Thymus Gland - Immune Function

Thymus Gland - Immune Function

The thymus gland is one of the principle glands for the auto 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. It is also known as the longevity gland.

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: yeast, fungi, parasites, viruses, toxins and allergens. The function of the thymus gland is to program white blood cells, the body’s immune army, in their various tasks and then send them into the blood to recognize and destroy pathogens. It ''instructs'' certain T-cells what to attack and when. Some of the T-cells, in turn, control other white cells, which are responsible for maintaining certain antibodies. Without the thymus's instructions, the T-cells may fail to attack enemies like bacteria, viruses, or they may even mistake some of your own cells for an invading enemy and attack you--known as autoimmune disease. 

The thymus gland, weighs less than half of an ounce at birth, but by puberty, the thymus will reach to its maximum size of about 10 ounces. After age 20, the thymus begins to shrink (atrophy) and thymic cells progressively die off to be replaced by fat and connective tissue. At the critical early twenties stage, the abundance of well-functioning T-cells regulate the immune system and help the body fight off pathogens and disease. But with the inexorable shrinking of the thymus gland over time, by about age forty, the output of thymic hormones has decreased significantly, and the T-cells have begun to lose their effectiveness. It is this gradual loss of functioning T-cells that is thought to be responsible for many of the age-related changes in the immune system.

The thymus gland is also highly responsive to our emotions and shuts down when we are feeling stressed, unfulfilled, and without purpose. As a result, the white blood cells become fewer in number and less aggressive.

Support for the thymus gland can be achieved through a healthy diet; healthy sleep patterns so that the body produces melatonin and receives adequate rest; water and exercise, and our learning to manage stress effectively.

Life Choice Thymus gland is formulated from organic New Zealand lamb. Cellular delivery is as important as the gland itself. Zinc and B-6 must be available within the system for thymic absorption to occur, and because of this, we have formulated our Thymus with the best transporters, Zinc Picolinate and P5P—as usual, nothing but the very best.