Thymus Gland and Immune Health

The Thymus Gland is a specialized primary lymphoid organ of the Immune System. Within the Thymus, T cells mature. T cells are critical to the adaptive immune system, where the body adapts specifically to foreign invaders.

Hidden behind you breastbone is a critical gland that you probably don’t think much about — your Thymus Gland.

The Thymus Gland is a tiny, two-lobed gland that’s essential to your Immune System. It doesn’t get as much press as other glands (like the Thyroid and Prostate), but it’s just as important.

You know those cancer and infection-fighting T-cells you’ve heard so much about? They come from the thymus. In fact, the “T” in T-cell stands for Thymus!

When you’re young, your thymus pumps out disease-killing T-cells like crazy. But as you get older your thymus starts shrinking. This once-powerful immune organ is replaced with fatty tissue, and isn’t able to send out as many T-cells to fight infections and cancer. By the time you turn 65, your Thymus Gland is pretty much unable to produce any new T-cells.

Thymus deterioration puts you at risk for a lot of diseases — especially cancer. It also explains why older people have such a hard time fighting infections like the flu.

Basically, a shrinking thymus is bad news for your health. But the good news?

Thymus regeneration is possible. In fact, the latest research shows it could be the anti-aging, cancer-fighting secret we’ve all been searching for…

What Are The Two Components of The Thymus Gland ?

The Thymus is composed of two identical lobes and is located anatomically in the anterior superior mediastinum, in front of the heart and behind the sternum.

Histologically, each lobe of the Thymus can be divided into a central medulla and a peripheral cortex which is surrounded by an outer capsule. The cortex and medulla play different roles in the development of T cells.

Cells in the thymus can be divided into thymic stromal cells and cells of hematopoietic origin (derived from bone marrow resident hematopoietic stem cells).

• Developing T cells are referred to as thymocytes and are of hematopoietic origin.
• Stromal cells include epithelial cells of the thymic cortex and medulla, and dendritic cells.

The Thymus provides an inductive environment for development of T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells. In addition, thymic stromal cells allow for the selection of a functional and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. Therefore, one of the most important roles of the thymus is the induction of central tolerance.

The Thymus is largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods.

By the early teens, the Thymus begins to atrophy and thymic stroma is mostly replaced by adipose (fat) tissue. Nevertheless, residual T lymphopoiesis continues throughout adult life.

5 Ways to Revitalize the Gland That Rules Your Immune System

The Hope of Thymus Regeneration

Infections, stress, cancer treatments — and, of course, age — all damage your Thymus.  But recent research shows the Thymus has an amazing ability to renew itself…

A study from researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center just uncovered a natural molecule that helps the Thymus regenerate — BMP4.

In a study on mice, researchers found that cells that line the inside of the thymus (endothelial cells) produce this BMP4 molecule and promote healthy thymus regeneration. When your thymus gets damaged, your body sends a message to these endothelial cells, and they start releasing this molecule to repair the damage.

Researchers hope to find a way to trigger the release of this molecule, so they can help people maintain a productive and healthy thymus well into old age. When (and if) they do, it will be a game-changer for older adults and anyone with cancer. But it won’t happen tomorrow.

So what can you do now to keep your Thymus pumping out T-cells?

Well, lucky for you, science has already pointed to a few natural ways to support a healthy Thymus that you can try right now…

Promoting A Healthy Thymus Gland

Promoting A Healthy Thymus

If you’re ready to give your thymus some love, studies have demonstrated a few ways to keep this important but overlooked gland healthy. You can start by:

• Take Thymus PMG and Thymex Whole Food Supplements.  Thymus PMG will rebuild the thymus gland and Thymex will feed it.
• Ramping up your antioxidant intake. A 2015 study found that antioxidants — especially vitamin C — can protect your thymus from free radicals and prevent some of that age-related thymus shrinkage.
• Going grain free. A 1993 study shows that a chemical in wheat called wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) contributes to a shrinking thymus.
• Getting enough zinc. According to Easy Health Options contributor Dr. Isaac Eliaz, zinc is the mineral your thymus needs most to stay healthy.
• Staying away from artificial sweeteners. Studies show that artificial sweeteners like sucralose shrink the thymus gland in rats.

These five lifestyle changes are a good starting point for a healthy thymus. But if you’re open to more anecdotal methods for supporting your thymus, you may want to try one more thing…

Consider Dr. Huntoon's Advice below.

Dr. Huntoon's Alternative Medicine Perspective

Dr. Huntoon has spent 30 plus years understanding the importance of all disease, what causes sickness to begin and what it takes to be and stay healthy. It is his passion and he can and will help you understand how to restore balance to your Immune System and your overall health.  Since Traditional Medical Treatment is to give the person medication for disease, instead of promoting health by supporting the body to heal and express health, consider what is said next.

Restoring Balance To The System

If you have taken antibiotics in the past for ANY Bacterial Infection Treatment, it is also of important to understand the Digestive System Disruptors that will contribute to having problems with your microbiome, thus leading to Leaky Gut Syndrome, creating the basis for developing health concerns you do not want.  This includes Immune System challenges and repetitive cycles of sickness. 

Similar to Yeast/Candida overgrowth, those who are susceptible to Immune Weakness may have recurrence after treatment. It is advised to adopt a long-term diet that is low in carbohydrates and especially refined CRAPohydrates.

Advice on How To Stimulate Your Thymus Gland

Dr. Huntoon's Advice

Tapping your chest over your Thymus Gland (the center of your chest, below your collarbone) can stimulate a sluggish Immune System. Try doing this for 15 to 20 seconds several times per day. Hum as you do it for even better results. It’s not scientifically-proven. But a lot of people swear it boosts the Immune System and relieves stress. Test it out for yourself, and see how it makes you feel.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Huntoon directly at 845-561-2225.  He looks forward to serving you.