The purpose of the immune system is to keep infectious microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body, and to destroy any infectious microorganisms that do invade the body. The immune system is made up of a complex and vital network of cells and organs that protect the body from infection.
Disorders of the immune system
When the immune system does not function properly, a number of diseases can occur. Allergies and hypersensitivity to certain substances are considered immune system disorders. In addition, the immune system plays a role in the rejection process of transplanted organs or tissue. Other examples of immune disorders include:
autoimmune diseases, such as juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and anemia
immunodeficiency diseases, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
What is an infectious disease?
An infectious disease is caused by one, or more, of the following:
viruses
bacteria
parasites
fungi
Infections are spread through sexual, airborne, blood-borne, water-borne, insect-borne,food-borne and direct contact transmission.
Our immune systems are being challenged more than ever. The modern lifestyle is, let's just say, not very healthy. We have some of the poorest eating habits on the planet, we're stressed out, and our environmental pollution is growing on a daily basis. It's no wonder we're seeing more and more allergies, recurrent colds and flus, Chronic Fatigue, environmental sensitivity, etc., etc. Be it under-active or overactive, immune system dysfunction is on the rise.
There are many ways to enhance the immune system:
1.Drink lemons juice.
Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body's internal "climate" at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Apple cider vinegar is another great way to improve your body's alkalinity.
2. Give your body an herbal boost.
Hundreds of herbal supplements and tinctures exist to give the immune system additional support during the winter. I recommend essential oils (especially my favourite winter blend, as an excellent source of immune-stimulating compounds, and the rawest and most natural form of any medicinal plant, but there are other supplements which can be effective.
3. Get a full night's sleep.
Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels , keeping weight down, clear thinking and reasoning, improved mood, and vibrant,
4. Eat plenty of protein.
Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets low in protein tend to be high in carbs which convert readily to glucose, spiking blood sugar and stressing the pancreas and the immune system.
5. Drink plenty of water.
This is almost, but not quite, a given; most headaches occur because despite the number of reminders, people still aren't getting enough water! Headaches and thirst are both signs of dehydration. You should be drinking, in daily ounces, half your body weight in pounds. (i.e. Body weight in pounds, divided by 2 = number of ounces of water per day.)
6. Stop drinking coffee.
Caffeine robs your body of minerals and vitamins, and it dehydrates you. If you drink coffee, make sure you add an additional two glasses to your water intake per cup of coffee. A mineral supplement helps to offset caffeine's damage, too.
7. Worse yet is the impact of refined white sugar.
If you do only one thing to boost your immune system, eliminating sugar will do the trick. You will see noticeable results in your energy levels, weight distribution, immunity and your ability to think clearly when you break the cravings and stop eating refined sugar.
8. Eat raw fruits and vegetables
Take raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and enzymes. The nutritional content that you receive from raw fruits and veggies is unparalleled. Many vitamins, including C, are antioxidants and will protect cells - including those of your immune system - from damage by toxins in the environment. Dark-coloured produce (berries, kale, broccoli) tends to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants. The perfect source of minerals is seaweed, which is sold dried, but can often be found raw (dried at low temperatures to maintain most of the enzymes and nutrients) in health food stores.
9. Exercise regular
Exercise can make a noticeable difference to your health and happiness by releasing endorphins. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, inhaling dubiously filtered air and other people's germs, so I take any opportunity I can to get outside. Time spent outdoors in the cold also stimulates the
10. Nurture yourself..
Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath, or an energy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions - if you're feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold. Create a space within yourself and your living environment for harmony, self-love and joy (giving thanks, prayer and blessing the abundance in your life and of the world around you helps). Pay attention to warning signs of sore throat or exhaustion so you can keep them from getting worse.
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