The Immune system

I guess I am amazed that every new 90's disease that came about was a breakdown of the immune system. For some reason we have to give it a fancy name, but the results are still the same - the immune system is not working properly. If we are to survive into the next millenium, we must get our immune systems back. We are under the impression that we are not to blame for these problems. We want to point our fingers at insects and bacteria; we force ourselves to be immunized against everything we could possibly get. We refuse to allow our immune systems to function, and so they don't. I believe it is as simple as that. We have chosen not to trust ourselves.

Our childhood diseases are the ways in which we stimulate our own immune systems, instead we refuse to recognize that we have a very high survival rate for any disease we encounter. I am much more afraid of what someone may put into my body and much less afraid of what I might catch. If I catch something, I catch it on my own. It is my body's decision to do so. I am in control of it. I will take responsibility for it. For me, it is as simple as that. I want the right of choice. There are ways to ensure your immune system can survive into the next millenium. First and foremost:

Make sure you deal with your yeast (see our section on Candida). Make sure your digestion is working properly. Allow your immune system to fight off infection before you run to take a drug. If you feel your immune system is unable to fight off infection or disease on its own, then only you should make that determination. You should educate yourself to any possible side affects that may occur from the use of a drug. Ultimately, you are responsible for anything you put into your body.

Surround yourself with good thoughts. Positive energy promotes positive outcomes. Don't stress out your physical and emotional bodies. This is a sure-fire way to bring on an illness. It is your body's greatest defense against you! You are in control of yourself whether or not you want to admit it.

The foods to avoid to heal the Immune System
Today's fast food, chemically-laden foods are playing havoc with our immune systems. The truth is, we are beings that survive very well on food that is supplied by the Earth. So it is imperative to eliminate all foods that have been laced with chemicals or artificial ingredients. This also includes all foods that have chemical sweeteners added to them. Also, all foods that contain hydrogenated oils should be eliminated as well as all refined foods.

For those with compromised immune systems, organic would be my first preference. If you do not have the resources for organic, the next best thing is to eat whole and fresh foods as much as possible. This includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as pure extra virgin olive oil (I prefer Greek or Italian for quality). Yogurts with friendly bacteria would also be helpful. Goat yogurt would be my preference even before cow or soy yogurt. Many people do very well with a little meat every day. My preferences would be chicken, turkey or fish unless you raise your own red meats and know what has gone into them. Again, I would insist on organic or free-range meats and eggs to ensure quality and purity.

Herbs & supplements that are beneficial to stimulating the Immune System
Everyone's favorite is Echinacea, although astragulus and schizandra should also be on the list, as well as Pau D'Arco. Elderberry also is touted as an immune enhancing herb and has been noted in studies to help combat viral infections. Olive Leaf is making great strides in getting the immune system stimulated. Medicinal mushroom formulas are helpful along with formulas that are immune stimulants. Two of my favorites are Natures Plus Immune Action and Country Life's Echinacea+. Both formulas work to help support a healthy immune system. Herb Pharm makes a great immune formula that I have seen wonderful results for those who can't seem to break an illness cycle called Echinacea-Baptisia Compound, which contains Echinacea, Wild Indigo Root, Thuja, Boneset Leaf and Prickly Ash.

When everyone is getting ill around me or when I feel the beginning of a cold entering my throat (this is where you will usually feel it first), I start to pop Natures Herbs Elderberry/Echinacea/Goldenseal formula. Most of the time, if I use this formula as a preventative, I won't catch anything! Find out what works best for you and use it. I also like Hebron Echinacea Drops to help sooth a raw, raspy throat.
Or course, Vitamin A and Vitamin C should also be considered to help enhance immune activity.
Please note that the immune system cannot do its job without the help of our digestive systems. So getting them in order is also essential to healing. See this section on Liver/Spleen, Gall Bladder, Stomach and Bladder.

Physical symptoms of a compromised Immune System
A compromised immune system can create many diseases, but often the first signs are the inability to fight off any infections, exhaustion, and the inability to handle simple stress in our lives.

Negative emotions that aggravate the Immune System
Fear is the greatest threat to our immune systems. And it seems to me that we use this emotion to control others. We are in fear of getting something if we do not immunize ourselves. We are in fear of getting cancer if we don't follow the procedures, we are in fear ????

Replace your fear with trust. Trust that you know who you are and how you will heal yourself. All of these fears are based around the fears of the unknown. They are the "what-if" fears. The flower for unknown fears is our old friend "Aspen".

Anger is another emotion that can compromise the immune system especially when we let it go on for long periods of time without the ability to forgive and move on. The anger flowers are: Agrimony, Beech, Chicory, Holly, Impatiens, Vine, Water Violet and Willow (refer to our website on "healing the emotions with flower essences.)