Let’s Talk Immune System…You Think Boring?…Think Again! ; )
Understanding the function of your immune system is of paramount importance. Most of us when we think “Immune System”, we think “BORING”! But learning how to maximize its efficiency will help you reap long-term health benefits.
Once you understand the importance of protecting your immune system, you will be able to take necessary steps to live healthy and be more effective in everything you do. Taking care of your health should be a lifestyle – it may be difficult to start off, especially if you’ve neglected your health over the years, but once you get into the habit, it will come naturally and the benefits are priceless…so let’s get down to it…
Understanding the Immune System
The immune system is a complex network of cells, structures and organs designed to fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and the like that are constantly trying to attack the body. It can be viewed as an army that is always “on guard” to protect the body. It is your most important health ally and its job is to keep you healthy at all times. It works tirelessly, non-stop to ensure you stay and feel healthy.
How Does the Immune System Work?
I’m not going to get too technical here, rather let me try and put it in a nut-shell. As you are probably aware, our body has white blood cells and red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The immune system has a remarkable ability to be able to distinguish between what are your body’s own cells and what is foreign. Each cell in your body has a marker to distinguish its own cells. When a cell travels without this marker, or a foreign molecule is attached to the cell, the immune system immediately recognizes the invader as foreign and destroys the foreign organisms that have invaded your body.
If we did not have an immune system, we would never get over the flu or even a minor cold and would end up dying due to the simplest of illnesses. So you can see the importance of taking care of it. So in essence, it is designed to keep your body in tip-top health!
So, you’re probably wondering, why is it that we still get sick if our bodies are designed to fight the good fight? Well, in simple terms, the lack of the right nutrients and antioxidants in our regular diet will eventually lead to immunodeficiency.
What Do I Do to Support a Healthy Immune System?
As you now know, no one can survive without a fully functional and robust immune system, so it’s imperative that we get serious and take good care of ours. Here are some ways to support a healthy immune system:
- Diet makes a difference: eat food rich in antioxidants and drink plenty of water
- Supplement your diet with quality nutritional supplements
- Find ways to de-stress (yoga, meditation, walking, etc.)
- Incorporate a moderate exercise routine (3 or 4 times a week)
- Avoid drugs, smoking and alcohol
Let Me End with Some Words of Wisdom
As someone wise once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Prevention is always the better option and it comes when you make health a lifestyle choice. When you really get down to it, you will come to the realization that “Health is indeed Wealth”!
In conclusion, your very best investment in your life and well-being is keeping your pH balance in check with the most potent antioxidants. They are the communicators between all the cells and ensure that your immunity is a peak performance. Invest in your health…it’s never too late and it’s worth it!
