What depresses my immunity?

Smoking suppresses immune cells. When smokers quit, immune activity begins to improve within 30 days.

Extreme emotional stress may damage immunity and bring on illness. Good social support is thought to improve immunity in people under stress.

Lack of sleep can depress immunity. However losing sleep for a few nights won't necessarily make you ill. Many things boost or depress immunity temporarily. The number of immune cells rises and falls naturally in healthy people.

What can I do to boost immunity?

An adequate diet helps maintain immunity and keeps you healthy. You need to provide your body with a variety of nutrients such as protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. However so far there is no reason to believe that supplements will boost immunity in healthy people, except in the malnourished and many of the elderly. Studies suggest that raising nutrient intakes to adequate levels can enhance general immunity in these populations. Conversely, magadoses of certain nutrients can significantly suppress some immune responses.

Vitamin C is necessary to good health and the immune function. However numerous studies have shown that Vitamin C supplements have minimal or no effect on the immune response, unless you are deficient in C.

Some research shows that sedentary people don't have as vigorous an immune system as those who exercise. Even moderate exercise (like a moderate walking program) seems to improve immune function.

In summary, the best action that you can take is to consume a varied, balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole and fortified grains, and dairy products with small amounts of fish and meat. A basic multivitamin /mineral supplement is usually a good idea for the elderly or younger folks with poor diets. Beware of any supplement, however that promises to boost immunity: protein supplements, enzymes, individual vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants generally don't strengthen your immune system.

Get enough sleep, don't smoke, don't abuse your body.

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