The immune system is the key to fighting every kind of insult to the body, from that little shaving nick to the myriad of viruses that seem to abound these days. Even the aging process may be more closely related to the functioning of the immune system than to the passage of time.
Modern conventional medicine battles disease directly by means of drugs, surgery, radiation, and other therapies, but true health can be attained only by maintaining a healthy, properly functioning immune system.
It is the immune system that fights off disease causing microorganisms and that engineers the healing process.
Weakening of the immune system results in increased susceptibility to virtually every type of illness. Some common signs of impaired immune function include:
- Fatigue
- Listlessness
- Repeated infections
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Slow wound healing
- Chronic diarrhea
- Infections that represent an overgrowth of some normally present organism, such as oral thrush, systemic candidiasis, or vaginal yeast infections.
In its simplest terms, the task of the immune system is to identify those things that are “self” (that naturally belong in the body) and those that are “nonself” (foreign or otherwise harmful material), and then to neutralize or destroy that which is nonself.
The immune system is unlike other bodily systems in that it is not a group of physical structures but a system of complex interactions involving many different organs, structures, and substances, among them:
- White blood cells
- Bone marrow
- The lymphatic vessels and organs
- Specialized cells found in various body tissues,
- Specialized substances, called serum factors, that are present in the blood
The human immune system is functional at birth, but it does not yet function well. In large part this is because immunity is something that develops as the system matures and the body learns to defend itself against different foreign invaders, termed antigens.
The immune system has the ability to learn to identify, and then to remember, specific antigens that have been encountered. It does this through two basic means, known as cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity
Another important component of immunity is the lymphatic system. This is a system of organs including the:
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Tonsils
- lymph nodes
It is through the lymphatic system that fluid from the spaces between cells is drained, taking with it waste products, toxins, and other debris from the tissues. The lymph flows through the lymph nodes, where the macrophages filter out the undesirables, and from it there returns to the venous circulation.
Marvelous as it is, the immune system can work as it should only if it is cared for properly. This means getting all the right nutrients and providing the right environment, plus avoiding those things that tend to depress immunity.
Many elements of the environment we live in today compromise out immune systems’ defensive abilities.
- The chemicals in the household cleaners we use
- The overuse of antibiotics and other drugs
- The antibiotics
- Pesticides
- Additives present in the foods we eat
- Exposure to environmental pollutants
all place a strain on the immune system.
Another factor that adversely affects the immune system is stress. Stress results in a sequence of biochemical events that ultimately suppresses the normal activity of white blood cells and places undue demands on the endocrine system, as well as depleting the body of needed nutrients. The result is impaired healing ability and lowered defense against infection.
Proper immune function is an intricate balancing act. While inadequate immunity predisposes one to infectious illness of every type, it is also possible to become ill as a result of an immune response that is too strong or directed at an inappropriate target.
Many different disorders, including:
- Allergies
- Lupus
- Pernicious anemia
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Possibly diabetes
have been linked to inappropriate immune system activity. Consequently, they are known as autoimmune, or “self-attacking-self,” disorders.
There has been an increase in people trying to find natural immune system support. Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to strengthen immune system functioning, acting as natural immunity tonics to encourage normal and efficient defense against pathogens and routine recovery.
In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to strengthen natural immunity as well as support the normal and healthy functioning of the immune system to shorten recovery time.
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that to some degree afflicts about 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of twelve and twenty-four.
The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands are found in large numbers on the face, back, chest, shoulders. If some of the oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed.
Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, white heads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to the condition include heredity, oily skin, and androgens. Other factors are:
- Allergies
- Stress
- the use of certain drugs (especially steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and certain antiepileptic drugs)
- Overconsumption of junk food, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Exposure to industrial pollutants (machine oils, coal tar derivatives, chlorinated hydrocarbons)
- Use of cosmetics
- Monthly menstrual cycles
- Over washing or repeated rubbing of the skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the “third kidney.” As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.
The skin also “breathes.” If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine.
- Dirt
- Dust
- Oils
- Grime from pollution
Clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by washing the skin properly. A body pH that is too high, or too alkaline, also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.
Nature’s treatment for acne control and prevention, containing carefully selected herbs to:
- Treat Existing Acne Skin Eruptions
- Prevent Future Breakouts
- Improve Skin Appearance
- Reduce Scarring
Anything that causes a deficiency in the formation or production of red blood cells, or that leads to the too-rapid destruction of red blood cells, can result in anemia.
Some things that can lead to anemia:
- Drug use
- Hormonal disorders
- Chronic inflammation in the body
- Surgery
- Infections
- Peptic ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- Diverticular disease
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Repeated pregnancies
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone marrow disease
- Dietary deficiencies (especially deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12)
There are also a number of hereditary disorders, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, that cause anemia.
Pernicious anemia is a severe form of anemia that is due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Persons with this disorder cannot absorb any form of vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract.
Millions of Americans suffer from anemia, a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry.
Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen available to the cells of the body. As a result, they have less energy available to perform their normal functions.
Important processes, such as muscular activity and cell building and repair, slow down and become less efficient. When the brain lacks oxygen, dizziness may result, and mental faculties are less sharp.
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is an important factor in anemia because this mineral is used to make hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that attaches to oxygen and transports it.
Red blood cells exist only to oxygenate the body, and have a life span of about 120 days. If a person lacks sufficient iron, the formation of red blood cells is impaired.
Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by insufficient iron intake and/or absorption, or by significant blood loss. The latter is commonly seen in women who suffer from menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding), which in turn may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, fibroid tumors, or uterine cancer.
