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.

Vitamins news on the Web

Local Nutrition Expert Tells Truth About Vitamins (WCVB Boston) Millions of Americans take multi-vitamins in the hopes of staying healthy. But with so much negative new research about vitamins recently, what should you be taking and what should you be tossing out?

Benefits Of Liquid Vitamins (PIZZAHEROS) Read on about the advantages and disadvantages of liquid vitamins. Body can easily absorb vitamins in liquid form than it is in the form of chewable tablets. Children generally and adults rarely show resistance to absorption of vitamin that is in solid form.

Will Michelle Heaton run from Shrek? (Anorak) “TWIN BOYS FOR NICOLE RICHIE,” announces the Enquirer on its cover page. Inside and Richie is “taking vitamins, eating… and designing maternity wear.”

Television - Lifestyle (Scoop.co.nz) There is a new water in town and it promises vitamins, minerals and exciting flavours.

vitamins 321 (PIZZAHEROS) Vitamins are organic molecules that are prerequisite by active organisms. Vitamins are vital in minute amounts by the body. Vitamins are essential for a in the pink body.

Dubious drugs, tainted foods top 2008's health stories (WTVM 9 Columbus) WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Doubts over the safety of diabetes and heart treatments, disappointing results for vitamins as cancer fighters, and the withdrawal of over-the-counter cold medicines for kids were some of 2008's top health stories.

Obtain vitamins your body requires without depleting your finances (Lansing State Journal) Nutritionists prove it's possible to eat healthy on a budget - even in winter. It takes more planning, but it can be done.

Vitamins - Liquid Or Chewable - Which Is Better? (PIZZAHEROS) The use of vitamins and vitamin supplements is especially popular with people who lead active lifestyles and find it difficult to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals they need from their daily meals.

Vitamins: Harmful or Helpful? (WOAI San Antonio) The morning multivitamin is a daily ritual for many of us. But a new study says it may be a waste of time and money that does nothing to keep...

A Ration of Gruel (1 Letter) (New York Times) To the Editor:.