Poor Immune System Function
How Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements May Help
 

Although having a poorly functioning immune system is certainly not a disease, per se, it is a factor in many of the illnesses we do have.  Poor immune system function opens the door to diseases like cancer, chronic fatigue, AIDS, lupus and more.  The immune system is a collection of cells, molecules and organs that help protect the body and defend it against assaults from the outside.  Some of the key components of the immune system are white blood cells, B and T-cells, antibodies and prostaglandins.
 

Common Symptoms of Immune Problems
 

In the developing world, millions of children die each year from pneumonia, diarrhea and other diseases due to their poorly functioning immune systems.  In America, there are those who get colds, the flu, bronchitis and more all winter long.  Cancer also attacks those with low immunity, so it is important to do what you can to get your immune system to function better.
 

Common Causes of Lowered Immunity
 

Things like the constitution you were born with, the chemicals you are exposed to and aging can all have an effect on your immune system, but feeding your body the proper vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can give your immune system a boost, no matter what level it is functioning at right now.  Research studies have also shown that consumption of white sugar or other refined sugar products can lower your body's production of antibodies and white blood cells for up to 5 hours after ingesting the sugar.  This means that if you eat refined sugar with breakfast, lunch and dinner, like many of our kids do, you are depressing immune system function all day long.

Poor nutrition in general has a huge impact on your body's immunity.  Prolonged use of antibiotics and/or cortico-steroids can also weaken your immunity, as well as emotional stress, environmental and heavy metal pollutants and radiation.
 

Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutritional Supplements
 

Some studies have shown that taking a multi vitamin nutritional supplement can boost your immunity, so all sorts of vitamins and minerals can be helpful.   However, some of the really important vitamins and minerals to take include the fat soluble vitamins A, D & E, and the old immune system stand-by:  vitamin C.

Although most people would put vitamin C at the top of the "immune-boosting" vitamins, vitamin A actually seem to top this list.  Many Americans are deficient in vitamin A because they have been taught to be afraid of many foods containing vitamin A, such as butter and cream from grass-fed cows and liver.  Even a moderate deficiency of vitamin A seems to weaken a child's respiratory tract.  According to Susan Cunningham-Rundles, associate professor of immunology at Cornell Medical Center, "the link between vitamin A deficiency and the severity of respiratory disease is very well established."

Boosting vitamin D levels in your diet can also help your immune function, although in one study it took 2 months of having normal levels of vitamin D in the diet in order for that to happen.  Vitamin E as well is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, and seems to increase levels of interleukin and interferon in the body, which both fight infection.

Vitamin C seems to be necessary for the effective functioning of your white blood cells, which are very important players in your immune defense system.  Beta-Carotene and vitamin B6 also seem to help boost the immune system, and there are probably lots more vitamins that we don't know about that help.  That's one reason why it's so important to eat a good, varied, organic diet when we can!

All the “Super Juices” have been cited as helping boost immune function*.  These include Noni Juice, Goji Juice, Acai Juice and Mangosteen Juice.  In addition, Co-Enzyme Q-10 and Priobiotics have been shown to boost the immune system.*  Many greens like chlorella and sea vegetables can also be helpful.*

Recommended Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements

• High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil (for Vitamin A & Vitamin D)
• Vitamin E Complex
• Vitamin C Complex
• Goji 100 Juice
• Noni 100 Juice
• Mangosteen 100 Juice
• Acai 100 Juice
• Co-Q-10
• Probiotics
• Greens
• Chlorella
   

Food Choices to Help Boost Immunity*
 

Foods that are high in vitamin A include butter, whole milk and cream from grass-fed cows, liver and eggs from pastured chickens.  You can get vitamin D from summer sunshine exposure and/or from eggs from pastured chickens and also from shrimp.

Food high in vitamin C include camu camu berries, citrus fruits, broccoli and peppers.
 

Other Ideas for Boosting Immunity
 

Getting regular exercise and some sun daily seems to be a key in helping to keep your immunity high*.  Eliminate or reduce prescription and non-prescription drugs whenever possible, including cigarettes.  Eat organic whenever possible and try to avoid pesticide and other chemical exposure.  Last, but not least, in addition to adding vitamin rich foods and nutritional supplements to your diet, try to cultivate a positive attitude and reduce stress in your life.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Healthy Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements