Human Body Under Attack
The human body is an amazingly complex self-healing defense system, and it is increasingly under attack. The invader rides quietly on the most essential element in the environment – the air we breathe.
Air pollution – including toxins, particulate matter and ozone – is the invader that can break down the body’s defenses.
Oxidant air pollutants, such as ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxide and airborne particles, cause inflammation and cell damage, factors in respiratory illness, cancer and other diseases. Studies show that antioxidants may help your body stay in balance and fight disease.
A healthy, well-balanced diet, high in antioxidants can help you stay well. Antioxidants help the body clear oxidants away before cell injuries can occur. They also inhibit enzymes that cause cancer, and help the body repair the damage done by oxidants. Folic acid, vitamin C, green tea and foods high in vitamin E are excellent sources of antioxidants.
Another way to bolster your body’s defense is to calm your immune system with relaxation and meditation. Exposure to air pollution revs up your immune system to a point of being out of balance. Studies show that deep relaxation can relieve allergy symptoms and increase the body’s ability to produce disease-fighting antibodies.
So have a cup of tea and relax.