To improve the functions of the immune cells naturally, you should include fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant nutrients. Although all fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, some plant foods are especially rich in antioxidant compounds. Yellow, orange, dark green and red colored fruits and vegetables could supply your body beta-carotene that is noted for its powerful antioxidant property. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. In the human body, it is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A is linked to production of B cells, T cells and cytokines.
A vitamin C rich diet could boost the activities of the immune cells and increase their ability to fight cold, flu and other infections. Orange, lime, grapefruit, berries, kiwi, mango, nectarine, tomato and peppers are rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is believed to coordinate the activities of micronutrients that help to improve immune function.
Vitamin E, which is touted to be one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, is present in nuts, whole grains, sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables, carrot, papaya and broccoli. Vitamin E also helps to improve the antibody responses.
Vitamin B6 is also beneficial for the immune system. Deficiency of this essential vitamin might suppress immune response. This B vitamin plays an important role in maturation of lymphocytes. Spinach, turnip green, bell pepper, cabbage, mushroom, broccoli, garlic, banana and fish are good sources of vitamin B6
Spending some time in the sun might help to reduce the risk of infectious diseases and cancer by boosting the vitamin D level in the body. Cancer patients usually suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which indicates a positive role of the sunshine vitamin in boosting the function of the immune system. Exposing the skin to the sunlight triggers synthesis of vitamin D naturally. This essential vitamin occurs naturally in few foods such as salmon, sardine, cod, shrimp, egg, cow’s milk and shiitake mushroom.
Zinc is an antioxidant mineral that is beneficial for the immune system. It is found in oyster, seafood, poultry, red meat, whole grains, nuts, beans and dairy. Selenium is another mineral needed for sustaining the normal activities of the immune cells. It is found grains, seafood, nuts, poultry and meat.
Besides the antioxidant vitamins and minerals, you can improve immunity by consuming fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant phytochemicals.
Your lifestyle affects your entire health, including your immune system. Smoking and heavy drinking might impair immune function. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and hypertension might make you susceptible to illnesses.
Moderate physical activities might help to improve immunity. However, intense physical activities might increase the risk of infections. Although scientists have observed some changes in the components of the immune system, such as elevated levels of white blood cells and cytokines, following extreme amounts of intensive workouts, the exact association between physical activities and immune function is unclear.
Combating stress might help to improve immunity. Stress tends to reduce immune response. Stress might suppress T cell activities and delay antibody production. Emotional stress during diseases might slow down the healing process.
Poor immune response might be countered with the help of vaccinations. Influenza and pneumonia vaccines could significantly reduce the risk of contracting influenza in the elderly with poor immunity. |