The Health Diva

The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by microbes/’foreign invaders’.

The human body provides an ideal environment for many microbes. It is the immune system’s job to keep them out or, failing that, to seek out and destroy them.

The organs of the immune system are positioned throughout the body. They are called lymphoid organs because they are home to lymphocytes, small white blood cells that are the key players in the immune system.

Bone marrow, the soft tissue in the hollow centre of bones, is the ultimate source of all blood cells, including lymphocytes. The thymus is a lymphoid organ that lies behind the breastbone.

Lymphocytes known as T lymphocytes or T cells (“T” stands for “thymus”) mature in the thymus and then migrate to other tissues. B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, become activated and mature into plasma cells, which make and release antibodies.

Infections are the most common cause of human disease. They range from the common cold to debilitating conditions like chronic hepatitis to life-threatening diseases such as AIDS. Disease-causing microbes (pathogens) attempting to get into the body must first move past the body’s external armour, usually the skin or cells lining the body’s internal passageways.

Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites

The most common disease-causing microbes are bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Each uses a different tactic to infect a person, and, therefore, each is thwarted by different components of the immune system. [more...] There are a few ways we can give our immune system a little support:

Nutrients for Immunity

Even the most perfect diet can have difficulty meeting our body’s demand for nutrients. We always recommend a good multi vitamin and minerals along with extra vitamin C to ensure our body is getting enough and ward of bugs and viruses. [more...]

Probiotics

Probiotics in any form are the live ‘friendly’ bacteria, that help make up a good gut ecology. Boosting up our friendly bacterial levels is a good way to restore balance in the gut, helping out body to defend against the onslaught of bacteria, viruses and parasites that our gut is exposed to daily. Poor gut ecology is thought to be linked to many health concerns including allergies, auto immune disorders, digestive disorders, IBS, poor immunity, and skin problems. Probiotics supplements are particularly beneficial for individuals taking antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal medications, or undergoing chemotherapy.

Herbal Helpers

There are a number of herbal remedies which can help boost immunity. [more...]

Dietary Advice to boost your Immunity

Following a diet rich in antioxidants is essential to supporting your immune system. Abundant in many fruits and vegetables, antioxidants combat free radicals (chemical by-products known to damage DNA and suppress the immune system). [more...]

Lifestyle Tips

Working out regularly can mobilize your T cells, a type of white blood cell known to guard the body against infection. In a 2006 study of 115 women, participants who engaged in moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) for an average of 30 minutes daily for a year had about half the risk of colds as those who did not work out routinely. [more...]