The immune system is one of the most amazing and intriguing systems in the human body. Not only does it show how the body can heal itself, it aids in the prevention of disease and sickness.It is the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), macrophages, lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. Protecting this valuable asset is of utmost importance. Today the immune system is assaulted from many directions. Processed food, vaccines, stress, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and overall poor nutrition can all deplete the immune system. Another factor that is of huge concern  is the overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial products as seen by the increasing number of “superbugs” we are experiencing.
There are many ways to protect and enhance the immune system naturally. Plenty of quality sleep, exercise, stress reduction, probiotics, sunshine and Vitamin D, positive thinking and maintaining gut health. Traditional Chinese Medicines believes that all disease starts in the gut and you must heal the gut to cure the diseases and protect against them. The best way to improve the health of your gut (and your immune system) is by eating whole fresh foods, eliminating sugar, processed foods, junk foods and fast foods. Including probiotics in the form of fermented foods and/or supplementation is also important
My Father was a Chiropractor and Naturopathic Doctor. We grew up with no vaccinations, antibiotics or medications of any kind. As a child I played with a girl who had polio, used her bathroom, drank from the same glass. In the 1950’s polio was a big deal and very contagious. I asked my Father later if he was not afraid that I would catch polio from my friend. His response was “if you have a healthy immune system and do not let fear take over you, you will be fine”. A healthy diet was also top of his list.
There are many foods and herbs that support the immune system.
1. Raw milk
2. Whey protein
3. Fermented foods
4. Grass fed beef
5. Coconut oil
6. Organic vegetables
7. Organic berries
8. Mushrooms
9. Chlorella
10. Propolis
11. Green tea
12. Garlic
13. Turmeric
14. Oregano
15. Cloves
Maintaining you body with Chiropractic care, massage and the many holistic modalities will also maintain immune response. Be good to yourself and take care of your precious body for a lifetime of health and wellness!