Your immune system, or your body's internal ability to fend off bacteria, viruses and disease, is a vital facet of your biological structure. Though physical factors such as diet, hereditary weaknesses and frequent exposure to contagious illness have long been cited as affecting the strength of immune systems, they're not the only detractors. A study by the University of Michigan, for instance, concluded that post-traumatic stress can hurt your immune system's strength, according to EPGNews.com. So it makes sense to take advantage of several ways to strengthen a weak immune system.
Zinc
A deficiency in zinc can lead to a weakened immune system because zinc helps create T lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection. This is especially true in children and senior citizens, often resulting in contraction of pneumonia and other illness. Fortunately, it's not difficult to supplement your zinc intake and possibly avoid suffering from such symptoms. Supplemental zinc pills can be found over the counter at most drugstores and health stores. It also comes in high doses naturally in many foods, such as liver, wheat germ, beef and peanuts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another valuable tool in strengthening a weak immune system. Many studies have noted the vitamin's ability to boost immune function. One South African study concluded that subjects who took 1,000mg of vitamin C daily saw a 20 percent increase in production of antibodies that help the body fend off foreign substances, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Vitamin C is also readily available in many stores. The FDA's daily suggested vitamin C intake is 60mg. It's also found in high dosage in fruits such as oranges, papaya, grapefruit, strawberries and kiwi.
Probiotics
Probiotics are organisms that are naturally produced in your digestive system. Additional, supplemental amounts can also be found in dairy products, most notably yogurt and certain cheeses. A 2009 study published in the health journal "Postgraduate Medicine" revealed that probiotics strengthen the body's ability to fend off the influenza virus, which is a major discovery, considering that 200,000 Americans are hospitalized annually because of the flu, which also kills 36,000 per year, according to JustFlu.gov. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible.
References
- EGP News: Post-Traumatic Stress Can Alter Immune System, Study Finds
- Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health: Zinc
- National Library of Medicine: Profiles in Science: Vitamin C and the Immune System:
- Natural News: Probiotic Strain Boosts Immune Response to Flu Virus
- Just Flu: Flu Facts
