As the first line of defense in the body the immune system functions to protect against invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign bodies. It is made up of a network of cells and tissues that target pathogens found in the body, and is also responsible for removing dead and faulty cells from the body. White blood cell leukocytes for the most part are most essential to the immune system and can be divided into 2 main types: Lymphocytes cells that remember invaders; and phagocytes cells surround, absorb and/or break down pathogens. The immunes system can distinguish itself from nonself by detecting proteins on cell surfaces, when an antigen is encountered and is recognized by cells an immune response is triggered to eliminate the invader.
When the immune system starts to become deficient problems begin, this is known as immunodeficiency and refers to the inability of the body to fight off diseases and infections. When this happens it puts a person at increased risk for catching bacterial infections and viruses to name a few things. There are a numbers of risk factors to the condition including diabetes, malnutrition, severe burns, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, and aging. Common symptoms include cold like symptoms, yeast infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
Immunodeficiency can be the result of inability of the immune system to flush out toxins, or problems in transport of waste materials; boosting the immune system can improve circulation of waste for disposal, and may help to eliminate toxins. Everyday the body is exposed to toxins and the immune system is charged with sorting it all out, in some cases detoxification can restore a weakened immune system.
A glass of warm lemon water just after waking up can help to flush out toxins and maintain a healthy immune system. Adding some cayenne or cinnamon to the lemon water will add antiviral properties to the drink.
Dry skin brushing may help to improve the lymphatic system helping it to eliminate toxins faster: before showering brush the skin with a dry brush, brushing towards the heart following the flow of lymphatic fluids. Start at the soles of the feet, moving upwards, brushing in circular motions; when reaching the stomach brush in circular motions counterclockwise to boost digestion.
Certain types of tea improves certain aspects of the immune system such as drinking nettle or chamomile tea can help to improve inflammation; burdock or red clover tea can help to cleanse the blood; and dandelion, milk thistle, and pau d’arco can help support the liver.
