The main function of our immune system is to defend us against the millions of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to which we are constantly exposed. Without our immune systems we would become ill in minutes; our immunity is an important key to our health and well-being. For this reason, it is a good idea to support it whenever you can by living a healthy lifestyle and supplying the body with immune boosting supplements.
Our bodies have two types of immunity, innate and adaptive. Innate immunity is with us when we are born. Adaptive immunity occurs when we are exposed to a virus or bacteria that gets through our defenses; our immune system must fight off this pathogen and in so doing adapts to that particular microbe. A good example of adaptive immunity is the bodys reaction to chicken pox. Once a child has had the disease, his or her body is capable of fighting it off upon re-exposure.
Supporting Your Immune System
Our immune systems consist of bone marrow, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. These different components all produce immune cells, the soldiers that fight the pathogens that enter our bodies. We can support our immune system and its production of these cells by living a healthy lifestyle; adequate rest, nutritious diet, and regular exercise are all good ways to boost your immune system. When any of these things is lacking, our immune system begins to function inefficiently and eventually to break down, paving the way for ill-health and disease.
There are also supplements available that can help boost the immune system. It is important to remember that taking supplements is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, they are merely a helping hand. While many emphasize known immune boosters like Vitamin C, there is evidence that it is more important to get an adequate supply of the complex nutrients found in fruits and vegetables all the time, not just a shot of C when we are feeling under the weather. Whole foods vitamins are derived directly from raw foods, preserving all of the nutritional components of the foods themselves.
