For many years, my cousin has been battling a severe skin condition that requires treatment with steroids. In case you did not know it, prolonged use of steroids is very bad news. This is because they dampen our body’s immune system, which protects us from infections. The immune system also eliminates harmful agents from our system. Tampering with this has very serious consequences. Arnie catches colds and other infections at the drop of a hat.

Low immunity can happen for many reasons, not only steroid use. Some of us have naturally low immunity against infections. In most cases, this means that the innate immune system does not produce enough bacteria-fighting cells. However, the adaptive immune system (the body’s second line of defense) may also stop producing enough antibodies to ward off pathogens. Lowered immunity occurs naturally after age 50, but it can happen much before that. Lowered immunity is often the result of drug and alcohol abuse. Smoking and obesity can also create problems.

There are ways of helping our immune system get stronger. Proper nutrition is among the most important. We need a diet that delivers enough folic acid, iron and zinc. Increasing our intake of foods rich in selenium; iron and copper is also called for. The immune system depends on these elements to make it strong. You can also start a daily regimen of vitamin A, C, E, and B-6 tablets.

If your physician diagnoses you for lowered immunity, get off all harmful substances and adopt a healthy diet. Get on a regular exercise program. It boosts the immune system very efficiently. Ask your doctor for alternatives to steroids if you are taking them for any reason. Many natural remedies found in the Indian herbal medicine system ayurveda help boost immunity, so consult a specialist.