To maintain good health, efficient immune system is the key factor. It acts like defending army. It helps to protect from all types of diseases from common cold to cancer, keeps allergies in check as well as slows down the ageing process. The persons with strong immunity fell less prone to diseases.
Poor diet will result in a weakened immune system. Others factors such as stress, smoking, excess alcohol and caffeine, food additives, pesticides, pollution, lack of sleep and exercise also weakens the immune system.
Protein
It is required to manufacture all cells including antibodies and enzymes so protein is vital for strong immunity.
Minerals
Iron builds up overall resistance. Calcium helps the phagocyte cells to carry out their cleaning up duty. Selenium is necessary for the production of antibodies. Zinc is necessary for the maturation of T-cells.
Vitamins
Vitamin A helps to maintain the thymus gland which is the part of lymph system and is powerfully antiviral.
Vitamin B-complex is important for the activity of phagocyte.
Vitamin C is needed for the function of entire immune system.
Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant which helps to stimulate antibody production.
Exercise
It stimulates the circulation, improving the oxygen supply to the organs. Simply staying generally active and walking briskly for half an hour every day will help.