The immune system (2)

7 easy ways to boost your immune system

The immune system of your body is more powerful than you probably imagine. How powerful you ask? Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania recently took immune cells from three patients with leukemia and genetically modified them in cells "Serial killer", designed to attack a tumor cell, then another and another. The study was small and the experimental treatment, but the results were revolutionary-two patients had a complete remission, and the other had a dramatic anti-tumor response. The modified immune system cells multiplied at least 1000 times in the body, destroyed cancer cells and stimulated cell population "memory" that can protect against recurrence.

Could this be the work of treatment for other types of cancer? Maybe. Much, much more research (much) is needed, but this study suggests that, with the right kind of emphasis, your immune system can fight ridiculously hard to battle Toplady killersand keep you healthy. While gene therapy is insistence bad enough, but there are relatively simple steps that you should take every day to boost your immune system, especially as we head into the season sniffle. Some of the best:

1. Eat lean protein with every meal. No food will magically push the flu, but some nutrients take the initiative to help protect your body billions of bacteria, viruses and other germs and protein is one of them. One reason is that the antibodies that help fight disease are actually made of proteins. Another reason: Many protein-rich foods also contain other nutrients stimulate the immune system. Lean cuts of beef and pork, as well as protein beans, soy and seafood (especially oysters and crabs), contain zinc, a mineral that helps to control the production of blood cells against infection whites, even mild zinc deficiency can increase your susceptibility to infections. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also good sources of protein and magnesium, both of which help support a healthy immune system.

2. Pull to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. Almost any kind is good, but if you choose, look for those rich in vitamins A, C and E. Here's why: Vitamin A (which you get from sweet potatoes, carrots and dark leafy greens) helps white blood cells fight infections more effectively, it also helps regulate the immune system. Citrus fruits (such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit) and peppers, papaya, and broccoli contain vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps the immune system protects against disease. And vitamin E, which is found in nuts, seeds and turnip greens, has been shown in scientific studies to fight the flu and upper respiratory infections. If you eat a variety of greens (and oranges and yellows and reds) in the context of a balanced diet, you will get all the good stuff you need to help fight the disease. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement can help in some cases, but talk to your doctor, sometimes excessively high doses of certain minerals can cause imbalances and effectively suppress your immune response.

3. Take a 10-minute walk a few times a day. Get a total of 20 to 30 minutes of daily physical activity can support many defenses of the immune system. Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body more quickly, so they can detect disease earlier, in addition, an increase in the circulation can also trigger the release of hormones that "warn" the immune cells pathogenic intruders. Keep your moderate workouts, high intensity activity, such as a marathon or intense gymnastics training, could actually decrease the amount of white blood cells circulating in the body and disease risk.

4. Get your vitamin D levels checked. About 50 nmol/L is generally enough to maintain overall health; less than 30 nmol/L is too low for most people. New research suggests vitamin D could boost immune response, and too-low levels may be linked to an increase in seasonal colds and flu. Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, which we can get from the sun and very few foods. Talk to your doctor; you may need a supplement to boost your numbers.

5. Reduce your stress levels. Do yoga, play with your dog, listen to music—find ways to chill out because research shows stressalters how well your immune system works. Preliminary research published in the journal Biological Psychiatryexamined two groups of people—caregivers of family members with cancer and individuals without that type of stress. The scientists found something goes awry in the caregivers’ white blood cells, leaving them less responsive to inflammation and raising their risk of illness.

6. Cook with olive and canola oils. These contain healthy fats, which act as a lubricant for the cells. This lubricant improves flexibility and communication between cells, which promotes immune function. Just be careful that you do not consume too much omega-6 in the meantime: Research shows that people who consume disproportionately more 6s (found in soybean oil used in most processed snacks) 3s are at greater risk of inflammation and immune system problems.

7. Limit your drinks. One is correct for most people, two is fine for some, but not more drinking may weaken the immune system. New research on the Brown University showed excessive consumption of alcohol is toxic to the immune system cells called dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in helping to seek and destroy invading microbes. This could cause serious, even fatal, infections, not to mention the increased vulnerability to cold and flu viruses.