Nutritional Immunology A Healthy Immune System is Essential to a Long, Healthy Life

According to most longevity experts, the human body can easily remain vital for as long as 100 years, or longer, if given the proper balance of nutrients, exercise, and restful, regenerative sleep. For the first time, in June of 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) calculated the "healthy life" expectancy for all nations. The "healthy life" expectancy is the expected number of years to be lived in what might be termed the equivalent of "full health". Previously, life expectancy estimates were based on the overall length of life only, without considering the quality of one's health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that the Japanese have the longest healthy life expectancy of the 191 countries ranked. The rest of the top 10 nations were Australia, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Monaco, and Andorra. The United States rated a disappointing 24th. In the United States, it seems, we have been able to prolong life, but not necessarily improved the quality of that longer life.

If it is true that the human body is designed to last 100 years or more, why aren't we living longer? What are we doing wrong that is speeding us to an earlier than necessary demise, in most cases? What can we do right to preserve our health and youth, and live longer, more vibrant lives?

When we get sick, oftentimes we are told by our doctor that we have a virus (most commonly a cold or flu virus). But do you always get sick when you are exposed, or infected with a virus? NO! Some of us actually carry the virus in our bodies, and pass it onto others we come in contact with, without ever getting sick ourselves. Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people around the world die from the common cold virus. But some people get nothing more than a sniffle, or nothing at all, even though they have been exposed to (or infected with) the cold virus. Why is it that being infected does not necessarily mean being sick?

The answer is the human immune system. It is your immune system, if it is strong, that prevents you from getting sick even after you have been exposed to (or infected by) a virus. Even after everyone else around you has gotten sick, a strong immune system can keep you healthy.

The immune system is like an army protecting a country. No single drug or group of drugs can replace your immune system. No medication can be as effective as a healthy immune system at warding off disease or illness. Many factors contribute to maintaining a healthy immune system, capable of protecting your body from illness. Proper nutrition is probably the most important, as your immune system needs the proper fuel to build and feed its army.
PHYTONUTRIENTS
In recent years, the phytonutrients found in many vegetables and fruits, have been identified as key ingredients for boosting the immune system. Phytochemicals inhibit the progression of cell mutation, a big help to an immune system trying to keep the growth of cancerous cells in check. The National Cancer Institute has spent in excess of $20 million over the past five years researching the anti-cancer potential of plant foods. Some of the foods and herbs with the highest levels of anti-cancer phytochemicals include soybeans, garlic, cabbage, ginger, carrots, celery, licorice, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, brown rice, whole wheat, cucumber, cantaloupe, and berries.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Also important to proper immune system function are the high levels of antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables, especially grapeseed, pink grapefruit, oranges, lemons, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, and mangoes. Antioxidants delay aging and prevent cancer by destroying free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage, and if left unchecked, lead to the proliferation of cancerous cells.
POLYSACCHARIDES
More recently, the polysaccharides found in certain strains of mushrooms, most notably shitake, reishi, mahtake, chaga, and enoki, have been found to significantly boost the anti-cancer activity of t-cells and natural killer cells in the immune system. The t-cells tag the mutant cells to be destroyed, and the natural killer cells destroy them, preventing the spread of cancerous growth.
PLANT FOODS VS. ANIMAL FOODS
Plant food sources (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. Animal foods, such as meat, contain high levels of prostoglandins, which weaken the immune system. Animal protein also causes an increased loss of calcium through the urine, the result of calcium leeching from skeletal bones. An alte
ative to the animal protein in meat is the plant protein found in soy (tofu, soymilk, edamame), and other beans and nuts. Even peanut butter is a good source of plant protein.
OTHER FACTORS
Many cultures promote the drinking of coffee or tea on a daily basis. The caffeine in these drinks stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and promoting insomnia. And while smoking tobacco causes direct damage to human DNA, caffeine consumption significantly slows down the DNA repair mechanism. Unfortunately, decaffeinated coffee is not much better, as the chemical process used to extract the caffeine leaves carcinogenic chemicals in the coffee. Herbal teas are a safer alte
ative.

Proper exercise, even just walking for 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week could decrease the incidence of most diseases by up to 40%, according to recent research from Harvard University. Proper hydration (water intake), and a regular schedule of restful, regenerative sleep help to keep the immune system functioning properly.

And finally, your attitude plays a major role in your overall health, as well. Individuals who maintain a positive, happy outlook are 100 times less likely to get sick compared to their stressed, unhappy counterparts. So eat, sleep, and drink healthy, exercise regularly, and remain optimistic, in spite of the stress around you, and you will be well on your way to a longer, healthier, and happier life, maybe even until your 100th birthday!!!