A Balanced Immune System

Our health, both physical and emotional, is controlled by our immune systems.   A balanced immune system reacts to the right degree to heal us when we’re hurt, and to protect us from infections and cancers.  It does not “over react” or “under react” to these challenges, it simply reacts appropriately to each situation.  However, an unbalanced immune system, whether over-active or under-active, does not react appropriately and can lead to opportunistic infections and diseases, or even cause them. 

Based on my medical history, I was certain that my immune system was totally out of balance and had declared all-out war on my body!  And while my recent alternative therapies were proving to be very effective, clearly I would have to avoid many (normal) things for the rest of my life.  I was still hopeful that I would find a natural solution to my over-active immune system.  Before this could become a reality I still needed a better understanding of the immune system.

Eating Out

When you’re allergic to almost everything, there is nothing you can quickly grab and eat.  Even snacks have to be planned. Fast food is totally out of the question and many of the nicer restaurants are not much better.  Determined to maintain a “normal” life, I looked for restaurants that I believed prepared food from scratch, or close to it.  Although I gazed longingly at the menu, my order was always the same; “I’ll have this salad, but please hold the tomatoes, croutons, onions, and dressing.  And bring me a lot of lemon.”  Within minutes a sympathetic waiter would return with an unappetizing plate of lettuce and cucumbers and a small bowl of lemons.  “Are you sure there’s nothing else here you can eat?”  I’d just smile and say enthusiastically, “No, but this is great! Thanks!”  As I ate my healthy, allergen-free salad I savored the aroma of my friend’s garlic-rich shrimp marinara.