Believers agree: God has made us in His own image (Gen. 1:27). But sometimes, our actions mar that image and keep it from its intended purposes.
That's the message Mark Sherwood, a leading naturopathic doctor and co-host of the Hope and Health podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network, is trying to spread. He says by sticking to our standard American diet, we are unwittingly destroying a critical part of our body: our immune system.
"You've got to have a SWAT team," he tells Dr. Steve Greene on a recent episode of the Greenelines podcast, using a tactical metaphor for the immune system. "So the idea is that when something it comes into the body, or tries to get into the body, or is generated inside the body that's dangerous or harmful to us, the immune system is going to get induced. ... So once the immune system gets induced, that means the immune system looks around, it say, 'OK, I've surveilled something or identified something—what is it? Do I tolerate this? Is this good for me? Or is it intolerable? In other words, is it the enemy—something that's going to harm me?'"
After the immune system is induced, it signals the body through a massive system that includes inflammation, Sherwood says. "So think of the inflammatory signals as being activated from an induced immune system that sends these emergency signals lamp lights and sirens around the body, 'Emergency! Emergency! Emergency! We've got a problem!'"
That emergency response is often accompanied by pain, Sherwood says, and other evidences of immune response such a swelling, soreness, redness and heat.
People need to understand that parasites and other toxins trigger the immune response—bacteria, viruses and other invaders that don't belong. However, "the most consistent inducer of the immune system state is going to be the chemicals, pollutants and toxins within the standard American diet," Sherwood says. "Every single time those things come in the body, the body says, 'I don't know what you are; you're not food at all; you're an enemy invader. So the immune system is induced, inflammation increases, and we have a problem.
"That is why nearly all Americans around the country and really, the exportation of the Western diet across the world, has created a systemic cascade of upregulated, chronic inflammation across the people," Sherwood says. "And that right there creates immunocompromised, and we have the promise we have today."
For much more from naturopathic doctor Mark Sherwood on the problem of being immunocompromised and how changing our diet can help, listen to the entire episode of Greenelines at this link, and subscribe to Greenelines on your favorite podcast platform for more informative, inspiring stories. Check out the Sherwoods' Hope and Health podcast at this link. 
Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.
Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.
Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
