FAT CAT Fights the Immune
System
| And I will put enmity between
you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your
head, and you will strike his heel. Gen. 3:15, NIV. |
The human body
consists of several important organ systems, each of which carries on a
special function. The one most extensively studied in recent years has
been the immune system.
Like a nation's Department
of Defense, our immune system protects against foreign invaders and helps
maintain national peace. While the armed forces defend their country, the
immune system employs B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, phagocytes (neutrophils,
monocytes, and macrophages), killer cells, and natural killer cells to
do the same. Macrophages are the "national guards" stationed throughout
our bodies, while the other types circulate in the blood to keep us healthy.
When we put harmful things
into our bodies, we destroy God's temple. For example, in Leviticus 3:17,
God says: "This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever
you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood" (NIV). Science now knows
that a high-fat diet contributes to heart attacks, strokes, several types
of cancer, as well as immune cell destruction. A simple way to illustrate
destructive health habits is with the acronym FAT CAT. F stands for fatty
and highly processed foods, A for anxiety and stress, and T for
toxicity—unhealthy exposure to toxic chemicals and environment.
CAT represents three legalized drugs: caffeine and caffeinated drinks,
alcohol, and tobacco. All these factors harm our immune system,
and as a result destroy our bodies.
To maintain a healthy immune
system, we need to stay away from the FAT CAT and nourish the immune cells
with wholesome, unrefined foods—fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains,
and legumes—as close to their natural state as possible. We also need pure
water externally and internally, and regular, meaningful, outdoor exercise.
Above all, trusting in God, reading the Bible and inspirational literature,
and sharing our faith will fill us with hope, joy, and direction in life.
Just as your body's healthy
immune system combats disease, a healthy spiritual immune system fights
off temptation and sin. What destroys your spiritual immune system? Lack
of Bible study, prayer, and meditation, along with selfishness, pride,
intemperance, and a negative attitude.
| A great struggle is going on between
Christ and Satan. What are you doing to make sure your spiritual immune
system is strong and healthy? |
|