Tonsils and the immune system 2/2

Help Your Body Protect Itself
By Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld
May 1, 2005


Despite all the germs and toxins to which we are constantly exposed, most of
us remain healthy thanks to our immune system-a special circulatory system
that runs throughout the body. However, our "immunity" is increasingly being
challenged as new infections such as SARS and monkeypox appear, AIDS remains
a prevalent threat and the ever-present flu viruses continually mutate among
humans and birds. What's more, the ease of jet travel allows virtually any
infection to spread very quickly throughout our "smaller" world.

We also are vulnerable to attacks from within ourselves. For example, new
research suggests that prolonged stress reduces our ability to fend off
infectious diseases. And we can compromise our natural immunity by how we
respond to injury, disease, aging, cell damage and genetic mutations.

Here's how the immune system works. The tissues of the body are bathed by
lymph, a transparent fluid rich in certain protective white blood cells
called lymphocytes. Most are known as B cells and T cells, but there are
others as well, all with different functions. These cells move in and out of
the lymphatic and blood systems, their goal being to destroy any harmful
foreign molecules. They can do this in several ways: by making antibodies
that attach themselves to these hostile invaders and mark them for
destruction; by orchestrating an attack on anything that's harmful, such as
cancer cells; or by making and secreting products that help control the
body's enemies, including cytokines, cytotoxins and chemokines. The body
invokes whichever of these mechanisms are necessary. (The immune system
itself appears to have little effect against heart attack and stroke. The
best way to prevent or delay these killers is to control their specific risk
factors.)

In addition, lymph glands dot the course of the immune system. These are
filters that trap cancer cells, bacteria and other invaders and prevent them
from spreading. In so doing, they become enlarged. That's why doctors
examine you for the presence of swollen lymph glands as a sign of disease.
Lymphoid tissues, which have the same function as glands, also are present
throughout the body-in the bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, adenoids and thymus
glands.

Overall immune function also can be weakened by some types of cancer, such
as Hodgkin's disease, lymphatic leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphomas in
general. There is no one way to test the overall "strength" of the immune
system, but we can determine the adequacy of its various constituents. For
example, the level of gamma globulin, which contain the antibodies, can be
checked with a blood test.

The number and the proportion of B cells and T cells also can be determined
with a blood test. A healthy diet that contains certain vitamins, minerals
and biochemicals increases the effectiveness of the immune system (see box).
Vaccines also are important. Made from dead bacteria, viruses and (more
recently) from fragments of cancer cells, they can stimulate the immune
system to prevent a wide variety of infections, such as childhood diseases,
flu, meningitis, hepatitis and-for the moment, only experimentally - certain
cancers.



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Your Best Defense Is What You Eat


Studies show that eating the right foods may fortify the immune system
against viral diseases such as colds and flu and perhaps other conditions.

* Yogurt -- Contains "good" bacteria called probiotics, which protect
against colds and diarrhea-related diseases. Check the label to make sure
the yogurt you eat contains live cultures of lactobacillus, acidophilus or
bifidobacteria.

* Tea -- Black, oolong, pekoe and green teas strengthen the immune system.

* Fruits and vegetables -- Foods high in antioxidants, phytochemicals,
vitamins and minerals improve immune function. Think colorful: Choose
dark-green, red, orange and yellow vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach and
other greens, cabbage, tomatoes, red peppers, carrots, squash and sweet
potatoes. Also, cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, pumpkin, citrus fruits,
apples, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries and grapes.

* Other immune-boosting foods -- These include mushrooms, whole grains
(raisin bran in particular), walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, ginger, onions,
garlic, salmon and turkey.

* Go easy on fats and sweets. Especially watch the amount of saturated fats
and concentrated sweets you eat.

* Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids keeps nasal passages from drying
out. Water is best, followed by tea and fruit juices.



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