The immune system does a remarkable job of defending the body against disease-causing germs. Building up the immune system and protecting it should be a daily priority because without it man cannot survive.
The idea of boosting the immunity is enticing, but the ability to do so has proven elusive for several reasons. For the immune system to function well, it requires balance and harmony. There is still much that researchers don’t know about the intricacies and interconnectedness of the immune response.
For now, there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function, but that doesn’t mean the effects of lifestyle on the immune system aren’t intriguing. Quite a number of researchers are exploring the effects of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, herbal supplements, and other factors on the immune response, both in animals and in humans.
Generally, healthy living strategies are a good way to start giving the immune system the upper hand. Every part of the body, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy living strategies such as eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat; exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling the blood pressure, getting adequate sleep, taking steps to avoid infection, and getting regular medical screening tests.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, fat and mineral; drinking enough water, exercising, resting and getting a very good sleep, help build up the immune system. Immune system produces anti-bodies (immunoglobulin) which help the body fight against infections and various diseases, so it must be kept in good condition, especially for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, gives the body the nutrition it needs to fight infection. Research indicates that poor nutrition can actually increase the chances of viral infections.
Fruits and vegetables are very essential in building the immune system because they provide all the vitamins and co-factors necessary for the body.
Some theories suggest that physical activity can help excrete infectious organisms through urine and sweat while others suggest that increasing blood circulation helps “warn” of threats to the immune system,
A school of thought indicated, for instance, that exercise decreases the chance of infection by slowing the release of the stress hormone (cortisol) and ensure restful sleep that is required to repair and boost the immune system.
Experts say drinking yogurt with live, active cultures will build up healthy intestinal bacteria; for a healthy immune system, ample amounts of good bacteria helps to keep bad bacteria at bay.
In addition, household mould is a hidden invader that can weaken the immune system and cause respiratory illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other diseases. If mould is suspected, have a professional evaluate the home and wash or replace pillows and mattresses to remove any hidden mould that may be inhaled during sleep.
Researchers believe that the ageing process somehow leads to a reduction of immune response capability, which in turn contributes to more infections, more inflammatory diseases, and more cancer.
The organs in the body have a lifespan, therefore the functionality of the immune system tends to drop with age. As life expectancy in developed countries has increased, so too has the incidence of age-related conditions, while some people age healthily, the conclusion of many studies is that, compared with younger people, the elderly are far more likely to contract infectious diseases.
Research has shown that respiratory infections, influenza, and particularly pneumonia are a leading cause of death in people over 65 years worldwide, no one knows for sure why this happens, but some scientists observe that this increased risk correlates with a decrease in T cells to fight off infection.
A reduction in immune response to infections has been demonstrated by older people’s response to vaccines. For example, studies of influenza vaccines have shown that for people over age 65, vaccine effectiveness was 23 per cent, whereas for healthy children (over age of two years), it was 38 per cent. But despite the reduction in efficacy, vaccinations for influenza and Salmonella pneumonia have significantly lowered the rates of sickness and death in older people when compared with non-vaccination, yet other researchers are looking at the connection between nutrition and immunity in the elderly.
Source:tribune
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