The Immune System And Exercise
One
essential way to keep the immune system strong is through
exercise. Exercise is vital to good circulation of the
'lymph fluid'. The lymph fluid is a fluid
rather like blood, but without the red colouring, which
comes from red blood cells.
By keeping the lymph fluid of the immune system
flowing well, you allow it to:
- Help Eliminate Waste
It transports waste products from where the body's cells
excrete them, back into the blood stream. The kidneys,
liver and bowel can then take over.
- Help Deal With Infection And Cell
Damage
It transports white blood cells from the 'lymph nodes' in
the groin, armpit and neck, to the areas of the body where
they are needed. White blood cells are the body's 'clean up
squad'. They destroy bacteria and mop up cell fragments
from damaged cells.
The lymph fluid is therefore a vital part of
the immune system, and circulating the fluid is very
important. The trouble is - the immune system does not
have a heart - and it relies on muscular activity to move
it around the body. It is only by the muscles squeezing
together, so acting as a pump, that the lymph fluid can
move along the lymph vessels.
This is one reason why exercise is so important
to keep the body healthy.
The best approach to keeping the Immune System
strong is through:
- Herbs - take a
course of herbs which are know to boost the immune
system
- A good diet - Eat plenty
of fruit and non-starchy vegetables every day; a
salad with every meal; a variety of fruits and
vegetables to make sure you consume every vitamin and
mineral you need
- A good exercise regime -
As mentioned above, exercise is essential for good
immune system function. Get exercise every day if you
can; walk for a couple of miles, for example. In
addition, vigorous exercise twice a week is valuable.
A longer walk, preferably over rough ground, is
excellent. Or play a sport.
All three of these measures can be combined in
a good 3 month Immune Programme.
[Next: Herbal approaches for the Immune
System...]
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