Basically the function of the immune system is to protect the body from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and all other harmful organisms that can enter our body. The breakdown of the immune system begins when toxins from the food we eat, the environment we live in and also a poor diet in general causes our systems to weaken and not function properly. When the immune system starts to weaken, our bodies are subject to fatigue and illness and it s very hard to ward off infections. The cells of the immune system are produced bythe thymus gland, spleen and other organs. The cells are carried throughout the body via the lymph system and to the lymph nodes. The nodes store the cells and help to create a barrier against infections settling in. What often happens is the immune cells become damaged when unstable oxygen molecules, which are known as "free radicals" become high in number, due to cigarette smoke, X-rays, alcohol, poor diet, and polluntants in the air. What needs to be done to rectify this is a healthy diet with vitamins that will strengthen the immune stystem by neutralizing the damaged cells.

Another factor in keeping the immune system up is routine exercise, even if it just a daily walk or jog. This will ensure good blood circulation so that the body will continuously get a plentiful supply of oxygen.

The vitamins known as the antioxidants are C and E. What these vitamins do are stimulate immunity and protect the body against cancer by neutralizing the free radicals. Also Vitamin A strengthens the immune cells. The daily intake requirement of vitamin A is 1,000 RE; ususally found in just 1 carrot. For Vitamin C, about 60 mg or 1 orange. Lastly, Vitamin E consumption is about 10 mg or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

The following is a herbal immune booster that can be made and consumed daily.

3 carrots

1 apple

1 orange

1/2 beet

Just mix everything up in a juicer, seeds, peels and all; but it has to be a juicer. A blender will definitly not work. Drink and keep for only one day.A new batch should be made fresh everyday.

Indoor Humidity

If possible, try to keep the humidity level in your house somewhere between 30 to 50 percent. When you do this it doesn't allow the mucous membranes in the nose to dry out, thus protecting the cilia, the fine hairs that line the nose and act as barriers to keep germs from penetrating the body.