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| Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium help to protect the thymus from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage our cells. Vitamins and minerals serve as cofactors and catalysts in the enzymatic pathways that regulate our metabolism. This gland secretes special chemicals called cytokines (i.e. interferon, interleukins) that influence the specialization and migration of T-lymphocytes throughout the body. Recognizing the enemy is the first and likely most important step in the immune response. Lower thymic hormone levels in the blood are associated with depressed immunity, and are typical of the elderly, individuals with chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer and AIDS patients. People who have undergone radiation, chemotherapy or other immune-suppressing treatments also typically have low thymus function. Whatever the cause, depressed immunity can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of colds, fatigue, allergies, or the onset of opportunistic infections. Glandular hormone replacement therapy is based upon the use of animal glandular and organ substances to bolster the function of the human body's organs and glands. As the thymus shrinks and weakens with age, the most effective and direct way to stimulate it is by consuming thymus tissue. Thymic extracts have been shown to normalize the ratio of T-helper cells to suppressor cells whether the ratio is low as in AIDS, chronic infections and cancer, or high as found with allergies and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. In other words, thymic factors appear to influence the immune response up or down as needed. In a recent report in which he focused on the benefits of a single thymic protein, he stated "Even if you're healthy, I recommend a maintenance dose of thymic protein to support your immune function. Because decreased thymic function, like falling hormone levels and gray hair, is an inevitable part of aging, it is a valuable addition to your general anti-aging/longevity program.". |
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