What do Vitamins and Immunity or Immune Function Have in Common?

We hear more and more about the connection between vitamins and
immunity or immune function. Good health is a choice not just
something that happens.

By far, the best method to strengthen our immune system is by
eating properly and getting all the essential vitamins and minerals
that our body needs. Only good wholesome nutrition can build and
support a strong immune system.

What are the symptoms of low immune function? Symptoms include
frequent colds and flus, recurring parasitic infections.

How do we learn more about vitamins and immunity or immune function
you ask. By reading health magazine articles, research journals and
anything that we find that will give us some insight into how
nutrition will boost our immune system.

Herbs, whole foods, nutrients and vitamin supplements are the
building blocks of our immunity and the medical science community has
virtually ignored this in favor of drugs (chemicals).

A well balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and protein are essential
for our body to resist the every day pressures from our environment.
Eating less junk foods and fast foods will go a long way in helping
our bodies maintain a healthy immune system.

Here is what some experts have to say about nutrition.
Harbige noted that "Nutrition and nutritional status can have
profound effects on immune functions, resistance to infection and
auto-immunity in man and other animals." Scrimshaw and SanGiovanni
state that "infections, ... have adverse effects on nutritional
status. ... Conversely, almost any nutrient deficiency, if
sufficiently severe, will impair resistance to infection." Chandra
(Am J Clin Nutrition, 1997; 66(2):460s-463s) also noted, "Nutrition
is a critical determinant of immune responses and malnutrition is the
most common cause of immunodeficiency worldwide." Chandra and Chandra
(Prog Food Nutrition Sci, 1986;10(1-2):1-65) stated that "the immune
system plays a key role in the body's ability to fight infection and
reduce the risk of developing tumors, autoimmune and degenerative
disease."

Our immune system is a network of tissues, organs, cells, and
chemicals. The skin, mucus secretions, and the acidity of the stomach act as
barriers to keep unwanted germs away from more vulnerable tissues.

As we age our immune system adapts to our environment by producing
anti bodies against infections and viruses. In doing this we are not
susceptible to the same infection or virus again.

Research has shown that as we age vitamins and immunity or immune
function are closely linked. Most, but not all double-blind studies have
shown that elderly people have better immune function and reduced infection
rates when taking a multiple vitamin-mineral formula.

These studies suggest that trace minerals may be the most important
micro nutrients for enhancing immunity and preventing infections in
the elderly.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner
and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is
not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified
health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical
condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking
it because of something you have read.

Morgan Taylor owns and runs www.healthbenefitforyou.com where visitors can find a wealth of information on how to naturally boost your immune systems health. View his website at: www.healthbenefitforyou.com This article is Copyright © 2006, Morgan Taylor. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this entire resource box is included.

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