The immune system (2)

7 easy ways to boost your immune system

The immune system of your body is more powerful than you probably imagine. How powerful you ask? Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania recently took immune cells from three patients with leukemia and genetically modified them in cells "Serial killer", designed to attack a tumor cell, then another and another. The study was small and the experimental treatment, but the results were revolutionary-two patients had a complete remission, and the other had a dramatic anti-tumor response. The modified immune system cells multiplied at least 1000 times in the body, destroyed cancer cells and stimulated cell population "memory" that can protect against recurrence.

Could this be the work of treatment for other types of cancer? Maybe. Much, much more research (much) is needed, but this study suggests that, with the right kind of emphasis, your immune system can fight ridiculously hard to battle Toplady killersand keep you healthy. While gene therapy is insistence bad enough, but there are relatively simple steps that you should take every day to boost your immune system, especially as we head into the season sniffle. Some of the best:

1. Eat lean protein with every meal. No food will magically push the flu, but some nutrients take the initiative to help protect your body billions of bacteria, viruses and other germs and protein is one of them. One reason is that the antibodies that help fight disease are actually made of proteins. Another reason: Many protein-rich foods also contain other nutrients stimulate the immune system. Lean cuts of beef and pork, as well as protein beans, soy and seafood (especially oysters and crabs), contain zinc, a mineral that helps to control the production of blood cells against infection whites, even mild zinc deficiency can increase your susceptibility to infections. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also good sources of protein and magnesium, both of which help support a healthy immune system.

2. Pull to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. Almost any kind is good, but if you choose, look for those rich in vitamins A, C and E. Here's why: Vitamin A (which you get from sweet potatoes, carrots and dark leafy greens) helps white blood cells fight infections more effectively, it also helps regulate the immune system. Citrus fruits (such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit) and peppers, papaya, and broccoli contain vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps the immune system protects against disease. And vitamin E, which is found in nuts, seeds and turnip greens, has been shown in scientific studies to fight the flu and upper respiratory infections. If you eat a variety of greens (and oranges and yellows and reds) in the context of a balanced diet, you will get all the good stuff you need to help fight the disease. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement can help in some cases, but talk to your doctor, sometimes excessively high doses of certain minerals can cause imbalances and effectively suppress your immune response.

3. Take a 10-minute walk a few times a day. Get a total of 20 to 30 minutes of daily physical activity can support many defenses of the immune system. Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body more quickly, so they can detect disease earlier, in addition, an increase in the circulation can also trigger the release of hormones that "warn" the immune cells pathogenic intruders. Keep your moderate workouts, high intensity activity, such as a marathon or intense gymnastics training, could actually decrease the amount of white blood cells circulating in the body and disease risk.

4. Get your vitamin D levels checked. About 50 nmol/L is generally enough to maintain overall health; less than 30 nmol/L is too low for most people. New research suggests vitamin D could boost immune response, and too-low levels may be linked to an increase in seasonal colds and flu. Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, which we can get from the sun and very few foods. Talk to your doctor; you may need a supplement to boost your numbers.

5. Reduce your stress levels. Do yoga, play with your dog, listen to music—find ways to chill out because research shows stressalters how well your immune system works. Preliminary research published in the journal Biological Psychiatryexamined two groups of people—caregivers of family members with cancer and individuals without that type of stress. The scientists found something goes awry in the caregivers’ white blood cells, leaving them less responsive to inflammation and raising their risk of illness.

6. Cook with olive and canola oils. These contain healthy fats, which act as a lubricant for the cells. This lubricant improves flexibility and communication between cells, which promotes immune function. Just be careful that you do not consume too much omega-6 in the meantime: Research shows that people who consume disproportionately more 6s (found in soybean oil used in most processed snacks) 3s are at greater risk of inflammation and immune system problems.

