JW Nutrition

Research shows vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body. Because the body cannot make this vitamin, it must be acquitted through the diet.

Though it may not keep you from catching a cold, there is some evidence that high doses of vitamin C may decrease the length of cold symptoms by as much as one to one-and-a-half days for some people.

Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, green and red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kiwifruit, among others.



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Learn more about the shift of viral disease from animal to human in this short video: https://bit.ly/33HtMjB

No matter how healthy your immune system is, there are times when it can't fight off a new invader.

If someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or even talks closely, you can inhale droplets of the virus even if you are 2-3 feet away. Additionally, germs can live on hard surfaces like doorknobs for hours.



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Immunodeficiencies can be caused in a number of ways, including age, obesity, and alcoholism.

If you think you’re experiencing an immunodeficiency, we can help!

The immune response will recruit other systems, like the nervous system, in order to elicit an adequate response.

This is because communication with the brain is complicated since it is usually isolated by the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, cytokines have to take alternate routes like the vagus nerve.



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Check out this short video to learn more about your immune system and how the process of immunity leads to your miserable symptoms: https://bit.ly/2J77MVF

Bee pollen is a mixture of enzymes, nectar, honey, and flower pollen. Research shows bee pollen can have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties in the body.

The key is to purchase high-quality local bee pollen to counteract the effect of local pollen that can trigger allergies. Simply sprinkle some on yogurt or cereal, or blend it into a smoothie.



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Even though we all have different immunity, our immune systems generally become stronger during adulthood. This is because, as adults, we've been exposed to more pathogens and developed more immunity.

We're all born with some level of immunity, but as we go through life, we are exposed to diseases, and we build up a library of antibodies to different pathogens.

Your immune system is a vast network of cells and tissues and is constantly on the lookout for invaders. When an enemy is spotted, a complex attack is mounted.

The first line of defense is our innate immunity. This includes skin and mucous membranes of the throat and gut.



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Sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. This is called an autoimmune disease.

Examples of autoimmune diseases include:

Multiple sclerosis

Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriasis

In a healthy individual, the immune system is ready to attack at any moment. However, for people experiencing chronic stress, the immune function may be reduced due to the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

What are some ways you relax to combat stress?



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Experiencing a fever can be unpleasant, but it’s a good sign that your immune system is working to fight off harmful organisms.

Inflammation, such as swelling or redness also indicates your immune system is hard at work.

Fact. Studies show that people who eat a lot of them get sick less. The nutrients in them can help your immune system fight viruses and bacteria.



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The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation is associated with a number of adverse health effects, including a depressed immune system.

Check out this video about the importance of sleep for health: https://youtu.be/dqONk48l5vY

What happens when the immune system goes haywire? Allergies!

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3do8oEr



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Reset research has focused on developing cancer treatments using your body’s immune system, or immunotherapy. This method engineers the patient's own normal cells to attack the cancer cells.

There are trillions of beneficial bacteria located in your gut to absorb nutrients and aid the immune system in fighting disease. Keeping this population healthy and strong is arguably your strongest defense against colds, cases of flu, and many other diseases.

Replenish your gut flora daily by incorporating wholesome fermented foods and drinks into your diet like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.



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How friendly you're feeling could be linked to your immune system. This can be an evolutionary mechanism to reduce the spread of infection.

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have theorized that a substance that helps the immune system fight invaders is also linked to social behavior, which is one of the ways we become exposed to pathogens.

When they blocked the IG molecule in the brains of mice, the mice reacted less sociability. When they restored the function, the mice's brains returned to normal, as did their social behavior.

Watch this short video explanation about how the immune system works: https://youtu.be/PSRJfaAYkW4

Post your questions for discussion.

BTW, if you said C to yesterday’s post, you’re correct!



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A. 100%

B. 22%

C. 60%

D. 70%

Share your response!

Lymphocytes and phagocytes are white blood cells and your immune system's most powerful allies.

Lymphocytes create antigens for specific pathogens and kill them or es**rt them out of the body, and phagocytes ingest harmful bacteria.



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Prior to the discovery of invisible pathogens interacting within our bodies, scientists used the four criteria of ‘humors’ to diagnose and treat illness.

These criteria, devised by the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, were divided between the four elements, which were linked to bodily fluids: earth (black bile), air (blood), water (phlegm) and fire (yellow bile), which also carried properties of cold, hot, moist, or dry.

We’re fortunate to now know how the immune system protects us from illness!

Here’s how it works: A series of "sensors" within the system detects an invading pathogen, like bacteria or a virus. Then the sensors signal other parts of the system to kill the pathogen and eliminate the infection.

This process occurs all day long without our knowledge! And the answer is, antibodies! BTW, if you said C to yesterday’s post, you’re correct!



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A. 1 minute

B. 5 seconds

C. 20 seconds

D. 45 seconds

The answer: Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs but can affect any organ in the body. It has plagued mankind throughout known history and has killed more than any other bacteria.



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If you said FALSE, you're correct. Yes, the immune system does protect you from illness, but it cannot protect against large amounts of new pathogens. What it does do is save the information gained during an attack, so the next time you are exposed to that specific pathogen, it can take action.

And the answer is, antibodies!

The immune system signals the production of antibodies to attack harmful invaders. Each invader triggers its own unique antibody.

BTW, if you said C to yesterday’s post, you’re correct!



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A. Hands contain too much bacteria

B. Water is never 100% pure

C. Viruses are surrounded by a layer of fat

D. Viruses multiply in water

Post your responses!

Antigens are molecules capable of stimulating an immune response.

Antibodies, on the other hand, are proteins produced by B cells of the immune system in response to exposure to antigens. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen.



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If you said Leukocytes, you’re correct!

Leukocyte cells are white blood cells that circulate in the blood and body fluids. They are involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease.