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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Top Tips On How To Boost Your Immune System

By Harvey Green

Your immune system is a complex and fascinating structure made up of a wide variety of mechanisms all designed to protect you from viruses and unwelcome bacteria. Modern living has made our natural defense mechanisms have to work harder than ever So read on to find some tips on how to boost immune system function.



It is important that your body is capable of distinguishing between the cells that make up your healthy organs and those that are trying to attack. Certain illnesses can mean that this essential function is impossible and cause the bodies defense mechanism to turn on itself. Type one diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are two illnesses that causes this reaction and are known as auto immune diseases.

Unlike auto immune system disorders, there are a number of things that harm your defense systems that you have control over and can do something about. Your diet has an influence on how well your body functions. Eating a diet too high in sugar and fat has a number of effects on the bodies health and functioning. It can reduce the amount of white cells you produce. White blood cells are one of the bodies main defenses against disease.

You should make sure that you eat plenty of protein. Protein is the main energy provider for your body and without sufficient amounts of it the body can not build strong cells that will help fight infection. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is one of the best things you can do. By Drinking less coffee you will do your health a favor as caffeine dehydrates your body and robs it of vitamins and minerals.

Everyone knows that fruit and vegetables are good for us yet many of us don't eat enough. They are an important source of vitamins, minerals and fiber and also contain antioxidants which help the immune system fight disease. The best type of fruit and vegetables are ones that are rich in color such as spinach, tomatoes, berries and seaweed. These foods are also rich in disease fighting flavonoids and poly phenols.

Sufficient sleep is as vital as a healthy diet in keeping you healthy. Every persons sleep requirement varies and a lack of sleep can cause a wide range of problems such as hormone irregularities, weight gain, cognitive dysfunction and emotional disturbance. Your body repairs itself as you sleep.

The level of stress you experience can effect your health positively or negatively. Short term stress can work in a positive manner but if the level of stress you experience goes on for a long time or is of a high level you might be damaging your health. High stress levels cause a release of cortisol and adrenaline, both of which can be harmful to your bodies defense mechanisms.

Taking plenty of exercise can have a positive effect on your health too. By being outside you are breathing fresh air, rather than stale air that could be full of germs that heating and air conditioning systems can produce. Studies have shown that by taking 30 minutes of exercise a day you increase the number of leukocytes in your blood system. Leukocytes fight infection.

By making sure you have a healthy diet, adequate sleep and a life style that does not encourage long term stress levels you are halfway to ensuring that your immune system is working at it's best.

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1 comment:

  1. Eargh! I have a call center job and that means that I usually work nights for a quarter or so. That being said, stress and insomnia are ever present. I fight this with a good diet and regular exercise. I was thinking though if this is enough?

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