7. Limit your drinks. One is correct for most people, two is fine for some, but not more drinking may weaken the immune system. New research on the Brown University showed excessive consumption of alcohol is toxic to the immune system cells called dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in helping to seek and destroy invading microbes. This could cause serious, even fatal, infections, not to mention the increased vulnerability to cold and flu viruses.

The immune system (1)

Strengthening the Immune System

Strengthen the immune system is not only vital for the recovery of the disease, but also to maintain good health.

Q: What is the immune system?

    The immune system is the army collective one trillion white blood cells, bone marrow, antibodies, cytokines and thymus that help identify and destroy millions of microbes (eg bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) that enter our body every day, and thousands of our own cells that have become genetically abnormal or cancerous. In fact, the immune system is considered as complex as the nervous system is not only capable of producing an antibody corresponding to each of the millions of different infectious agents, but it is able to remember how to produce these agents decades later. The key to immune function is the activity of white blood cells, such as B lymphocytes, which are the backbone of NK immune system, T and.

Q: What is the strength of the immune system that determine health?

    The strength of our immune system determines our body's ability to resist infection and growth of abnormal cells (cancer). If it is below its optimal level, we are much more prone to disease, both against infections and cncers. Without an immune system at all, we would not survive very long in the outside world (children born without an immune system must be kept in an artificial environment or "bubble").

    If our immune system is maintained at an optimal level, our incidence is less, we are less likely to develop tumors of abnormal cells. Also, when you do get sick or have a physical injury, a healthy immune system can guarantee the fastest possible recovery. In some severe cases, such as with cancer, immune system strength can literally mean the difference between life and death. Without a healthy immune system, the body and mind are languishing in a bad state of health, which greatly extends the journey back to vitality.

    A good indicator of our immune system is how excited or alive we feel. If we feel weak or weak, our immune system is likely to be small and weak. We are intuitively aware of this which is why we use expressions as "below par", "feel weak" or being "under the weather" when we feel bad. Usually we try to compensate for these feelings "weak" by drinking beverages containing caffeine more, eat more sugar and watch action movies - anything that gives us a "buzz" chemical. While this may provide temporary relief, it is a dangerous long-term solution that we find having to take more and more of these quick fixes just to maintain the normal operation of energy. This is why, for example, many of us need that cup of coffee in the morning to go - our systems have been conditioned by an unhealthy life tick over too slowly. Thus, a strong immune system not only determines how our bodies are healthy, but also our mental state.

    It is of fundamental importance to both the body and mind, so for everyone to maintain a healthy immune system optimal.

Q: How does the immune system becomes weak?

    There are several factors that reduce the strength of the immune system:

    Poor diet: the modern diet is low in most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutritional factors that are essential for the body to maintain a healthy immune system. supermarket fruit is often picked green before nutrients have a chance to grow, vegetables are often grown in depleted soil (if the soil is exhausted everything that grows in it is obviously not the full range of nutrients) and meat comes from cattle that not only eat a lean diet, but often injected with hormones and steroids. Food that is not fresh is often treated to prolong life - ideal for the life of supermarket but maybe not the best thing for optimal health. The immune system needs optimal nutrition in our diet to function properly. If some vitamins or minerals essential to its methods are not available in sufficient quantities, our immune system will be compromised.

    A polluted environment as our environment becomes more polluted, our bodies have to deal with more "toxic load" This is the body through the food we eat, our lungs and our skin, and also as a result of overexposure. sunlight and electrical equipment when the toxic load rises, the immune system has to work harder to identify and detoxify these pollutants -.. lowering efficacy Some toxins and chemicals can even cause abnormalities in cell growth and reproduction, leading to the development of cancer cells. These occur every day, not only by the action of certain environmental pollutants but also occasional mistakes are made in the normal cell division. C ' is the job of the immune system to destroy the abnormal cells before they have a chance to grow, but if the load is too large, the neutralizing capacity is strained.

