Nutrition and Immunity `
Many factors can influence how well our immune system works. Immune function tends to decline with age, which can make older people more susceptible to infections. However, mild exercise when performed regularly can stimulate immunity.
Nutrition also plays a key role in maintaining a healthy immune response. . Throughout the world, nutrient deficiency is by far the most common cause of poor immune function.
Marginal intakes or low body stores of vitamins A, C, E or B6, as well as zinc or selenium have been shown to reduce or impair the body s defense system.
Many studies show that immune function depends on nutrients found primarily in whole, unprocessed foods . Researchers have also confirmed that physical activity and a healthy emotional state are essential for proper immune function. A healthy diet and lifestyle may be the cornerstones of a strong immune system .
Nutrients for Immune Support
wide variety of immune-enhancing nutritional and herbal supplements is available.
@ Vitamin A as retinol or beta-carotene is a recognized immune-supportive nutrient.
1- It reduce the incidence and severity of infectious illnesses.
2-Vitamin A supports immunity by maintaining the integrity of the body s mucosal surfaces, such as those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts act as natural barriers to pathogens.
3- it also improves antibody responses and increases white blood cell proliferation.
Adding 10,000-15,000 IU per day of vitamin A to a healthy diet can help boost immune response.
@ Vitamin C is the most widely known immune-stimulating nutrient. Numerous studies show that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, works on several levels to support immune function.
1- enhancing the activity of immune cells 2- vitamin C acts as a cofactor in the production of collagen, the principal protein found in all connective tissues. By helping maintain the strength and integrity of connective tissue structures, vitamin C keeps infections from spreading throughout the body.
It recommend 1 g of vitamin C daily as a preventive measure. Customers should increase their dose at the first sign of a cold, flu or other illness but should not exceed 10 g daily.
( Vitamin C 1 g/day; up to 10 g/day during illness) .
@ Vitamin E is present in higher concentrations in immune cells than in any other cells of the body. Interestingly, white blood cells often use free radicals to help destroy pathogenic organisms. The high concentrations of antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin E, allow the white blood cells to use the destructive power of free radicals without being harmed.
Studies show that people with lower serum levels of vitamin E are significantly more susceptible to infection than those with higher levels and that supplemental vitamin E can improve immune responses in both sick and healthy individuals. It recommend 200-400 IU daily and up to 800 IU during illness .
@ Zinc
accelerates the growth of immune cells while inhibiting the replication of the cold-causing rhinoviruses.
Zinc also helps maintain the health of the thymus gland and improves the function of lymphocytes and phagocytic immune cells, all of which are vital to immune system function.
Zinc supplementation can range from 15 mg daily for prevention to 100 mg daily for during illness
@ Herbs for Immune Support : Herbal medicines have been used throughout history to enhance human resistance to disease. Like Garlic and Licorice .
@ vegetables (especially the green leafy ones), fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. These plant foods are rich in essential nutrients and immune-boosting chemicals.