Immune system diet

what foods boost the immune system?
(22 Jan 2008)

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The human immune system is a complex web of interdependent processes that function as one to prevent the destruction of cells by pathogens or tumors. Immunity is an attribute that most humans have to learn as they are exposed to more and more diseases and pathogens. We are even born with a certain amount of immune memory inherited from our mothers; however, for the rest of our lives our immune system builds itself based on the adaptive immune theory.

Adaptive immunity is one of the mechanisms used by the human immune system. This mechanism allows the body to recognize pathogens from the same family and destroy them when they invade the body. This is the method that causes us to be disease free after immunization.

The concept was found in the days of smallpox when it was found that a variant of the disease called cowpox could ward off infection from the more virulent small pox strain. This was because the body after infection with cowpox was able to identify the family of pox virus and when a small pox virus attacked a host with previous cow pox exposure, the virus could never take hold. Recognizing this mechanism led to the development of vaccines which basically train the body’s immune system to recognize pathogens.

However, while an immune system does get better and more adept at fighting infections with every infection, the immune system relies on us to ensure that it has all the raw materials to create the pathogen fighting cells. When the immune system is not able to fight pathogens due to some reason then a situation called immunodeficiency occurs. Immunodeficiency can be caused by malnutrition, congenital reasons, age, AIDS, and even genetic reasons. Among these, malnutrition is one of the most avoidable reasons for immunodeficiency. For a good immune system, the human body requires a constant supply of iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, E and the entire vitamin B family. In addition to this, keeping your body free of free radicals is also important and this is where the use of green tea and other vitamin supplements come in. Keeping the body fit and ensuring that diseases like diabetes is controlled is also equally important because the effectiveness of the immune system is greatly diminished by high blood sugar levels that exist in the body. Leading a stress free life is also very important for the body to be able to fight pathogens.

answered by G M on 23 Sep 2009, 7:00:21

Immune system diet

The immune system is the body's way of protecting us from harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. This system is usually very efficient and provides many lines of defence against outside invaders. These defences include physical barriers, specific immune responses and general inflammatory responses. It is hence very important to take care of your immune system. While you may not be able to enhance an immune system that is working normally, you can still do a number of things to protect and strengthen your immune system. This is especially important during illness or chronic disease. You must pay great attention to your diet and nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction to give your immune system a proper boost.

You should ensure that your diet is rich in antioxidants, essential nutrients, and micronutrients. Remember that a diet that is low-fat and high-fiber diet lessens your vulnerability to diseases and enhances your overall health. You should also reduce your reduce your fat intake because this can lead to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes among other health problems. You should also consume large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables. A proper protein intake and drinking plenty of water is also essential to the proper functioning of your immune system. You should also ensure that you are not deficient in essential fatty acids because this could suppress your immune system. Ensure that you avoid refined foods like sugar and flour, red meats, alcohol, and processed foods.

answered by G M on 8 Feb 2008, 3:34:32

Immune system diet

what foods boost the immune system? (22 Jan 2008)

what foods boost the immune system?
(22 Jan 2008)