internally and externally as possible!

Dietary changes - Eating whole foods, avoiding sugar, and replenishing nutrient deficiencies are also in order. The main nutrients that seem to be deficient in depressed immune systems are Vitamins A, B-Complex, C, and E and the minerals selenium and zinc. Seek out a good multi-vitamin with these nutrients in it. We need these nutrients to nourish the important fighter cells.

Herbs for the immune system - These herbs act upon the immune system bringing it into balance. Good ones for kids are elderberry and astragalus root extracts. Adults can benefit from Echinacea, garlic, or cat's claw extracts.

What things can we do to kill invading pathogens?

Don't buy the common antibacterials which perpetuates the already prevalent overuse of antibiotics. Those types of antibacterials cause bugs to mutate, becoming stronger and increasingly resistance to antibiotics.
Use these natural methods instead:

Essential Oils - Eucalyptus oil, oil of oregano, tea tree oil, and lavender oil are all great for disinfecting. Use them in your cleaning products, soaps, room sprays and hand sanitizers. Use a few drops in a room diffuser or in a pan of simmering water to kill airborne pathogens.

Disinfecting Spray - Make a spray of 2 oz purified water, 10 drops tea tree essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon witch hazel. Spray on surfaces such as doorknobs, faucet knobs, and in the air.

Antibacterial soap - Make your own soap with natural ingredients. Use 1 cup castile soap and 25 drops of essential oils in a pump bottle. Use this soap for hands, dishes or a shower gel.

Hand Sanitizer - Keep a squeeze bottle of this inside your purse or the kids' backpacks. Mix together 1 cup aloe vera gel and 25 drops of essential oils. Shake well.

Using these natural methods to support the immune system will strengthen our defenses against illnesses.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified practitioner.

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