How Nutrients Can Enhance Your Immune System

The immune system is a marvelous creation of components that work together to prevent and halt disease, infections and the invasion of foreign substances. When the immune system is healthy, it can distinguish the difference between "self" or foreign objects as, "non-self." When functioning properly it recognizes invading organisms as "non-self" and instantaneously begins to create responses that will eradicate. If the immune system is functioning sub-optimally, it lacks the ability to stop the invading organisms, and they establish an infection.

Our immune system has two basic ways to protect our body. They are known as natural immunity and acquired immunity. When an infecting virus, bacteria or fungus enters, natural immunity is the first reaction to it. Depending upon the physical blockades and certain white blood cells to halt the entry of invading organisms. Antibodies, a form of protein molecules, are created in response to particular proteins on the surface of the invaders, known as acquired immunity. This response takes a few days for the body to recognize and produce antibodies. After antibodies are created for a certain invader, the immune system responds quicker and more efficiently the next time the invading germ enters the body.

In the US, we spend billions of dollars each and every year on cold and flu remedies that don't support the immune system, and primarily suppress symptoms.

Over the counter medications do suppress cold symptoms, the infection doesn't end until our immune can destroy the infecting germs in sufficient numbers. A healthy immune system is the key to not only to recovery from viral infections, and also prevents the infection from occurring in the first place.

When our immune system is in functioning well, we are much less likely to be infected by the seemingly endless strains of viruses and bacteria we are exposed to on a daily basis.

I believe we should take prospective action to bolster their immune systems. This means reducing negative psychological stress; following a physician-approved, moderate, long-term exercise program; and following a diet and consuming nutrients that have been shown to enhance the immune response and promote health. That includes considering appropriate vitamin D3, vitamin C, selenium and zinc supplementation.

About the Author:
Learn more about holistic health. Stop by Elaine R. Ferguson, MD's site where you can find out all about nutrition .

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: vitamins

, nutrition

, nutritional supplements

, immune system

, vitamin c

, vitamin d

, zinc

, selenium

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