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Simple Ways To Improve Your Immune System

Posted Nov 20 2009 10:01pm

Your immune system is basically the system that protects your body from microorganisms, abnormal cells and chemicals.

Your immune systems army is built up by, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Most of the threats are caused my invading bacteria, viruses and fungi.


Once in a while your immune system may mistake a harmless foreign substance for an enemy and this is where your can break out in hives, have an allergic reaction or get a fever.

The cool thing about your immune system is that it has the ability to “remember” foreign substances and organisms.

So when you do get a virus or another foreign substance entering your body, your immune system creates an antibody that will recognize it and initiate an attack at that moment and in the future. This “acquired immunity” process is also the same process that makes vaccinations work.

How To Improve The Strength of Your Immune System

In order to have a strong immune system one component that you must consider is your diet and what you put into your body. It’s highly recommended that you get them from food rather from supplements.

Below are the top 7 foods that will help build your immune system and keep your bodies defenses on top of their game.

Garlic and onions: May stimulate the fighting power of your macrophages and T cells because of their powerful sulfur compound. This may also block enzymes that allow organisms to invade your body and damage healthy tissues.

Moderate exercise: May help improve immune function, especially if you were previously sedentary.

Shiitake mushrooms: Some researchers claim that these mushrooms may boost immunity, but at the time of this newsletter the practical significance of this claim is unknown.

Yogurt and kefir: The probiotics (friendly bacteria) that can be found in some fermented milk products like yogurt and kefir, may help improve immune responses against viruses.

Blueberries, blackberries, and grapes: These foods contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that have potent immune stimulating properties.

Whey proteins: Some specially processed whey proteins provide a high dose of the amino acid cysteine, which enhances your immune function. Cysteine is used by your body in the making of glutathione, one of the most important compounds of your immune system.

EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate): Is a powerful antioxidant compound found in green tea. It may have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells as well as neutralizing harmful free radicals.


No Quick Fixes

There are a few unscrupulous practitioners out there that exploit the power of your immune system. They usually cleanse your body and follow up with a massive amount of vitamins to restore your immunity. There’s no evidence that this works.

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