YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Risk Factors and Wellness Tips


The benefits of having a healthy immune system are legion. Without proper immune function, we quickly become the victims of disease—shortening our lives and impacting our capacity for happiness.


Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. When we sleep, the immune system is reinforced and replenished. Even one night’s sleep loss can significantly suppress the immune system.


Eat nutritious foods

“ You are what you eat.” Making sure your body receives only wholesome, nutritious foods* is essential for optimum immune function. Immune-boosting foods include organically grown fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, beans and other legumes, natural oils such as expeller-pressed olive oil, flax oil and butter, free range eggs and meats/fish that have been raised without the use of antibiotics and
other medications.

* Brazil nuts, a rich source of selenium, are particularly good for the immune system. Selenium enhances immunity by activating glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that inhibits the formation of free radicals and suppresses tumour growth.

* Fresh Kiwis, red peppers and to a lesser extent oranges, are rich sources of vitamin C, which is required by the immune system. Vitamin C is required by immune cells to enable optimal functioning. Interestingly enough, most animals produce their own vitamin C, whereas humans do not. It has been observed by many researchers that animals produce higher levels of vitamin C when they are immune-provoked or stressed; Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Linus Pauling believed this to be a protective defensive mechanism.

Avoid “unhealthy” foods

Sugar and overly processed foods are foes of the healthy immune system. Sugar (including honey) suppresses many immune cells, particularly macrophages and NK cells. Other unhealthy foods include those containing trans-fats, fried items, processed meats, baked goods made with white flour and foods that contain moulds.

Stay as stress-free as possible

Although it’s easier said than done, keeping stress under control is essential for a healthy immune system. When we are stressed, our adrenal glands secrete a hormone known as cortisol. Although cortisol is in many ways good for our bodies (it helps keep inflammation in check, for example), too much of it on an ongoing basis can create havoc. For example, when cortisol output is high, the immune system secretes interleukin 6 (IL-6), which contributes to inflammation. IL-6 is also believed to cause autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia to worsen, to cause calcium to leave the bones, and to act as a growth factor for a number of tumours.

Get enough exercise

Exercise is a wonderful immune booster and good for virtually every part of you! A program of regular, moderate exercise relieves stress and makes it easier for you to sleep at night.

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes

Alcohol intake interferes with a variety of immune defenses. Research indicates that alcohol consumption is linked with certain types of cancers and infections. Cigarette smoke (inhaled or second hand) is saturated with toxic chemicals, most of which negatively impact immune response.

Avoid excessive sun exposure

Unprotected sun exposure for longer than 15 minutes is linked with immune suppression. (This is why cold sores often appear following time spent in the sun.) Always wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Be sensible though…a few minutes in the sun before 11:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. will help your body produce vitamin D and not expose you to the risk of burns or immune problems.

Avoid exposure to pollutants and toxic chemicals

Pollution is a major factor in immune suppression. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals are everywhere around us. Become informed! Learn to recognize harmful chemicals in the home and outside.

Buy (or make) non-toxic cleaning fluids/sprays, and use natural cosmetics whenever possible.

Take Immune Fx

Many mushrooms are recognized for their immune-enhancing properties. Medicinal mushrooms are a rich source of complex carbohydrates known as beta-glucans. One of the key functions of beta-glucans and other polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) found in medicinal mushrooms is to stimulate the production of immune components that guard the body against foreign invaders and protect us from our own aberrant cells (cancer). Countless studies over the last 40 years have confirmed the ability of these polysaccharides to stimulate a variety of immune system components.

Take Transfer Factor

Transfer Factor is a "smart molecule" that contains all the immune system information we need to fight infections such as virus, fungi, bacteria. Transfer Factor is transferred to us from our mother in her breast-milk and is vital to our survival, health and well-being. Dr H. Sherwood Lawrence (who was Head of Infectious Dieaseases and Immunology at New York University from 1959-2000) discovered transfer factor in 1949. Independent studies by the prestigous American Institute of Longevity Medicine and the Rusian Academy of Medicine proved that Transfer Factor formula was at least 800% more powerful than any other known nutritional substance found in any nutritional literature. The study examined percent rise in NK Cell effectiveness over baseline and tested 196 natural substance (in blood in the presence of live cancer cells) and found that 44 caused a significant increase: Noni 15%, Bovine Colostrum 23%, Shitake Mushroom 42%, Echinacea 43% whereas Transfer Factor (developed in 1998) 103%, Transfer Factor Plus ( 1999) a 248% increase and Transfer Factor Plus Advanced (2004) caused a massive and unprecedented 437% increase.



Increasing numbers of medical doctors are incorporating the use of Transfer Factors into their treatment of immune disorders, including acclaimed oncologists.



"Witthout a doubt Transfer Factor is the most significant discovery in health science since the discovery of penicillin in 1928 and the polio vaccine in 1952. It is the next step in the evolution of nutrition science. This nutrient can effect the immune system lilke nothing else can." - Rob Robertson Jr., MD.



"There is no other product in a nutritional substance, nor a drug, that has this kind of power and ability to affect our immune system."

- Daryl See, MD., Immunologist of UCLA Medical School.



A wealth of medical and scientific research information is on the Transfer Factor Institute website.



Information on its availability in India can be found at http://www.oneindia.in/ under classified "business partner" listings for the cities of Bangalore (head office) and Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
Ahmadabad, and Pune.
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