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Health Tips for April
Immunity
Diet and Immune Function
The strength of the immune system is an important factor in the response to infection. Nutrition plays a vital role in the functioning of the immune system and a poor diet increases the susceptibility to infection and exacerbates autoimmune dises. Even single nutrient deficiencies can compromise the immune system. Infections also increase the demand for nutrients to help fight infection and repair the damage to tissues.
As well as being good for general health, a low protein, high carbohydrate diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber is beneficial for the immune system. An immune-boosting diet is also low in polyunsaturated vegetable oils and products made from them. These fats readily for free radicals that damage immune cells. high protein diets are damaging to the immune system. Foods of animal orgin, which tend to be high in protein, often contain residues of antibiotics and steroid hormones that can weaken immunity.
The effectiveness of the immune system declines with age and older peopl are often more susceptible to infection than younger people. In addition, the elderly are at great risk of low intake of several vitamins and minerals known to influence the immune response. Recent studies have shown that supplementing the elderly with single nutrients or mixtures of vitamins and minerals at levels that exceed the RDAs significantly improves certain components of the immune response.
B vitamins
B vitamins are also essential for the functioning of a healthy immune system. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system by affecting functions such as cell multiplication and antibody production. Many different aspects of the immune system are affected by vitamin B6 deficiency including the quality and quanity of antibodies and the number of white blood cells. Vitamin B6 supplementation may boost the immune system in older people, thus reducing the risk of infection and possibly cancer.
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to reduced numbers of white blood cells which causes increased susceptibility to infection. Recent research has shown that elderly patients with low vitamin B12 levels have impaired antibody response to bacterial vaccine, even in those with no clinical signs of deficiency.
Biotin deficiency also affects the functioning of the immune system. A recent animal study showed a decrease in white blood cell function with biotin deficiency. Pantothenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of antibodies. It is also involved in wound-healing. Supplements have been used to boost immunity during viral infections and to speed up wound healing.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the immune system. It has several functions, including effects on white blood cells known as monocytes and lymphocytes, seems to suppress some immune functions. Because of its effects on the immune system, many researchers are investigating the possibility of using vitamin D and related compounds to treat autoimmune disorders and to supress rejection of transplanted organs.
Nicola Reavley, with a foreword by Stephen Holt, M.D.
The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals Supplements, & Herbs.
New York: M. Evans and Company Inc., 1998.
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