The strength of our immune system is what makes a difference between who gets sick and who doesn’t. The one with the immune system functioning below baseline has an increased risk of getting sick.
How does the immune system work?
The immune system is a balanced network of cell and organs that work together to defend you against diseases. It blocks foreign proteins (pathogens) from getting into your body.
The immune system consists of the following factors:
- “search and destroy” task force consist of a host of immune cells to seek and find unwanted invaders and destroy them.
- Antibodies identify normal “self” cells from foreign cells and respond accordingly
- Natural killer cells help the body to create a memory of past defense against disease protection.
- Interferon interferes with the virus ability to reproduce
- Lactoferin binds iron to reduce the availability to promote the growth of pathogenic organisms
- Macrophages are cells that engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris.
How to boost the immune system?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle of drinking enough water, eating 5-7 portions of fruits and vegetables to get more antioxidants, regular moderate exercises and getting enough sleep are important in keeping your immune system strong and healthy.
Here are 3 nutrients that can further boost your immune system:
1) Arabinogalatan
This is a phytochemical that is abundant in Lach trees. Food source of arabinogalatan are leek, carrots, radish, pear, wheat, red wine and tomatoes,
Arabinogalatan increase the production of short chain fatty acids, which contributes to making the digestive system healthy. It acts as a food supply to friendly bacteria, thereby increasing the population of good bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, while eliminating the bad ones. It increases the activity of natural killer cells and other immune factors to fight infection.
Besides treating common flu and ear infection, it can even be used to treat H1N1, HIV and liver cancer. Arabinogalatan block the growth of tumor cells, stimulate killer cells and activates macrophages, thereby, increasing the survival time of liver cancer patients.
2) Colostrum
Colostrum is a yellow, thick and sticky pre-milk fluid produced during the first 24 hours after the birth of a baby. It is a combination of immune and growth factors to boost the baby’s immunity right after birth. It is rich in immune factors such as Lactoferin, antibodies, and white blood cells, making it anti-cancer.
Cancer cells developed in our body all the time. Our immune system effectively kill cancer cells before they further develop into symptoms that appear as disease. So, cancer is prevented. But when the immune system is weak, cancer cells take advantage of the weaken state and grow out of control.
Colostrum is rich in Transfer Factor (TF) the boost killer cells activity. Transfer Factors are proteins that “educate” cells about past immune response in order to recognize and fight against outside threats. You can find commercially prepared bovine colostrum.
3) Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan is the most effective enhancer of immune system. It modifies the body immune system to respond to threat. It keeps the antibodies in the prepared state for any threats, so invading organism do not have the time to build up force and strength before the immune system attack.
It has an anti tumor effect by mediating the destruction of tumor cells and inhibit growth. You can find beta-glucan from baker’s yeast, oats, barley and mushrooms.
Try out these nutrients to boost your immune system on top of your healthy diet and exercises. That will increase your defense against sickness and diseases.
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