THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

A major task of the immune system is to protect the body from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes. The first lines of defence are the skin and the mucous membranes lining the nose, mouth, digestive system and other parts of the body. Additional protection is provided by chemicals contained in the mucus and other secretions, such as saliva and tears.

Additional defences are mobilized once a microbe has entered the body. These defences include the white blood cells, antibodies and chemicals that act as messengers to alert and control the immune system. These immune system components have the ability to distinguish between the cells of the body that they defend and the cells of invading microbes, which contain foreign proteins that have to be destroyed. The immune system is also able to 'remember' certain infections, such as those from the viruses causing measles or mumps. The antibody response when the same virus is met again is therefore very quick, so a second illness is normally prevented.

The proteins in food are also foreign proteins, but the digestive system breaks them down into their building blocks, the amino acids. In a healthy person these are absorbed either individually or in small groups, so that the immune system is not usually triggered into action.

In addition, when digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream it is transported to the liver, where any harmful substances that have survived the digestive process are detoxified, before the nutrients are released into the rest of the circulation.

As part of he body's internal repair and maintenance capacity, the immune system also provides protection by removing ageing or damaged cells from the body before they can do harm. These include potentially cancerous cells that may have been damaged by free radicals, or cells that have resulted from imperfect cell division.

Loving Your Liver
The liver plays a major role in both the immune system and the process of detoxification. Almost two quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute, and it filters out bacteria, viruses, dead cells, cancer cells and other foreign and dangerous particles. It also breaks down chemicals, including drugs and pesticides, that have entered the body and which may cause damage. In a healthy person, the liver performs these functions efficiently, but it can become overwhelmed, especially if it has been damaged, for example, by alcohol.



Clinical Ecology
Today, it is generally accepted that gross chemical contamination is harmful, but the effecs of eposure to chemicals at low levels remain controversial. Clinical ecologists use the term chemical sensitivity to describe the adverse reaction that some individuals appear to experience when exposed, even at a very low level, to toxic chemicals. Although some of these reactions are true allergies, many of them result from the failure of the body to detoxify harmful chemicals. In practical terms, however, the symptoms are often similar, as are the measures that will provide protection.

Alcohol abuse can cause your liver to work inefficiently; or even to cease functioning.

Strengthening The Immune System
At 50+ the immune system is likely to have sustained some damage from illness, exposure to pollution and from deficiencies in the diet. There is also increasing evidence that both physical and mental stress can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. However, the body has a great capacity to heal itself, and you can support this process by reducing stress, by taking regular exercise and by ensuring you get adequate rest: try to sleep for at least seven hours at night.

Nourishing the body, and therefore the immune system, can be achieved if you follow the guidelines for the Optimum Diet (see previous post), paying particular attention to the following:

• Eat ample vegetables, especially greens.
• Keep added chemicals, including salt, to a minimum and avoid unnecessary medication. Choose organic produce when possible.
• Eat regularly, and make sure that you are obtaining enough protein, as this is needed for the repair and replacement of the components of the immune system.
• Avoid being overweight as this can suppress the immune system.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and stop smoking.

Coenzyme Q10
This enzyme, which occurs naturally in the human body, supports the immune system by enhancing the body's ability to protect itself from many conditions, including heart diseases, and from some of the effects of prescribed medications. Unfortunately, the amount produced tends to decline with advancing age just at the time that it is most needed. A good diet helps the body to manufacture coenzyme Q10, but higher doses are often recommended and you should seek professional advice if you are uncertain.

Ensuring A Low-Toxin Environment
You may believe that your home is a safe place in which to live, and that in your work environment the law protects you from exposure to harmful chemicals. Yet neither may be true. Conditions reportedly resulting from contact with indoor pollution include asthma, chronic sinus infections, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue and joint pain. In the 50+ age group, many of these conditions are attributed to getting older, and yet they may be totally avoidable.

Tips For Detoxifying Your Home

• Air your home every day by opening your windows for 15 to 20 minutes once or twice a day, and decrease the use of chemicals: indoor pollutants include paints, cleaning agents, solvents, dyes, glues and household sprays.
• Avoid buying carpets treated with fungicides and permanent stain-resistant chemicals.
• Have your gas appliances and boiler or furnace serviced regularly, and if you have an open fire keep the chimney swept. Avoid portable oil and gas heaters.
• Reduce your use of pesticides both inside the house and in the garden.
• Avoid wearing outdoor shoes in the house because they will track in pesticides and other chemicals.
• Avoid added chemicals in food; eat organic produce when possible and consider using a water filter.
• Hang new and recently dry-cleaned clothes in the fresh air for a few hours, so that any chemicals remaining in the fabrics have a chance to disperse.
• Choose solid wood furniture, or seal composite bonded materials with a low-toxicity sealant.

After gardening, remove your shoes before entering the house.