The human immunity system is one of the most powerful systems of your body, without which you wouldn’t survive even for a few days. This system is responsible to protect and sustain your life. It fights every single threat to your existence - common cough and cold, diseases, bruises, burns, infections, and even the harmful effects of your behavior. Unfortunately, we humans (at least most of us) are always in search for fast cures and not for preventive measures. Because of this very reason the medical industry is thriving so much. Our contemporary lifestyle is largely responsible for this mentality. “Prevention is better than cure” has almost become passé. If this is you, there is no point in reading further. But if you’re serious about your health and willing to work towards boosting your immunity, I’m eager to help you – let’s get started right away!
First of all, you need to understand that the immunity is within; you cannot confidently predict the immunity of someone just by their external appearance. A bodybuilder with bulging muscles and six pack abs does not mean he has a very high immunity power. Similarly, a thin guy without much flesh on him could have much higher immunity than what he seems to possess. Having said that, let’s find out how you can build yourself a powerful immune system!
Regularizing the intake of antioxidants will boost your immunity and also slow down the aging process. Vitamin E is a very essential antioxidant which can be regularized by eating apples, oranges, pears, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, beets, kidney beans, spinach, broccoli, cantaloupe, brown rice and other leafy vegetables. You should take at least 5 servings of whole grains, vegetables and fruits per day, in any combination. If you plan to take supplements, you can safely take about 100mg per day without any harmful effects.
Beta carotene (vitamin A) can be found in collard greens, mustard greens, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, kale, dark lettuce, Brussels sprouts, carrots and other root vegetables. Fruits like apricot, mango and cantaloupe are also a rich source of vitamin A. Beta carotene stops the breakdown of cells and tissues caused by oxidation and free radical formation. It also increases the number of many immune cells and prevents fats and cholesterol from being oxidized.
Vitamin C reduced the amount of oxidation taking place within the cells, especially the oxidation of lipids. It also causes the immune system to respond more vigorously to viruses, bacteria and cancer cells. Vitamin C can be obtained from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chili pepper, peas, baked potatoes, kale and collard greens. Fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, papaya and cantaloupe are also rich sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin B6 is also an essential nutrient for the production of cytokines. It also reduces the effect of arthritis. Sweet potato, avocado, bananas, dates, raisins, figs, watermelon, brown rice and rice bran are rich sources of vitamin B6.
You should also avoid the oxidants that enter your body as much as you can. Air pollution, cigarette smoke, chemical pollutants, radiation (including excessive exposure to sunlight), dietary fat and cholesterol, alcohol, recreational and pharmaceutical drugs, etc are the major sources of oxidants and free radicals that you need to avoid.
There are several other ways to boost immunity that I know of, which I will write about soon. You can check out all of my published articles at http://www.bharatbhasha.com/author.php/Nirjara%20Rustom
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Article Added on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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