We talk about the three most significant stressors, namely,
unwanted aloneness, loss of control, and loss of hope. If
you can address those three stressors, you can enhance the
power of the immune system, which may have an effect on how
it's able to fight those cancer cells and lessen the
effects of cold and flu symptoms. Many studies have shown a
link between stress and illness. Stress seems to have
become a constant factor in today's fast-paced society
which can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging
process. An increase in heart rate, blood pressure, glucose
levels, adrenaline, cortisol, free radicals and oxidative
damage are also side effects of stress. As much as 80
percent of all major illnesses are attributed to stress.
Another upset is the delicate balance of the gut flora, the
microorganisms that help break down food.
What we are looking at is if you can enhance the power of
the immune system by doing things that make you happy, you
will be healthier. Immune cells spend much of their lives
circulating in those blood vessels.Immune systems of
optimistic people have been found to fare much better under
stressful conditions than those with a negative
attitude.Your immune cells, your red blood cells, and your
clotting cells (called platelets) are all sensitive to
chemotherapy.
There is no question that good nutrition is necessary for a
healthy immune system and that means a healthy variety of
proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, fluids,
etc. Your nutrition choices as well as your emotions can
have a big impact on your body's ability to keep up your
energy levels and immune system.
In one small study, researchers found that moderate
exercise (three or more times a week) increased the immune
cell counts of women undergoing breast cancer treatment
back to normal levels, and also improved the women's mood
and ability to handle their feelings comfortably. A healthy
immune system regulates our body's healing process and
protects it against infections and diseases. When stress
compromises our immune function, it can result in colds,
flu, fatigue, cardiovascular disorders and premature aging.
Sleep time is when your body and immune system do most of
its repairs and rejuvenation. Regularly drinking tea
throughout the day can help strengthen your immune system
and your body's ability to fight off germs and infections.
The field of study that examines the link between stress
and the immune system is known as psychoneuroimmunology.
Several studies in this area indicate that physical and
emotional stress can have either good or bad effects on the
immune system's response. The diseases that result from
this attack are known as autoimmune diseases; the more
commonly occurring examples include systemic lupus
erythematosus (lupus), Grave's disease of the thyroid, and
rheumatoid arthritis. There is also considerable evidence
that, in individuals with autoimmune diseases, symptoms are
worse during times of stress. It is also interesting to
note that many autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and
Grave's disease, occur more commonly in women than in men.
A positive attitude, connecting to other human beings, and
minimizing stress all have a lot to do with immune system
health, as well.
Protecting your immune system is a vital part of living
longer, feeling younger and being healthy. A healthy system
regulates our body's healing process and protects it
against infections and diseases. Stress influences our
health so profoundly because of the way it affects our
nervous and immune systems. Because of the connection
between stress and health, stress management should be a
cornerstone of your healthy lifestyle. Think about your
state of health for a moment. And also the health of those
you know. How we learn to deal with stress makes a huge
difference in how healthy we are. Research shows that the
way you cope with stress can affect your health.
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Another fine article by Chuck Arnone in regards to our day
to day health and your immune system.
http://www.immune-system-healthy.com
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