Vitamins and your immune system

The immune system is a multifaceted arrangement of particular organs and blood cells that guard the body and fight the attack of unknown organisms. Whilst carrying out its job it also destroys bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses that may cause us harm, On the other hand, if care is not taken to ensure the immune system remains healthy, it may break down, causing us to become defenseless against a violent flood of bad health which can range from small problems to life threatening illnesses.

The immune system, more than any other system in our body, relies upon excellent care and most of all upon nourishment. It is the main stay of our good health and if too much physical and moral stress is put upon it without being revived through good nourishment etc it can fail to give us the protection we need to continue in good health. We then become prone to many diseases which range from small and annoying to very serious.

The vital ingredients to keep the immune system working at an optimum level are vitamin C, beta carotene, folic acid, among with the following minerals: manganese, zinc and selenium. If taken in sufficient quantities, these ingredients help us to fight off disease and infection.

Reliable quantities are needed of all these components to ensure the immune system is working at its best. In addition the immune system needs high-quality protein ingestion because the antibodies that protect us against microbes are proteins. Unfortunately there are no specific pills that really strengthen the action of the immune system; it has to be done by the ingestion of good nourishment and vitamins.

Factors which disturb the balance of the immune system can be numerous and include

* Undernourishment (poor diet / reduced eating behavior that implies a deficiency in the quantity of needed minerals, vitamins and antioxidants)
* Alcohol misuse (which is one of the easiest ways to destroy the immune system)
* Drug use both intravenous and any other type. (this is also related to associated factors such as reduced diet, use of tainted/dirty needles, lack of physical exercise, fretfulness/anxiety)
* Prescript antibiotics (mainly anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids, and similar medication);
* Emission of radiations, this can be from natural sources as well as man made.
* Contact with specific ecological contaminants, i.e. toxic waste. (This can also include cigarette smoke).
* Pressure/Anxiety (emotional worry can seriously boost your vulnerability to colds and other viral illnesses, specifically if you are taking corticosteroid medication).
* Age, because the ability of the immune system to respond is diminished as people get older. (Children also have a lower immune system).
* Insufficient sleep, we should take at least 4-5 hours of Delta sleep per night. A lack of sleep is one of the main reasons why the immune system is compromised in many people.
* Lack of physical exercise, exercise helps to increase the health of our immune system.

It's obvious that ensuring our immune system is kept as healthy as possible will have long lasting consequences on our health as a whole. Ensuring we take adequate nourishment plus a daily role in our fight against illness and disease.

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