The Effect of Stress on the Immune System - Frequently Asked Questions:

Here we answer some commonly asked questions about the effect of stress on the immune system, as well as questions like ‘how do you boost your immune system‘.

We have found that these are frequently asked questions and hope to help people find their answers.

What is the effect of stress on the immune system?

Short term stress like dealing with an attack or playing a sport does not negatively affect the immune system. The spleen is instructed to release more red and white blood cells. The red blood cells increase oxygen supply to the lungs and heart while the white blood cells are directed to portions of the body most likely to be injured or become infected, namely the skin, bone marrow and lymph nodes.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, appears to blunt immune system responses. Studies have shown that those who work in high pressure jobs, have continuous financial problems, marital difficulties or any of the other problems that can cause chronic stress, have lower than normal white blood cell counts, are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, take longer to recover from them and experience worse symptoms than do people who are under less stress.

How do you boost your immune system?

There are many ways, including good nutrition and proper rest. There are a number of dietary and health supplements that can boost the immune system including Vitamin C, Andrographis paniculata (AP) and Beta Glucans.

How do you boost your immune system if you are under chronic stress?

If you cannot reduce the stress in your life, then vitamins and health supplements are the only choice.

Can supplements counteract the effect of stress on the immune system?

Clinical studies have not been done concerning the improvement in immune system responses among people who use health supplements and are under chronic stress. Studies have shown that AP increases white blood cell counts in person’s using the herb, which could counteract the lowered white blood cell counts in persons under chronic stress.

How do you boost your immune system if you work or live in a high risk environment?

People at higher risk for infection can benefit greatly from the use of a health supplement for immune system enhancement. For more information about products that naturally boost immune system performance, visit http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

By Patsy Hamilton

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5 Herbs to Keep the Immune System Up and Running

Cold and flu season is here. It is nearly impossible to avoid being exposed to these viruses, but luckily there are several herbal helpers for fighting off the effects. Vitamins, sufficient rest, fluids, diet, and frequent hand washing all help, and these herbs finish the job.

Astragalus is a good herb to take on a daily basis. It is deep support for the immune system, and can make a huge difference in our ability to fight off infections. Tincture or capsule forms are most effective, but teas are available as well.

Echinacea has become very well known as an immune enhancing herb. The most effective means of using it is large doses at the first sign of illness. Achy arms and shoulders? A full dropper of tincture every couple of hours for a day or two will help take care of that. Sore throat, run down feeling, swollen glands all signal that it is time to start the Echinacea. This herb is readily available in many forms.

Elderberry is another great herb to take at the first hint of infection. Viruses are like tiny Velcro covered balls. The tiny hooks grab onto healthy cells and infect them, starting a chain reaction. Elderberry is thought to coat the cells, making them too slippery for the hooks to catch on to. This cuts off the reaction and abbreviates the infection. We can find elderberry syrup, tincture, tablets, teas, wines, and jelly. The syrup is highly effective, and the jelly is a close second - especially for children. Taken every four hours for three days, it often yields surprisingly fast results.

Garlic, the antibiotic we love to cook with. Raw is the best way to get the medicinal benefits, but roasted is some pleasant medicine. Try to incorporate garlic into the diet each day. It is well worth getting past the fear of bad breath, as this is truly an amazing way to keep illness at bay.

Siberian Ginseng is an amazing herb. Research in Siberia found that people who used it were healthier and more happy than an identical group who were not given the herb. It helps the body deal with all types of stress, which robs us of strength and vitality while depleting the immune system.

Try one or all of these herbs this winter.This just might be a year without illness.

Author: Tina Sams

Tina Sams is the editor of The Essential Herbal Magazine http://www.essentialherbal.com

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How Stress Affects The Immune System

According to several medical researches, stress has certain effects on the immune system. Ninety percent of diseases and illnesses are related to stress. Examples are cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and many other illnesses.

An interaction of cellular products and cells is basically your immune system. The main cells called leukocytes (white blood cells) are known as the fighter of your immune system and is divided into three classes; the monocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes.

Stress is considered an internal factor that can bring about a poor immune system. This is due to your body’s natural response to stressful events. If your nervous system (autonomic) is frequently activated because of chronic stress, your immune system’s capabilities will be diminished.

If you’re still not convinced, here is a list of the effects of stress on the immune system.

1. Increase in sympathetic activity and a decrease in cellular immunity.

2. The immune cells tend to migrate to other body parts which can worsen allergic conditions and autoimmunity.

3. The immune cell’s positive acute mobilizations are suppressed.

Many years ago, very little information was known about the effects of stress to the human immune system. But because of the medical researches undertaken by many medical professionals, the relation between stress and the immune system has been established.

The strategy that you choose in order to cope with stress has a large impact on your immune system. Your immune system’s resources can be tied up because of negative emotions. By inhibiting expression of such negative emotions, you’re doing more harm to your immune system.

If you feel that you’re stressed, it would be best to seek medical attention immediately to prevent any negative effect on the immune system.

Author: Albert Lee

To learn how you can manage stress with effective stress reduction techniques visit my stress tips site.

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