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[T467]The Function Of The Immune System

by Muna wa Wanjiru, Mun

Vitamins and minerals are definitely among the substances that control the proper functioning of the body; although they are mainly taken from daily meals, there are certain foods that are richer in vitamins and minerals than others. While vitamins are organic structures, minerals are inorganic; but they are both usually taken from plants that process them from the soil by the intermediary of the sun rays. Very often the action of certain minerals is closely interconnected with that of specific vitamins; thus calcium, for instance, which is crucial in bone development and maintenance, is processed only in the presence of vitamin D3.

As a rule of the thumb, it is worth mentioning that vitamins and minerals enhance the function of the immune system, enabling organs and cells to better perform their structural roles. Maybe you already know what a rich source of vitamin A carrots are, but these vegetables also bring an important mineral supplementation to one's diet too. Without vitamins and minerals life wouldn't be possible for plants either, which explains their richness of structure. Even if vitamins and minerals are necessary at all ages, it is nonetheless true that during the growth period the efforts of the system are much more strenuous and the need of nutrients is definitely higher.

Unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, whole bread, dairy products, fish, red and white meat are all rich sources of vitamins and minerals, ensuring the proper working of the body. People with a balanced diet will seldom need vitamins and minerals as supplements; but do not trick yourself into thinking that you'll get any of these substances by having chips and cookies every day. Such products, like many others of the same sort are rich in fat and calories but they definitely offer very limited nutritional value. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, then you may have some troubles with nutrition.

To illustrate the importance of a balanced diet, we actually need to stress out the fact that certain vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc are usually found in eggs, meat and fish. Then, vitamin B12, for example, is not present under vegetable form, it can only be taken from eggs and dairy products. It may also happen to find it in fortified cereals, but make sure to carefully read the label and find this mention in the instructions. Therefore, under such circumstances, the solution for maintaining a proper body system would be to administrate vitamins and minerals as supplements.

The immune system has its own internal monitoring system that always knows when we are cut or sick. It even knows how to produce its own soldiers, called antibodies that fight harmful bacteria.

Sometimes the body needs the aid of the medical world, like in the instance of a deep gash that requires stitches. Even after the stitches, however, the immune system is really what takes care of the wound.

Even if you take antibiotics, it is your immune system that eventually deals with the bacteria and helps the body heal itself. There is a catch, however. For your immune system to be able to do all of these things, it has to be strong and healthy.

The easiest way to do this is to keep your body healthy, if your overall diet and health are good, you exercise, and you don't drink too much alcohol or do drugs you should have a strong immune system.

The immune system has four major lines of defense. The first is a barricade system. This is made up primarily of your skin, which is the largest organ in the body.

The skin's job, in terms of immune defense, is to protect our internal body from viruses, bacteria, chemicals, pollutants, ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, cuts, etc. The skin also contains nerve endings, which warn us when something is too hot, cold, or if something is painful. The skin also releases harmful toxins when we sweat.

The second line of defense within the human body literally "traps" invaders, such as harmful bacteria, in mucous saliva which is the equivalent of them getting wrapped I a spider web. The body excretes the toxic mucous through sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose.

Each internal body part that is susceptible to invaders has its own way of trapping and disposing of them. We also have traps on the outside of our body, such as our nose hair, and eyelashes.

The third line of immune defense is our many body fluids that contain protective elements. For example: our stomach produces hydrochloric acid to neutralize invaders that got into our body through what we ate, the eyes produce tears to protect themselves.

What is the fourth line of defense that is used as an immune booster to help fight AIDS and Cancer? It is a protein called interferon.

Interferon has been used to help the body naturally fend off colds and fight illness. Interferon is produced by cells in our body when viruses invade them and is then released into the bloodstream to get healthy cells to manufacture an enzyme that counters the infection.

AIDS and Cancer patients can take an interferon production stimulator as a dietary supplement to help their immune system fight off invaders.

Article Source : new supplements

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Both Muna wa Wanjiru & Brue Baker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Muna wa Wanjiru has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, Birthday Party and Jewelry. Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Vitamins for Years. For More Information on Vitamins and minerals, Visit His Site at. Muna wa Wanjiru's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.

Brue Baker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Nutrition and Alternative Medicine. Brue Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from all across the country sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than leaving your immune system defenseless, let Brue introduce you to the. Brue Baker's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.