The idea of using discount vitamins may not seem important to some but it can be one of the best choices we can make for our bodies. As human beings, most of our immune systems are naturally prone to fight infection and disease. However, as we grow older, our immune systems begin to deplete and those infections and/or diseases that were once easy to fight off, can be much more difficult. Our bodies are put under strain nearly everyday due to stress, bad nutritional habits, no exercise and more. It is our responsibility to take care of our bodies and one of the best ways to make up for those strains we all face, is to begin and continually take vitamin supplements. Some of the most unnoticeable habits can be the ones to truly affect the immune system:



Excessive fat intake - Too much fat in a person's food intake can cause the immune system to slow the production of antibodies and the amount of white blood cells. Excessive fat intake also leads to obesity, which also depletes a person's immune system and ability to fight off diseases.

* Excessive alcohol - Although it is well know the effects alcohol in excess can damage the liver, it can also affect the immune system in very serious ways. Large amounts of alcohol cause nutritional deficiencies and suppress the amount of white blood cells that can be produced.

* Excessive sugar intake - Eating or drinking too much sugar can cause the body to be unable to produce white blood cells, just like excessive alcohol and fat intake does. One study from the United States Department of Health and Human Services shows that ingesting 8 tablespoons of sugar (2 cans of soda) can suppress the ability for the body to create white blood cells by forty percent.

* Food allergies - One of the most unknown habits that affect the immune system is food allergies. While most people who have food allergies tell of specific reactions they would have to a certain food, the affect on the immune system and its ability to produce can be just as dangerous. Many times when food allergies take place, the intestinal lining will breakdown and cause the person with the allergy to become sick or have reactions. Because of this breakdown the intestinal wall is damaged to the point that before it can recover, sickness can enter.

* Beginning the process of taking discount vitamins should start with a trip to the doctor's office. Not only can they explain what vitamins are best suited for your body but they can also warn of any side effects that there may be with other medications you might be taking. Many doctors may recommend at first a multivitamin which usually includes a little of each of the important types of vitamins.

* Vitamin C - Found naturally in many fruit and vegetables, Vitamin C increases the production of the infection fighting white blood cells and antibodies. These can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and has been shown to increase the levels of interferon, which is the antibody that coats cell surfaces to fight off infection and disease. Studies have also shown that those who have a high intake of Vitamin C in their diets have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe and broccoli.

* Vitamin E - Known as an antioxidant and immune booster, Vitamin E stimulates the production of those natural cells that find and destroy germs and cancer cells. In addition, this vitamin also lowers the risk of heart disease and increases the strength of the immune system.

* Beta Carotene - This is an important vitamin that has multiple uses. It increases the number of infection-fighting cells and helper T-cells in the body. Just as the other vitamins do, Beta Carotene has also been found to fight heart disease. The most interesting fact about Beta Carotene is that it turns into Vitamin A, which helps to fight cancer and boosts the immune system. Keep in mind with Vitamin A however, that too much can be dangerous, which is another reason to check with your doctor before taking discount vitamins.

* Zinc - As one of the least known supplements, it can actually be one of the most important. Zinc increases the amount of white blood cells which can help to fight infection more aggressively. Studies of zinc supplements have also shown to slow the growth of cancer, making it highly prescribed by doctors of cancer patients in their treatment regimen.

* Garlic - The sulfur compound contained in garlic is credited for its usefulness. Known as an immunity booster, it increases the number of infection-fighting white cells, natural killer cells, and increases the production of antibodies. Garlic also serves as an antioxidant and some studies even indicate that it can help to protect against cancer.

It is always important to remember that just taking discount vitamins will not keep you from becoming sick or being unhealthy. The key is to exercise, take daily vitamin supplements and see the doctor regularly with any problems that arise or just for a check-up. Starting the road to a healthy and better life is to realize the areas which you need to work on and to be realistic, and stick to the goals you set for your routine.