When our immune system are functioning optimally, disease-causing organisms (pathogens) are disabled and prevented from causing harm. If an immune system is underactive, pathogens may access the body largely unchecked. An overfunctioning immune system will also result in illness. Our very survival depends upon immune balance.
The immune system is an intricate web of interdependent cells and chemical messengers. Immune cells specialized for bacterial, viral, or parasitic invaders all originate in the bone marrow. The players include macrophages, which engulf and digest foreign cells; aptly named natural killer (NK) cells, which eliminate infected or cancerous cells; helper T cells; and B cells, which produce showers of protein-based antibodies, labelling cells for destruction.
Our immune system’s elegance lies in its ability to recall previous encounters. Once an organism has been identified and subdued, future responses to the same invader will be more rapid and effective. This can work against us in the case of anaphylaxis, where an initial contact with an allergen such as peanut or a bee sting primes the body’s immune system. Subsequent exposure leads to an exaggerated overreaction that can be fatal.
In light of its potentially destructive power, immune activity is tightly regulated. The intricate dance between cells and invaders is chaperoned by chemical messengers that direct the development and behaviour of all cells. Known as cytokines, these tiny compounds are responsible for the harmonious orchestration of an immune response. Cytokines such as interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-12) have become the subject of much study and speculation regarding their role in inflammation, allergy, and cancer.
As our knowledge of the immune system continues to evolve, so does our understanding of natural therapies and their influence on immune function. Although all mechanisms may not yet be completely clear, simple lifestyle choices can profoundly influence immunity.
Sleep can boost your immune system
Poor quality or short sleep times are associated with decreased immune function. Adequate sleep of at least eight hours each night helps to balance the body’s processes by allowing for the normal cycling of hormones and immune cells. The hormone melatonin, produced during sleep, has been shown to increase the production of immune cells. Through consistent nightly production of this hormone, we can effectively support our immune system by simply counting sheep.
If you are deprived from a good night sleep, start by creating a sleep sanctuary: prevent any light entry through windows or doors, remove light-emitting electronics, and ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature. Aim to retire at the same time every night, and avoid stimulants such as television, caffeine, or work-related activities before sleep. If supplemental support is needed, consider valerian, magnesium, or even melatonin itself in serious or long-term cases.
Reduce chronic stress
While sleep can independently affect the immune system, sleeplessness also appears to increase markers of stress in the body. Although short-term stress can improve immune status, chronic stress is known to have detrimental effects on the immune system. While its effect is generally dampening, chronic stress can increase the production of inflammatory cytokines, worsening allergic disease such as asthma.
India Herbs - Ancient Remedies for Modern Times
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