Women who use intrauterine devices for contraception are also at a higher risk of blood loss, as are those who overuse anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause blood loss through irritation of the digestive tract. Excessive aspirin usage, particularly by elderly people, may cause internal bleeding.
Of those suffering from anemia, 20 percent are women and 50 percent are children. It is often a hidden disease, because the symptoms can easily go unrecognized. The first signs of developing anemia may be:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Irritability, and/or difficulty in concentrating
Established anemia can produce such symptoms as:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Coldness of extremities
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Overall pallor
- Most noticeable in pale and brittle nails
- Pale lips and eye lids
- Soreness in the mouth
- In women, cessation of menstruation
Herbs that are good for anemia:
- Alfalfa
- Bilberry
- Cherry
- Dandelion
- Goldenseal
- Grape skins
- Hawthorn berry
- Mullein
- Nettle
- Oregon grape root
- Pau d’arco
- Red raspberry
- Shepherd’s purse
- Yellow dock
Include the following in your diet:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Egg yolks
- Kelp
- Leafy greens
- Okra
- Parsley
- Peas
- Plums
- Prunes
- Purple grapes
- Raisins
- Rice bran
- Squash
- Turnip greens
- Whole grains
- Yams
Also eat foods high in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron and essential B vitamins. Consume at least 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses twice daily (for a child, use 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk or formula twice daily).
Avoid beer, candy bars, dairy products, ice cream, and soft drinks. Additives in these foods interfere with iron absorption. For the same reason, avoid coffee (which contains polyphenols) and tea (which contains tannins).
AnemiCare is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily increase iron absorption and hemoglobin levels needed for normal iron levels in the body.
People suffering from motion sickness experience symptoms that range from severe headache to queasiness to nausea and vomiting while flying, sailing, or traveling in automobiles or trains.
Other symptoms of motion sickness includes:
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Excessive salivation and or yawning
- Fatigue
- Loss of desire for food
- Pallor
- Severe distress
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
If severe, an attack can make the sufferer completely uncoordinated.
Women are affected by this condition more frequently than men are. Elderly people and children under the age of two usually are not affected.
Motion sickness occurs when motion causes the eyes, the sensory nerves, and the vestibular apparatus of the ear to send conflicting signals to the brain.
Common contributing factors are:
- Anxiety
- Genetics
- Overeating
- Poor ventilation
- Traveling immediately after eating
Natural remedies have been used with great success for motion sickness.
Prevention is the key; motion sickness is far easier to prevent than it is to cure. Once excessive salivation and nausea set in, it is often too late to do anything but wait for the trip to be over so recovery can begin.
- When traveling, take whole-grain crackers with you on trips.
- Peppermint tea soothes and calms the stomach. A drop of peppermint oil on the tongue provides excellent relief from nausea and motion sickness.
- Pay special attention to your diet. If a certain dish disagrees with you at home, it will most certainly disagree with you on the road.
- Stay cool, if possible. Fresh air can assist in battling motion sickness. If in a car, roll down a window. If on a ship, standing on deck and taking in the sea breezes can help. In an airplane, open the overhead vent.
- Limit or eliminate visual input. This will cut down on the conflicting information assaulting the brain. Traveling at night helps many people, simply because visual acuity is diminished, so that thy do not perceive motion to the same degrees as during the day.
- At sea, lying down and closing your eyes at the first sign of motion sickness can be helpful.
- In an automobile, set your eyes on a distant, stationary object, such as the horizon.
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People who suffer from asthma often describe this plight as “starving for air.” Asthma is a lung disease that causes obstruction of the airways. During an asthma attack, spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict, impeding the outward passage of stale air.
Typical symptoms of an asthma attack are:
The spasms that characterize the acute attack are not the cause of the disorder, but a result of chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways to certain stimuli.
If you have allergies an attack may be triggered, if a susceptible individual is exposed to an allergen or irritants.
Common asthma-provoking allergens include:
- Animal dander
- Chemicals
- Drugs
- Dust mites
- Environmental pollutants
- Feathers
- Food additives such as sulfites
- Fumes
- Mold
- Tobacco smoke
Other things that can bring on asthma attacks include adrenal disorders:
- Anxiety
- Changes in temperature
- Exercise
- Extremes of dryness or humidity
- Fear
- Laughing
- Low blood sugar
- Stress
A respiratory infection such as bronchitis may also be involved. Whatever the instigator, it causes the bronchial tubes to swell and become plugged with mucus. This inflammation further irritates the airways, resulting in even greater sensitivity; the attacks become more frequent and the inflammation more severe.
A predisposition to asthma may be hereditary.
In the last decade, the number of Americans with asthma has increased by one third. Today, asthma affects over 10 million people (3 million children and 7 million adults). Children under sixteen and adults over sixty-five are more likely than other people to suffer from asthma. Among children, the incidence of hospitalization for asthma has increased fivefold in the last 29 years; the rate for adults has doubled.
Use an elimination diet to see if certain foods aggravate the asthmatic condition. Common culprits include:
- Alfalfa
- Corn
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Eggs
- Beets
- Carrots
- Colas
- Cold beverages (which may cause bronchial spasm)
- Dairy products (including milk and ice cream)
- Fish
- Red meat (especially pork)
- Processed foods
- White flour
Avoid:
- Furry animals
- Food additives BHA and BHT
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 food dye
- Tobacco and other types of smoke
- The amino acid tryptophan
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