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WELLNESS PIECE BY PIECE
by Pat Sullivan
Jigsaw Health Founder & CEO

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Immune System
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What Is the Immune System?
The Immune System is made up of the lymph system, the thymus, and circulatory vessels (such as bone marrow) that work together vigorously to clear foreign invaders from the body. The lymph system’s main components include the tonsils and adenoids, lymph nodes, spleen, appendix, Peyer’s patches, and lymphatic vessels.

How Does the Immune System Work?
Immune cells first grow in the body’s bone marrow, and then are transported to the thymus. Once there, the immune cells undergo an educational process of learning to tolerate themselves so that they don’t attack each other. This is referred to as “thymic education.” Once the immune cells have learned to accept themselves as non-invaders, they leave the thymus and enter the bloodstream.1

The lymph organs act like filtering systems. Foreign invaders and immune cells collect in the lymph organs to essentially “duke it out.” The battle between immune cells and foreign invaders results in the production of antibodies that are released into the bloodstream to attack and destroy foreign invaders found throughout the body.

What Causes a Weakened Immune System?
You may be wondering, “How did my Immune System become so weak?” Well, the fact of the matter is that chronic health conditions do not just "happen." There can be a genetic component that predisposes someone to becoming chronically "unwell," but research shows there are other factors—often within our control—that are usually the cause.

A weakened immune system may be caused by any of the following:

  • A poor diet – Prolonged and excessive consumption of refined sugars, alcohol, and highly processed foods containing pesticides, chemical additives, and preservatives can weaken the immune system and make you vulnerable to developing chronic conditions.
  • Overuse of antibiotics – Antibiotics can disrupt the intestinal flora of good and bad bacteria, especially when used for prolonged periods. Bad bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth (Candida) weakens the immune system. Take a self-assessment for Candida.
  • Chronic infections – Resulting from various organisms, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If left untreated, these wear down the immune system, leading to chronic health conditions.
  • Stress – Chronic stress literally wears down the immune system, making you vulnerable to developing chronic conditions.
  • Lack of sleep – A good, deep sleep allows the body to restore itself and produce growth hormones that help rebuild the immune system. Without adequate sleep, the immune system doesn’t get a chance to rebuild, and it becomes weak. Also, sleep is much needed during acute infections (such as a cold or the flu), so that the immune system can combat an infection effectively.
  • Heavy metal toxicity – Mercury and other heavy metals in your body suppress the immune system and open the door for chronic conditions. Read more about Heavy Metal Toxicity.
  • Thimerosal – Vaccines are crucial for public health, since they have saved many lives by controlling large-scale disease outbreaks, such as polio, measles, and mumps, to name a few. However, is it important to note that the vaccine preservative thimerosal currently found in vaccines (a mercury additive) is an immuno-suppressing agent.2
  • Low hydrochloric acid (HCl) – Stomach Acid Imbalance can lead to a vicious cycle of nutrient deficiencies and a weakened immune system, paving the way for many chronic conditions. Read more about Stomach Acid Imbalance.
  • Chemical exposure, UV, and radiation exposure – These agents bombard the immune system.
  • Drug therapies – Intensive drug therapies (such as chemotherapy) can compromise the immune system, and increase the chances of developing other illnesses. Also, studies from Switzerland indicate that medications such as Lipitor, Mevacor, and Pravachol can suppress the immune system to some degree.3
  • Blood transfusion – Sometimes, the immune system reacts inappropriately to the transfused blood cells, sparking an immune response.
  • Organ transplant – An immune response can occur against the transplanted organ.
  • Age – The immune system declines with age.4
“Keep in mind that chronic illness is typically not ’digital,’ meaning either you have it, or you don’t. It is usually ’analog’ in nature, diagnosed by matters of degree.

Thankfully, most chronic illnesses are preventable, and the protocol to improve a condition is generally very similar to the protocol for prevention.” 

