Many things promise to increase immunity, but do these claims on how to boost immune system amount to real benefits? A strong immune system is crucial to health and longevity, but time and money can be saved by exploring the subject thoroughly.

First of all, the ‘immune system’ is actually many interdependent bodily processes whose function is to protect the body from foreign substances and invasion by germs and viruses. This description is a major understatement, but it may serve as a basis for discussion.

The immune system is always working to fend off harmful organisms, or to destroy them before significant damage is done. The reaction to pollen of watering eyes and running nose is unpleasant, but it is designed to expel the foreign organism as quickly as possible. ‘White’ blood cells destroy germs and viruses and keep the blood stream clean. Infections will call up the response of fever as the bodily defenses are alerted to the danger. There are other defensive and protective systems that fight the disruption of health.

If the immune system is suppressed, by too much being required of it or by vaccines or drugs, the viruses, bacteria, and allergens can easily penetrate the body’s defensive processes. A person must either suffer the ravages of these invaders or build up these defenses.

Many expensive medicines and natural supplements claim to bolster the body’s defenses. Some actually do, and in the case of illness, echinacea or Vitamin C or orange juice or goldenseal may restore health. However, if the aim is to stay healthy, some things are necessary and cannot be replaced. The most important of these cost little if anything.

The physical act of walking is vital to bodily health. The body has two circulating systems stimulated by walking. The familiar vascular system sends nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the arteries and takes cellular wastes and oxygen-depleted blood away by the veins. The better the heart pumps to push the blood around, the more efficient the process.

The second system, the lymph system, is every bit as crucial to good health and life itself. The ‘pump’ of the lymph system is walking, or to be precise, the flexing of the foot. This sends the lymph around the body to fight infection and clean the wastes of metabolism out of the body. A sluggish lymph flow depresses the immune system and the whole body is at risk.

The importance of drinking water cannot be denied. Dehydration causes the body to lose its ability to fight disease and allergies. Nothing will help if an individual suffers from chronic dehydration.

Stress is a known killer but also a potent adversary in the struggle to keep healthy. Stress causes shallow breathing, hormone disruption, adrenal exhaustion, loss of restful and restorative sleep, and more negative reactions. Best tip: learn to avoid unnecessary stress, accept the inescapable stress with equanimity, and take a walk, for the stress relief and other health benefits.

Allergens, which are organisms that invade the body, have a very destructive effect on the immune system. Since these organisms are in the air, the ground, and the vegetation everywhere around, the only defense is a strong response from the body itself. This response can be weakened if called on too often. To help minimize the effect of allergens on immunity, avoid foods you are sensitive to. It may be necessary to filter air borne organisms with a face mask. Use a natural supplement to keep your barriers strong, and avoid antibiotics if you can, since they suppress the body’s defenses as well as their target bacteria.

There is much more information available. However, if the measures listed above are not taken, no other supplements, medicines, or actions working on how to boost immune system will be very effective.

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