The crucial role of nutrition in boosting immunity
Our immune system's vital function is to guard us against foreign noxious agents that can penetrate our body and cause damage or infection to different organs. To generate an effective immune response, adequate nutrition and certain dietary elements are required. It is important to recognise the crucial role of nutrients as key regulators of the immune system, advances in cellular and molecular immunology in recent years has defined the critical part that different nutrients play in establishing a healthy body's defence and modulating the ability of different cells of the immune system in attacking foreign antigens.
The close relationship between the quantity and quality of what we eat and the health of our defence system correlates to our adequate consumption of macronutrients, like proteins carbohydrates and fat, in addition to micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and other cofactors (1, 2). Our intake of macronutrients provides us with the needed energy to maintain body's defences. Recent studies have shown that calorie restriction can compromise the body's immune defences; protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency are correlated with impaired immunity and infectious disease (1). Scientific research proved the effects of vitamin A on enhancing white blood cell function and in building resistance to agents that cause cancer and infection (1, 2). Vitamin A aids in maintaining both humoral and cellular immunity in addition to boosting mucus membrane defences (3, 4).
Vitamin E is also associated in the protection against infection and in improving immunity. Studies have shown a decisively significant reduction in infections when consuming vitamin E supplements on daily bases (2, 5). Zinc has been proven to combat cold and restore weakened immunity (6). Zinc also supplies vital enzymes to aid in the homeostasis of your immune system (2, 5). Vitamin B group has a central role in cells development and division. B12, for instance, is a major promoter that aids in white blood cells maturation (2). Several studies have also suggested that a deficiency in vitamin B6 can impair the ability of lymphocytes to mature into various types of T and B cells. Most of these vitamins like A, E and C are antioxidants that weed out free radicals thus strengthening your immunity (7).
The immune system cells are the soldiers that defend our integrity and they need continuous supply of energy to keep them in prime state. All these nutrients have to be consumed in optimal amounts to effectively boost immunity; consuming malnourished diets can backlash and harm our defences. If you feel that your diet is not providing all the macro and micronutrients needed to nourish your immunity you can look in some of the patented and well researched immune supplements in the market. It is important to pick only the highest quality of nutrient blends which are researched for their effective dose. One supplement formula that stands out is the unique Lifelixer® formulation; this supplement is the result of over a decade of research and development and its hyper concentrated, patented nutrient blend is especially designed to provide a plethora of macro and micronutrients in a convenient supplement form. It includes a premium blend of vitamin E, B complex, Zinc and silica. In addition it has the macronutrients your body strive for to build a competent immune system.
Remember that the elixir that keeps your immune system wellbeing is a combination of balanced nutrients, liquids, and supplements. In doing this you're both optimising your body's defences and extending your healthy life style.
References:
1. Calder PC, Kew S. The immune system: a target for functional foods? Br J Nutr. 2002 Nov;88 Suppl 2:S165-77.
2. Maggini S, Wintergerst ES, Beveridge S, Hornig DH. Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses.
3.Yang Y, Yuan Y, Tao Y, Wang W. Effects of vitamin A deficiency on mucosal immunity and response to intestinal infection in rats. Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.
4. Harbige LS. Nutrition and immunity with emphasis on infection and autoimmune disease. Nutr Health. 1996;10(4):285-312.
5. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
6. Valentiner-Branth P.Ugeskr Laeger. The effect of zink therapy on common cold.2012 Jan 9;174(1):36-38.
7. Irshad M, Chaudhuri PS.Oxidant-antioxidant system: role and significance in human body. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Nov;40(11):1233-9.
The close relationship between the quantity and quality of what we eat and the health of our defence system correlates to our adequate consumption of macronutrients, like proteins carbohydrates and fat, in addition to micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and other cofactors (1, 2). Our intake of macronutrients provides us with the needed energy to maintain body's defences. Recent studies have shown that calorie restriction can compromise the body's immune defences; protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency are correlated with impaired immunity and infectious disease (1). Scientific research proved the effects of vitamin A on enhancing white blood cell function and in building resistance to agents that cause cancer and infection (1, 2). Vitamin A aids in maintaining both humoral and cellular immunity in addition to boosting mucus membrane defences (3, 4).
Vitamin E is also associated in the protection against infection and in improving immunity. Studies have shown a decisively significant reduction in infections when consuming vitamin E supplements on daily bases (2, 5). Zinc has been proven to combat cold and restore weakened immunity (6). Zinc also supplies vital enzymes to aid in the homeostasis of your immune system (2, 5). Vitamin B group has a central role in cells development and division. B12, for instance, is a major promoter that aids in white blood cells maturation (2). Several studies have also suggested that a deficiency in vitamin B6 can impair the ability of lymphocytes to mature into various types of T and B cells. Most of these vitamins like A, E and C are antioxidants that weed out free radicals thus strengthening your immunity (7).
The immune system cells are the soldiers that defend our integrity and they need continuous supply of energy to keep them in prime state. All these nutrients have to be consumed in optimal amounts to effectively boost immunity; consuming malnourished diets can backlash and harm our defences. If you feel that your diet is not providing all the macro and micronutrients needed to nourish your immunity you can look in some of the patented and well researched immune supplements in the market. It is important to pick only the highest quality of nutrient blends which are researched for their effective dose. One supplement formula that stands out is the unique Lifelixer® formulation; this supplement is the result of over a decade of research and development and its hyper concentrated, patented nutrient blend is especially designed to provide a plethora of macro and micronutrients in a convenient supplement form. It includes a premium blend of vitamin E, B complex, Zinc and silica. In addition it has the macronutrients your body strive for to build a competent immune system.
Remember that the elixir that keeps your immune system wellbeing is a combination of balanced nutrients, liquids, and supplements. In doing this you're both optimising your body's defences and extending your healthy life style.
References:
1. Calder PC, Kew S. The immune system: a target for functional foods? Br J Nutr. 2002 Nov;88 Suppl 2:S165-77.
2. Maggini S, Wintergerst ES, Beveridge S, Hornig DH. Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses.
3.Yang Y, Yuan Y, Tao Y, Wang W. Effects of vitamin A deficiency on mucosal immunity and response to intestinal infection in rats. Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.
4. Harbige LS. Nutrition and immunity with emphasis on infection and autoimmune disease. Nutr Health. 1996;10(4):285-312.
5. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
6. Valentiner-Branth P.Ugeskr Laeger. The effect of zink therapy on common cold.2012 Jan 9;174(1):36-38.
7. Irshad M, Chaudhuri PS.Oxidant-antioxidant system: role and significance in human body. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Nov;40(11):1233-9.
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