Last week I wrote about the efficiency of the immune system and how adaptable it is. How strong our defense system actually is, but because our immune system is complicated and predicated on so many factors and variables, it is also vulnerable to many things. Immunodeficiencies occur when one or more of the components are inactive or in any way deficient. The immune system is diminished in both the young and the old, with immune responses starting to decline at age 50. Also obesity, alcoholism, and drug use are common causes of poor immune function. Diets lacking sufficient protein, iron, copper zinc, selenium, vitamins A,C,E,B-6, and folic acid also reduces immune response. There are other responses which are not relevant to our discussion now that compromise the immune system such as autoimmunity, hypersensitivity.
What is pertinent to our discussion is diet. Diet, diet. Once again a bad diet and drinking too much rears it’s ugly head. Please, make sure your getting enough protein in your diet. ( one gram of protein per pound of lean mass) Also it would behoove everyone to take a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. We sell great supplements here at Roberts. Lastly do I need to address drinking again? More than 4-6 oz of wine a day is too much. We don’t need a martini every night either. Use your head… If you get more than 2 colds a year than your immune system is compromised..R