SPOOKY BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO POOR HEALTH

Earlier today we took to Facebook for a live event on that lifestyle habits you may have that can actually be detrimental!! SPOOKY BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO POOR HEALTH!

What is your immune system?

Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease.

What are the parts of the immune system?

Your immune system is made up of a complex collection of cells and organs. They all work together to protect you from germs and help you get better when you’re sick. The main parts of the immune system are:

White blood cells: Serving as an army against harmful bacteria and viruses, white blood cells search for and attack and destroy germs to keep you healthy. White blood cells are the key part of the immune system. There are many white blood cell types in the immune system. Each cell type either circulates in the bloodstream and throughout the body or resides in a particular tissue, waiting to be called into action. They each have a specific mission in your body’s defense system. Each has a different way of recognizing a problem, communicating with other cells on the defense team and performing their function.
Lymph nodes: These small glands filter and destroy germs so they can’t spread to other parts of your body and make you sick. They also are part of your body’s lymphatic system. Lymph nodes contain immune cells that analyze the foreign invader brought to it and then activate, replicate and send the specific lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, to fight off that particular invader. You have hundreds of lymph nodes all over your body, including in your neck, armpits, and groin. Swollen, tender lymph nodes are a clue that your body is fighting an infection.
Spleen: Your spleen stores white blood cells that defend your body from foreign invaders. It also filters your blood, destroying old and damage red blood cells.
Tonsils and adenoids: Because they are located in your throat and nasal passage, tonsils and adenoids can trap foreign invaders (for example, bacteria or viruses) as soon as they enter your body. They have immune cells that produce antibodies that protect you from foreign invaders that cause throat and lung infections.
Thymus: This small organ in your upper chest beneath your breast bone helps mature a certain type of white blood cell. The specific task of this cell is to learn to recognize and remember an invader so that an attack can be quickly mounted the next time this invader is encountered.
Bone marrow: Stem cells in the spongy center of your bones develop into red blood cells, plasma cells and a variety of white blood cells and other types of immune cells. Your bone marrow makes billions of new blood cells every day and release them into the bloodstream.
Skin, mucous membranes and other first-line defenses: Your skin is the first line of defense in preventing and destroying germs before they enter your body. Skin produces oils and secretes other protective immune system cells. Mucous membranes line the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. These membranes secrete mucus, which lubricates and moistens surfaces. Germs stick to mucus in the respiratory tract and then are moved out of the airways by hair-like structures called cilia. Tiny hairs in your nose catch germs. Enzymes found in sweat, tears, saliva and mucus membranes as well as secretions in the vagina all defend and destroy germs.
Stomach and bowel: Stomach acid kills many bacteria soon after they enter the body. You also have beneficial (good) bacteria in your intestines that kill harmful bacteria.

What does the immune system do and how does it work?

Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy. Its job is to keep germs out of your body or to destroy them or limit the extent of their harm if they get in.

When your immune system is working properly . . .

When your immune system is working properly, it can tell which cells are yours and which substances are foreign to your body. It activates, mobilizes, attacks and kills foreign invader germs that can cause you harm.

Your immune system learns about germs after you’ve been exposed to them too. Your body develops antibodies to protect you from those specific germs. An example of this concept occurs when you get a vaccine. Your immune system builds up antibodies to the foreign cells it finds in the vaccine and will quickly remember these foreign cells and destroy them if you are exposed to them in the future.

Sometimes doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help your immune system if you get sick. But antibiotics only kill certain bacteria. They don’t kill viruses.

When your immune system can’t mount a winning attack against an invader, a problem, such as an infection, develops. Also, sometimes your immune system mounts an attack when there is no invader or doesn’t stop an attack after the invader has been killed. These activities result in such problems as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions.

How can I keep my immune system healthy? SPOOKY BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO POOR HEALTH TO AVOID!

Just like the rest of your body, your immune system needs nourishment, rest, and a healthy environment to stay strong. Certain lifestyle changes have been proven to boost immune systems and help you avoid illness. To keep your immune system running smoothly, you should:

SMOKING – Quit smoking. Nicotine from cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or any other source can weaken your body’s ability to fight germs. Yes, vaping counts, too. And it’s not just the nicotine. Other chemicals in e-liquids seem to suppress your immune response, especially when you inhale them through vaping.
OVERWEIGHT and OBESITY – Lose weight or maintain a healthy body mass.
POOR DIET – Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. These foods may help your body make more of the white blood cells you need to fight off infections. Fresh produce and nuts and seeds pack a lot of zinc, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other nutrients you need for a healthy body. Plant-based foods also fill you up with fiber, which helps lower your body fat percentage, which can strengthen your immune response.
TOO MUCH ALCOHOL – Avoid alcohol or use it only in moderation. Just overdoing it once slows your body’s ability to fight germs for up to 24 hours. Over time, drinking too much blunts your body’s ability repair itself. That may be part of the reason you’re more likely to get illnesses like liver disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers. If you use alcohol, try to keep it to one drink a day for women and two drinks for men.
SLEEP DEPRIVED – Get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Not getting enough sleep can make you more likely to catch viruses or germs. And you also may take longer to get better. That’s because your body can’t make as many infection-fighting cells and proteins called antibodies that help defend against illness. Your body releases certain proteins that help the immune system, called cytokines, only during sleep.
STRESSED OUT! – Try to stress less and focus on mind/body wellness. Stress and worry aren’t great germ fighters. Just having anxious thoughts can weaken your immune response in as little as 30 minutes. Constant stress takes an even bigger toll and makes it harder to fend off the flu, herpes, shingles, and other viruses. Talk to your doctor if you can’t shake your worry or if it gets in the way of normal life.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY – Need 15 minutes of sunshine daily! You may know you need it for strong bones and healthy blood cells, but vitamin D also helps boost your immune system. You can get it in eggs, fatty fish, and fortified foods like milk and cereal. Sunlight is another key source. In the summer, just 5-15 minutes of rays on your hands, face, and arms 2-3 times a week usually is enough. In the winter, you might need a bit more.
OVERMEDICATED – Certain Meds, they include drugs to treat allergies, arthritis, lupus, IBS, and organ transplant. Corticosteroids are one example, as are TNF inhibitors for inflammation and chemotherapy for cancer.
NOT GETTING OUTDOORS – Sunlight may energize special cells in your immune system called T-cells that help fight infection. But being outside brings other benefits, too. Many plants in the woods make phytoncides and other substances you breathe in that seem to bolster your immune function.
LACK OF MOVEMENT – Regular aerobic exercise appears to help your body fight illness caused by viruses and bacteria. That’s in part because it helps blood get around your body more efficiently, which means germ-fighting substances get where they need to go. Scientists continue to study exactly how exercise helps boost your immune system.
SCARIEST BEHAVIOR OF ALL!!! SUBLUXATED SPINE! – A properly functioning nervous system will enhance the immune system and help this system perform optimally. Subluxations cause stress in the nervous system, which will impose stress in the brain and all systems of the body. Visiting a chiropractor to establish a healthier brain body connection will enhance the immune system.

Thank you for listening and reading along all about spooky behaviors that can lead to poor health!

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