        - Excerpt from WELLNESS PIECE BY PIECE by Pat Sullivan

What Can You Do to Restore a Weakened Immune System?
Diet. There are many things you can do to support the healthy functioning of your immune system:
  • Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as flax meal, wild Alaskan salmon, fish oils, and walnuts.
  • Eat nutrient-dense, raw, and unprocessed foods such as organic nuts and seeds.
  • Eat foods that have antimicrobial properties:
    • Organic extra virgin coconut oil is a good saturated fat that has antimicrobial properties. Read more about good fats and bad fats.
    • Coriander seeds (come from the cilantro herb) – Coriander has beneficial antimicrobial properties.
    • Cilantro – A study in 2004 revealed that Cilantro fends off salmonella.5
    • Cinnamon – Researchers from Kansas State University found that it fends off E. coli.6
    • Use crushed garlic, onion, allspice, and oregano liberally, since they are the “best all-around bacteria killers.”
  • Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as guava, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, orange, and grapefruit (unless you need to limit fruits due to Candida overgrowth).
  • Eat foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts and sprouted grain breads.
  • Increase your beta carotene found in orange-colored foods such as raw carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
  • Get more zinc by eating beans and organic beef.
  • Increase bioflavonoids by eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • Increase selenium by eating brown rice, organic egg yolks, and sunflower seeds.8
Foods to AVOID to protect your immune system:
  • All allergenic substances such as:
    • Wheat and gluten (a wheat protein)
    • Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, and processed foods that contain casein (a milk protein)
    • Nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers (orange, red, yellow, green, chili)
    • Peanuts – These are actually legumes that may contain harmful mycotoxins (mold) after being stored in warm, humid silos.
    • Corn, or processed foods containing corn. Be careful of corn-based ingredients such as malt, malt extract and syrup, sorbitol, food starch, dextrin, fructose and fructose corn syrup, baking powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), maltodextrin, starch, and confectioner’s sugar.9
  • All simple or refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, crackers, etc.)
  • All foods containing refined sugar or synthetic sugar-substitutes such as Aspartame, Splenda®, etc.
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Fermented foods such as cheese and wine
  • Excessive caffeine intake. While moderate amounts of caffeine may be beneficial, excessive consumption of caffeine can disrupt the body’s systems, causing insomnia and irregularity (constipation or diarrhea).
  • Fungi such as mushrooms
  • Pickled foods that may contain harmful mycotoxins (molds)
  • Limited fruits and fruit juices (especially if you have Candida)
  • All carbonated drinks (which alter your blood pH level, making it more acidic)
  • Seafood, such as oysters, clams, and lobster that may contain toxic levels of mercury
  • Deep-sea fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish that may contain toxic levels of mercury
  • Products made with yeast (breads, crackers, processed snacks, etc.)
  • Nitrites found in processed foods such as hot dogs, lunch meats, and bacon
  • Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) found in many processed foods. Read about good fats and bad fats.
  • Deep-fried food, fast food, and junk food
Other tips to boost your immune system:

Exercise. A long-term approach of dietary changes and an increase in daily activity is highly recommended to boost the immune system. By actively exercising and working up a sweat, you help your body release many toxins. Although you may not feel up to it, a brisk outdoor walk can provide many healing benefits that boost your immune system such as increased circulation, physical flexibility, and mental improvement. Learn more about regular exercise.

Spirituality. The immune system can be negatively affected by anxiety, fear, depression, and other negative outlooks on life. Keeping a positive spiritual attitude optimizes the health of the immune system. Learn more about spirituality.

Jigsaw Health Products That May Help You Feel Better
Jigsaw Health offers premium products formulated specifically for restoring the health of the immune system. You may want to consider some of the following products which aid in the promotion and regeneration of a healthy immune system in their own specific ways.
Conditions Related to Dysfunction of the Immune System
The immune system is specifically associated with many conditions. Below is a list of related condition articles that you may find helpful:

Other related conditions include: Acne, Allergies, Asthma, Autoimmune Disease, Brain Fog, Celiac Disease, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Lupus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Urticaria.

Additional Reading 

Cited Sources:

1) “The Immune System Overview,” The Body 
        http://www.thebody.com/step/immune.html 
        Accessed July 2005

2) “Vaccines and Immune Suppression,” Dr. Mercola 
        http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/immune_suppression.htm 
        Accessed July 2005

3) “Lipitor May Suppress Your Immune System,” Dr. Mercola 
        http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/24/statins.htm# 
        Accessed July 2005

4) “Weakened Immune System,” Diagnose-Me.com 
        http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C47006.html 
        Accessed July 2005

5) “Coriander Seeds,” The World’s Healthiest Foods 
        http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?pfriendly=1&tname=foodspice&dbid=70 
        Accessed June 2005

6) “Cinnamon is Lethal Weapon Against E. Coli,” Science Daily 
        http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/08/990806074926.htm 
        Accessed June 2005

7) “Food Bacteria–Spice Survey Shows Why Some Like it Hot,” Science Daily 
        http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/03/980305053307.htm 
        Accessed June 2005

8) “Feeding Your Immune System,” Ask Dr. Sears 
        http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T042500.asp 
        Accessed June 2005

9) “Are Food Labels Accurate?” Dr. Mercola 
        http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/22/food_labels.htm 
        Accessed June 2005



Last Updated: Friday, July 15, 2005


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