    Stress: When we are stressed, evolution has designed our bodies to be ready for action (fight or flight) by diverting all resources to the muscles. Bodily functions deemed unnecessary in an emergency are temporarily closed as digestion, repair mechanisms and immune function. While this was fine for most of human history, when the stress involved always a danger as a lion that happen quickly, modern life often involves situations in which we are chronically stressed, which means that our mechanisms repair and immune response are consistently impaired. This can be greatly exacerbated by the lack of sufficient sleep - the main chance that the body needs to repair and recover. Over time constraints and lack of sleep degrade our system making us prone to disease and premature aging.

    Drugs: medicinal and recreational drugs can substantially reduce the immune system. For example, antibiotics destroy healthy bacteria in our stomachs that are essential for proper digestion. The exhaustion of the immune system is also an unfortunate side effect of some modern treatments (eg chemotherapy and radiation) which can decimate the immune resistance. While powerful drugs may be necessary for survival in the short term, the long-term vision must include healing natural defense systems of the body.

Q: What can be done to boost the immune system?

    There are several factors that reduce the strength of the immune system:

    Get better nutrition: To increase our nutritional intake we must choose the healthiest food we can find, preferably organic fruits and vegetables from the garden and local. Drink plenty of clean water (and that does not mean tap water with fluoride and / or chlorine!). Also avoid anti-nutrients that are found actually using store nutrients the body to metabolize, rather than contributing to this store first. These anti-nutrients are sugar, white bread, white rice, alcohol (more than a very modest amount), chocolate (sugar), cookies, soft drinks, fast food and dairy products (milk n ' is not the best thing for the health ... Despite all these advertisements by companies marketing of milk). This is a complete mistake a well-balanced diet can give our body enough nutrients to function optimally. In fact, anyone who advises not only displays its nutritional ignorance, but actually harms public health. It is imperative to add supplements to the diet, especially antioxidants that help neutralize free radical attacks and cell damage. Everyone is advised to make sure they get enough vitamin C (at least 1000 mg per day), vitamin B complex (all the B vitamins are very important to choose a strong one), vitamin A (15000IU), vitamin E (200IUs), selenium (100 mcg), zinc (20 mg) and magnesium (100 mg). You can also try herbs like echinacea and cat's claw. This gives the body a helping hand to face a very different environment from the one in which humanity has evolved over millions of years.

    Minimize pollutants: Eating organic food and do not smoke. There are doctors around who will not even take on a patient if they refuse to stop smoking because it is a sure sign that they do not really want health. It is imperative to drink plenty of clean water (at least 1.5 liters per day), so that we are able to clear our body of toxins that have accumulated. (Occasional fasts and colonic irrigation can help detoxify the body and thus improve immune health.) The sun and other sources of electromagnetic radiation are also factors that use a large part of the immune resources and organizations should be reduced (a little sunlight is actually strengthens the immune system ... but only a small amount). Do not sit too close to the TV or the computer screen (or get a flat screen TV if you can afford it). It goes without saying that drugs of any kind are a serious pollutant for the body and if they should be minimized as much as possible (see 4).

    Reduce Stress: It's amazing what can make a holiday for the immune system! It is therefore important for us Pace in life as much as possible. Stress really is not worth the quality of higher examination or premium money because it sets in motion the terrible habit that we will cause serious health problems in the future. There are so many stories of people with serious health problems who miraculously melted when they started to let go and relax. We can contribute to this process relaxation enough sleep (at least 7 hours for most of us), choosing not to be around situations that make us angry, depressed and frustrated, and do mild to moderate the exercise, short-term effort that paradoxically helps us to relax. We could also consider activities such as meditation, prayer, Tai Chi or yoga as a way to increase our levels of relaxation and the feeling that we are in control of his life - the feeling of being a victim life, to be out of control, can be very stressful. (Remember, however, that intense exercise such as long distance running, cycling, etc. should be avoided because it tends to take too long, which reduces immune health).

