Articles of Interest Arming the Immune System by Cathy Oats   "New research is indicating that the immune system not only determines our current state of health, but it also determines how fast we age and how long we live."   The reason that we aren't always sick is because the body has a powerful self-defense force known as the immune system. The immune system is the police force that protects us from bacteria, viruses, and even from cancer and atherosclerotic plaque cells. The immune system is made up of the thymus gland (located behind the breastbone); several types of white blood cells (which identify, attack, kill and eat deadly invaders, as well as make substances like antibodies); bone marrow (which makes some of the white blood cells); the spleen; lymph nodes and ducts; and a variety of protein and polypeptide chemical weapons such as antibodies, complement and interferon.   When our immune system is healthy, we can interact with germs and not get infections, with allergens and not have allergic reactions, and with carcinogens and not get cancer. Keeping the immune system healthy takes some effort, however. Our immune system is directly affected — and weakened — by both internal and external stimuli, including emotional and physical stresses, radiation, chronic infections, antibiotics, lack of sleep, immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids and poor dietary habits.   While self manufactured and food derived antioxidant systems may be sufficient to fend off free radical attack until we reach our forties, from then on we need supplemental help. More so than not if we've badly abused our bodies by smoking, drinking, eating junk foods, using drugs, etc. Even under the best of circumstances, our natural store of antioxidants is sure to decline by middle age, leaving our immune system in a weakened condition and a target for illness. Prudence and common sense, therefore, suggest that people in their 40s take serious measures to resupply their immune system with the dietary antioxidant and vitamin cofactors they need, or better yet, to begin doing so in childhood, gradually increasing in adolescence and young adulthood to build a strong immune system and prevent later depletion of antioxidant stores.   There is perhaps no more empowering option for the immune compromised person than to take charge of his or her health through a better diet. Most researchers also are convinced that boosting immune function by whatever means — vitamin, antioxidant, mineral supplementation — is one of the major keys to prolonging good health and sustaining an active lifestyle.   You'll find all the beneficial compounds that have been proven to bolster immunity in StePHan™ Protector. Each capsule contains ribonucleic acid (RNA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), plus two natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones and amino acids. And for still more nutritional support, StePHan™ Protector has astragalus membranaceus, one of the leading herbs currently being used in the treatment of immune deficiency and associated illnesses.   Nutritional Support for Immune Function   Astragalus membranaceus root, a member of the pea family, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to fortify the body against disease. Research shows that this potent plant will improve T-cell levels and function, along with improving phagocytosis (the "swallowing" of bacterial invaders by white blood cells). According to the American Herbalist's Guild, it is probably the most powerful of all herbs for "toning" the immune system.   The polysaccharides contained in astragalus membranaceus have been shown to increase the activity of white blood cells, stimulate pituitary-adrenal-cortical activity, and enhance the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. A recent study of the herb by the American Cancer Institute found that 90 percent of the participating cancer patients (over 500) showed improved immune function. Similar Chinese studies show that with the use of astragalus membranaceus, the body produces larger amounts of interferon, a vital protein which protects cells against cancer and viral diseases.   "Astragalus membranaceus is an ideal remedy for anyone who might have a weakened immune system — from someone who easily catches cold to someone with cancer." (Hoffman, 1993) By combining the right ingredients, you can give your body the assistance it needs to create a natural defense against invasion by infectious enemies. It's the natural way to help you stay strong, counteract fatigue, and boost your system naturally with some of the best things on earth to fight disease.   References: 1. Hoffman, D. An Elder's Herbal. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1993. 2. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, CA: Prima Press, 1991. 3. Sun, Y. et al. "Immune Restoration by Traditional Chinese Medical Herbs." Cancer 52 (1), 1983. 4. Sun, Y. et al. "Immune Restoration and/or Augmentation of Local Versus Host Reaction by Traditional Chinese Herbs." Cancer 52 (1), 1983. 5. Weil, A. Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1990.   Main Article Index click here Our copyright and Privacy statements / Medical Disclaimer © 2002, Makena Werks, Int'l, All Rights Reserved.