Maintaining a strong immune system is essential to a thriving lifestyle. The body’s defense against sickness-and-disease-causing invaders is the immune system cells found in the tonsils, lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen and bone marrow. The immune system protects us from illness. Regular exercise and a diet are known to be the best support for keeping the immune system in top shape.However, there are some things not readily noticed that may work against the immune system. These things can actually minimize or compromise the body’s immune functions:
Age
is one of them. The older we get, the weaker our immune system becomes. Older adults, generally, do not have a strong fighting chance against infections and show a weaker response to treatments and vaccines, as compared to younger people. Plus, infections in older populations are more likely to be fatal.It is not yet known why age affects immunity in this way. Some attribute it to nutrition, blaming it on dietary practices (older people eat less variety, smaller amounts, and in lower frequencies) that do not allow for immunity building nutrients. Others say the body’s ability to produce immune cells dwindles as we grow older. I’m going with both reasons, people!
This is one reason keen attention should be paid to our diet as we age. Getting lots of antioxidant fruits and vegetables is always a good idea. Supplementing is another way to ensure nutrient intake. Thai go, Noni, Reishi, Grape seed, Suma, and Eleuthero Root are great herbal options for the immune system. Herbal combinations such as Immune booster can satisfy a variety of immunity needs.
The elderly are not the only group that need to pay attention to their diet. Everyone has to. Immune cells are fueled by certain nutrients. A poor diet makes a weak immune system. There is not a single food that will provide instant immune system boost, eating a wide variety of foods ensures the immune system gets all the nutrients it needs.
To get the immune system functioning at top strength, try avoiding these in your diet:
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Canned and processed foods containing additives like colorings and preservatives – they suppress the immune system.
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Refined sugar and carbohydrates – they weaken the immune system
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Saturated fats – suppress the immune system
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Alcohol, soda – compromise the immune system
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Tobacco, drugs, and other stimulants- destroy immune cells.
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Getting a new job.
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Being in a difficult relationship.
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Moving to a new state or country, especially with family.
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Lack of sleep, or not getting enough sleep.
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Living with a chronic disease, or taking care of someone with a chronic disease (e.g. dementia or Alzheimer’s disease).
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Other mental stress – e.g. heavy multitasking or having to make multiple decisions daily.