    Minimize Drugs: If there is a natural product that we can take the place of a pharmaceutical drug, as long as your doctor agrees with your decision, opt for natural alternatives. Remember that most doctors today are very busy and tend to focus almost entirely on fast-prescribe remedies ("magic bullets") drugs to complaints daily. Few people know much about nutrition or other remedies you may have to question your doctor - not a pleasant thing to do, but certainly good for your health! Always choose a way of life if you can, and consume medical, drugs if possible, as a last resort (especially drugs such as antibiotics). As for recreational drugs, minimize as much as possible, and when you need to make sure you get plenty of rest before and after and also supplements to help offset their immuno-lowering effect.

integrated diet (5)

Healthy Eating Habits for Your Child

By teaching your children healthy eating habits and modeling these behaviors in yourself, you can help your child maintain a healthy weight and normal growth. In addition, the eating habits of your children pick up when they are young will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults.

The health care provider can assess your child's weight and growth of your child and let you know if your child needs to lose or gain weight or dietary changes should be made.

Some of the most important aspects of a healthy diet are portion control and reducing the amount of fat your child eats. Simple ways to reduce fat intake in the diet of your child and foster a healthy weight include Service:

    fatty dairy products low in fat or
    skinless poultry
    cuts of meat
    breads and whole grains

Also, reduce the amount of sugar in soft drinks and salt in the diet of your child.

If you are not sure how to choose and prepare a variety of foods for your family, consult a dietitian for nutrition counseling.

It is important that you do not put your child overweight (s) on a restrictive diet. Children should never be placed on a restrictive diet to lose weight unless a doctor supervises one for medical reasons.

Other approaches parents can take to develop healthy eating habits in their children include:

    Guide the choice of your family rather than dictate foods. Make a variety of healthy foods available in the house. This practice will help your children learn to make healthy food choices. Let unhealthy choices like soda and juice at the grocery store. Serve water with meals.
    Encourage your children to eat slowly. A child can detect hunger and fullness better when eating slowly. Before offering a second helping or serving, ask your child to wait a few minutes to see if they are really still hungry. This will give the brain time to register fullness.
    Eat meals together as often as possible. Try to make nice meal with conversation and sharing, not a time for scolding or arguing. If meals are unpleasant, children may try to eat faster to leave the table as soon as possible. They can then learn to associate eating with stress.
    Involve your children in food shopping and meal preparation. These activities will give you information about food preferences of your children the opportunity to teach your children about nutrition, and provide your children with a sense of accomplishment. In addition, children may be more willing to eat or try foods they help prepare.
    Plan for snacks. Continuous snacking may lead to overeating, but snacks that are planned at specific times of the day can be part of a nutritious diet, without spoiling a child's appetite at mealtime. You should make snacks as nutritious as possible, without depriving your child of occasional chips or cookies, especially at parties or other social events.
    Discourage meals or snacks while watching TV. Try to eat only in designated areas of your home such as the dining room or kitchen. Eating while watching TV can make it difficult to pay attention to the feeling of fullness and can lead to overeating.
    Encourage your children to drink more water. Over consumption of sugary drinks and sodas has been linked to increased rates of obesity in children.
    Try not to use food to punish or reward your children. Withholding food as a punishment may lead children to worry about not getting enough food. For example, send the kids to bed without dinner may cause them to worry that they will suffer from hunger. As a result, children may try to eat when they get a chance. Similarly, when foods, such as sweets are used as a reward, children may think that these foods are better or more valuable than other foods. For example, tell the children that they will get dessert if they eat all their vegetables sends the wrong message about vegetables.
    Make sure your children's meals outside the home are balanced. To learn more about the school lunch program, or prepare their meals to include a variety of foods. Also, select healthier items when in restaurants.
    Pay attention to portion sizes and ingredients. Read food labels and limit foods with trans fats. Also, make sure you use the appropriate party as indicated on the label.