Tag: immune system

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Immune system support – the role of the lymphatic and digestive systems

The lymphatic system and immunity

The lymphatic system is a highly important, yet generally ignored, system inside our bodies. It has a pivotal role to play in:

• keeping fluid balance in the body 
• absorbing fat from the digestive tract
• acting like a garbage collection service, filtering the bloodstream of toxins and waste
• combatting infection – lymph nodes contain large amounts of white blood cells that attack bacteria.

Here are some incredible facts you most likely didn’t know about the lymphatic system:

1. It is made up of lymph, lymphocytes, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, the tonsils, the thymus gland, Peyer’s patches of the intestines and the spleen.

2. We have approximately three times the amount of lymph fluid in our bodies than we do blood.

3. Blood is pushed around our body by the heart’s contractions. By contrast, lymphatic fluid generally flows around the body against gravity. Three things help to keep it moving: the contractions of surrounding muscles during exercise or activity (this can increase lymph flow by up to fifteen times); contractions of smooth muscle in the lymph vessel walls; and movements of the chest when breathing.

4. The most essential part of the immune system is in the gut – 70 per cent of all antibody-producing cells are located in Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), found in the intestine. GALT is believed to be the largest set of immune cells in the body.

Consequently, just by boosting your level of activity and taking deep breaths, you will be cleansing your immune system!

The digestive system

The digestive tract is the group of organs in the body through which food and liquids pass when they are consumed, digested and eliminated. These organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus.

By contrast with the lymphatic system, the digestive system tends to receive more interest – but not necessarily without due cause. Nutritional medicine places great emphasis on the proper operation of the digestive system in terms of its impact on our overall health and well-being.

This makes sense, as obviously our bodies rely upon the food we eat and the liquids we drink for nutrients. Similarly, we rely upon the digestive tract to expel toxins from our bodies, which would otherwise be harmful if allowed to remain. Indeed, the health of our lymphatic system is said to be greatly affected by the state of our intestines, as is the liver and our immune system.

The digestive system is one of the most critical systems of our body and its normal functioning is vital to our survival. We get all our nutrition and energy from the digestive system, and its inefficiency can lead to lethargy and nutrient deficiency.

Lesson learned

What the above teaches us, is that it is important that we do all that we can to support our lymphatic and digestive systems and make certain (as far as possible) that they are operating properly. The day-to-day pressures that are placed on these systems by the modern-day diet, work strains, family strains, lack of exercise and environmental toxins all create an incredible burden on both the digestive and lymphatic systems on a daily basis.

A regular exercise regime and a healthy eating regimen can go a long way to mitigating this burden. However, in some instances our bodies need a little bit of extra help. Dietary supplementation can offer your body support, particularly at times of unusual strain.

Specialist Supplements Ltd has a fantastic range of non-synthetic, herbal supplements to support both immunity and digestive transit. The superfoods supplements range is packed full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals for an easy top-up every day. The digestive system supplements range contains digestive aids, colon cleansers (both herbal and oxygenated), digestive enzymes, high strength probiotics and much more. Check them out now! 

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Buy Vitamin D Supplements For Great Health

Vitamin D is fat soluble and necessary for good health. The latest research shows we are not getting enough vitamin d-3 in our diets, especially if we live in the North where sunshine is rare most winters. Physicians recommend we get enough of a tan from sunshine to keep levels up, but also to buy vitamin d supplements to maintain those levels. This miraculous vitamin increases calcium in the blood thereby assisting absorption. When taken with a fish oil tablet, the properties are assimilated more easily. Also responsible for bone growth, and reducing inflammation in the body, it also prevents osteoporosis in susceptible individuals. In countries where rickets affect children, vitamin d can reverse the effects if given early enough. The vitamin has been shown to also assist in preventing autoimmune diseases and improving thyroid functioning.

In overweight individuals who have not been on vitamin d, there is a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome. This is a condition where the body cannot shed pounds no matter how much calories are restricted. Once vitamin d is built back up in the body, this condition is reversed, and weight loss may begin. Vitamin D also assists the body to make its own when exposed to sunlight. Another way manufacturers improve the vitamin is to add calcium, magnesium and zinc to aid in metabolic, nerve, and muscle functioning.Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium, zinc participates in the antioxidant process, and magnesium regulates the heartbeat. When combined, this is called Vitamin D-3.

When you buy vitamin d supplements. you are taking charge of your immune system health. The vitamin wards off influenza, assists in easing the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia, regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and may even ward off cancer. The optimal dosage for enhanced health is 1,000 IU. Vitamin d can also be found in foods such as cod liver, eggs and animal fat. The problem is many people cannot possibly eat enough of these to maintain a healthy immune system, so a supplement is necessary. Vitamin d-3 is the optimal product to purchase for optimal all over health.

To find the best place to buy vitamin D supplements online visit www.thextonhealth.com.au today.

*Please note: Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health.

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Fact Sheet: Essential Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is required for several bodily functions. They include brain and immune system function, blood oxygenation, and maintenance of blood glucose levels. It is an essential vitamin meaning the body cannot manufacture it and so it must be consumed in wither the diet or in supplements.

Hemoglobin in the blood is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body in red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is required for the formation of hemoglobin and for the amount of oxygen that hemoglobin can carry.

In the immune system, vitamin B6 is responsible for the creation of white blood cells and to keep this system functioning normally. A low production of antibodies and immune system suppression have both been found to be a result of a deficiency in B6.

B6 is also required for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, important neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for the daily nerve functions in the brain.

Maintaining proper blood glucose levels is an additional function of vitamin B6. If it is the case that there is not enough glucose in your blood, B6 takes stored carbohydrates and turns them into glucose.

There are quite a few foods that contain vitamin B6. These include, but are not limited to, bananas, cereal, oatmeal, spinach, and pork. There is a recommended daily intake of 1.5mg for women over 51, 1.7mg for men over 51, and 1.3mg for adults between the ages of 19 and 50. The upper safety limit has been determined to be 100mg per day.

Depression, anemia, convulsions, skin inflammation, and a sore tongue are all signs of a vitamin B6 deficiency. This is quite uncommon in North America and only occurs after an extended period of inadequate intake. The deficiency normally only occurs in those who suffer from alcoholism, those who cannot consume enough in their diet, and those over the age of fifty years.

This vitamin has also been taken as a treatment for carpel tunnel syndrome on occasion. There is a lack of supporting scientific evidence for this treatment so it is not recommended.

Too much vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage in the arms and the legs. It can also cause neuropathy which has been found to be reversible if the sufferer stops taking supplements.

The best way to obtain any vitamin or mineral is through a well-balanced diet. All the B6 necessary for a healthy body is consumed through a good diet. If, however, you are concerned that you are not getting all the B6 you need in your diet you should consult with your physician. Blood tests can reveal any deficiencies in vitamin and mineral intake and your physician will be able to recommend a proper course of action.