The Thymus Gland: Mediator Of Well-being And The Immune System

The thymus gland is that organ to which, historically, more spiritual dimensions have been attributed. Its name comes from the Greek  thýmos, which means ‘vital energy’ and is located right in the center of the chest and behind the sternum.

For many it is like a biological center of power and the point where the “fourth chakra” would be concentrated, which, according to these traditions, would represent the heart or the capacity to love.

Perhaps that is why it has always had that magical connotation for different cultures and practices, far removed, of course, from a scientific approach. Now, is there any truth to all these ideas? Is this little gland so relevant to physical and emotional health and well-being?

Like all glands in the body, the thymus fulfills a specific and essential purpose for health. Inside it, a very important type of cell matures: T lymphocytes. These cells are essential for the immune system, hence it is interesting to know much more information about this gland so prominent but, sometimes, little understood.

Is it true that the thymus gland mediates in positive emotions?

If we review most of the literature and articles about the thymus gland, we will discover that they present, on average, an unscientific approach. Much of this information is under the spiritual prism, which somewhat masks the true function of this organ that, by itself, is already as interesting as it is relevant.

To begin with, the scam does not mediate emotions or enhance happiness. What it actually does is take care of an adequate immune response.

Thymus functions

The thymus is not a single structure, but an organ made up of two lobes located in the mediastinum, just in front of the heart. What it actually does is receive the immature T cells from the bone marrow. There it will make these organisms essential for the immune system mature so that they can respond to the attack of foreign cells and pathogens.

It will also carry out this process by positive selection, that is, those cells that are not suitable will be “cleaned” thanks to a type of macrophage.

Once the fittest T cells are fully developed and fully fit and functional, they will be released into the bloodstream to “kill” pathogens. They will also activate B cells to produce more antibodies and store “memories” of how they have coped with certain infections.

The scam changes over time

Another idea that has become popular about this lymphoid system is that sometimes it is enlarged and other times it is reduced depending on the emotions. That’s not true. The thymus is greatest during childhood, but after puberty it shrinks. Their tissues are gradually being replaced by adipose tissue.

Is this negative or dangerous? Not really, it is a simple natural process and it does not carry any health risk. The reason? T lymphopoiesis or the maturation of T cells is carried out at all times as an essential process for the immune response.

What diseases are associated with this gland?

The thymus, like any other gland in the body, can become inflamed, lose functionality, suffer the development of cancer cells or the presence of cysts. Let’s see it in detail.

• Thymus aplasia or DiGeorge Syndrome is a rare disease where the immune response is deficient and where, in addition, small cysts may appear.
• In thymic hyperplasia, on the other hand, patients present the appearance of lymphoid follicles within the thymus. It is a disease derived from lupus.
• Thymoma would already be a type of tumor that appears mainly in women. They can be benign or malignant.

Some recommendations

As we have seen, the thymus is that little-known or poorly understood gland that, after all, is essential for well-being and for having a strong and responsive immune system.

Here are some simple strategies to enhance its functionality:

• Eat fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables.
• Make sure your diet is as natural as possible, therefore avoiding pre-cooked food, rich in saturated fat, preservatives, white sugar, as well as the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the like.
• Foods rich in vitamin E, such as avocados or wheat germ, are very positive.
• Eat fruit rich in vitamin C.
• Broccoli, garlic, and onion are also very suitable.

• Consume turmeric.
• Green tea is also recommended.
• Opt for fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
• It is also important that you do not neglect vitamin D.
• Perform gentle exercises every day that improve oxygenation and good circulation.

To conclude, a good lifestyle, which also allows us to properly manage sources of stress, will undoubtedly revert to the well-being of the thymus as well as that of the entire body.