RAW THYMUS GLAND #43

The thymus gland is the major gland of our immune system.  It is composed of two soft pinkish-grey lobes lying in a bib-like fashion just below the thyroid gland and above the heart.  Also known as the longevity gland. 

A description on the thymus gland from a leading medical guide states, ''very little is known about the thymus gland, it is found in young people and later atrophies (withers away).  It is believed to play a major role in the bodies immune system, defending off foreign invaders.''  I think it is about time we don't accept this description and begin to make a change. As we age our immune system is suppressed, if the thymus were to remain intact our immune system would remain strong, it is time for a re-thinking here!   

The thymus produces T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for ''cell-mediated immunity. This term refers to immune mechanisms not controlled or mediated by antibodies.  Cell-mediated immunity is extremely important in resisting infection by mold-like bacteria's, yeast, fungi, parasites, and viruses.

We cannot stress the importance enough about the thymus gland and the immune system.  It ''instructs'' certain T-cells what to attack and when.  Some of the T-cells, in turn control other white cells, responsible for maintaining certain antibodies.  Without the thymus's instructions, the T-cells may fail to attack enemies like bacteria's, viruses, and cancer cells.  Or they may even mistake some of your own cells for an invading enemy and attack you, known as autoimmune disease.  Examples of autoimmune disease are, multiple sclerosis, cancer, atherosclerosis, adult-onset diabetes, and rheumatic diseases such as arthritis.

The thymus gland releases several polypeptide hormones (such as thymosin, thymopoeitin, and serum thymic factor), which regulate many immune functions.  Insuring optimal thymus gland activity, thymic hormone levels, and cell-mediated immunity depends upon: (1) prevention of thymic shrinkage, (2) use of nutrients that act as cofactors, (3) stimulation of the thymus gland activity.

It is possible to increase the size of the thymus gland and its functional capacity with several nutrients.  In addition to supplementing the raw thymus gland, consider zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and the amino acid L-glutathione.  Also echinacea and licorice root possess direct white blood cell enhancing effects.