Body's Miracle Workers

By the time we realize that we had a cut or a bruise, white blood cells called neutrophils sprint to the site to fight off infection. Right there and then almost at the same time, a classic phenomenon comes to pass whereby monocytes (other blood cells) transform themselves into macrophages (Scavengers). Their job is to surround the dead tissues and gobble them up. That controls inflammation if any.

By the time we realize that we have a hair-line fracture due to a twist or a fall, bone cells called osteoblasts power themselves into a slow but steady action to join the rough edges back together.  And cell damage caused by fatigue, ache or any illness – even cancer – is no big deal for millions of such microscopic miracle workers in our immune system to repair such damage and bring the body and mind back to healthy working energy level.

The gestation period for the body’s self healing process may be a day or a week or a month or more based on the strength and/or weakness of our immune system, as also the nature of injury, sickness and/or damage done.

But for all these things to happen on their own automatically, we have to optimize our immune system – body’s own self-healing system - which is designed to defend us against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade our body.

How can two people who live in the same house and when exposed to the same flu virus – one will get sick and the other will not? Whether or not we become ill after exposure to the virus depends on how well our immune system works. The virus itself doesn’t give us the flu – it is a weakened immune system that doesn’t combat the virus and kill it that gives us the flu. The key is a healthy, robust immune system.

Here are some simple ways to strengthen our immunity.

1. REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY.

When we become stressed or anxious, our immune system takes a fall. This is due to the release of cortisol – the bad stress hormone. It is important to manage our stress level, which can be done simply through relaxation techniques (yoga, breathing exercises, etc.) Going to bed early and getting the proper amount of sleep is very important in maintaining immune system health. During this rest period, the tissue repair work keeps going on smoothly and silently.

2. EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS, REMAINING 10% HUNGRY ALL THE TIME.

Make sure your diet offers many vegetables and fruits, as they provide essential vitamins, specially vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals to help enhance our immunity. Avoid processed foods.

3. EXERCISE MODERATELY.

Aerobic exercise – such as walking, biking or swimming - can boost the immune system. To best support healthy immune function, exercise should be moderate (not excessive) and regular (time to get into a routine).

4. ENHANCE IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH A NATURAL SOURCE OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN.

Colostrum, which is naturally high in Immunoglobulin G (IgG), is the only supplement that provides the body’s vital immune components that protect against harmful pathogens in the environment including bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins.

5. DECREASE INFLAMMATION THROUGHOUT THE BODY.

How do our body tissues become inflamed in the first place? Sometimes inflammation is a response to injury, yet many times inflammation results in the body’s tissues as a result of our intestinal lining letting in “bad and toxic” substances. Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract lining is where up to 90% of all disease enters our body. We all have varying degrees of damage to this lining from consuming substances such as antibiotics, soft drinks, pain medications, food preservatives and alcohol. To reduce future inflammation, we can protect the GI tract by avoiding these substances that injure it, as well as supplementing our diet with colostrum daily to help heal this GI lining.