Building Immune System Strength

Building immune system strength is important at all times, but particularly as cold and flu season approaches. Everyone can benefit from boosting immune system responses, some more so than others. People who live or work in a high risk environment, such as a hospital or nursing home are exposed to more germs, viruses and bacteria and in order to avoid numerous colds and other bugs should be concerned about building immune system strength.

People who work with the public, have children in school, university students or even those who eat out frequently are exposed to hundreds of different viruses. A healthy immune system identifies and destroys these viruses, often before a person experiences any symptoms. Building immune system strength can also shorten recovery time when viruses are not immediately destroyed by initial immune system defenses. Boosting immune system defenses can be helpful, both for preventing illness and for treating illnesses, once symptoms are noticed.

In addition to good health habits, which include washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the nose or mouth after contact with the public, good nutrition and adequate rest are helpful for building immune system strength. There are many natural products that are believed to be good for boosting the immune system. Herbs, botanicals, essential minerals and certain vitamins can all be helpful for building immune system strength.

Vitamin C is important for building immune system strength. Vitamin C strengthens blood cells and helps the body assimilate iron and other important nutrients. Strong white blood cells are key factors for overall immune system health. Specialized white blood cells called helper T-cells identify those things that do not belong in the body, such as viruses, while others, killer T-cells, destroy them.

Vitamin C supplements can be helpful for boosting immune system strength if dietary amounts are inadequate. In addition those who are under stress, taking antibiotics, aspirin, sulfa drugs or using tobacco products, may need additional Vitamin C for building immune system health. Stress and the other substances mentioned have a “canceling” effect on Vitamin C. Vitamin C is most effective at boosting immune system responses when taken with calcium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium help the cells of the body absorb Vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Most people have heard of Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, but many people are unfamiliar with herbs, botanicals and plant components that can help the body by building immune system health.

Beta Glucans are plant components that have been the subject of numerous scientific and clinical studies. In one clinical study, patients who were given Beta Glucans had an increased number of helper T-cells circulating in the blood stream. In the scientific community, Beta Glucans are known to be effective for boosting immune system responses and are being studied for their potential use in diseases which affect the immune system, cancer treatment and cholesterol control. Some health supplements for building immune system strength contain Beta Glucans.

An interesting herb for boosting immune system health is Andrographis Paniculata or AP for short. AP has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for the effective treatment of infection, cold, fever and inflammation. Scientists who study herbs used in traditional medicine have shown that AP may be effective for the treatment of influenza, by reducing recovery time and the risk of complications. While some herbs recommended for building immune system help may be toxic when used for extended periods of time, AP has been shown in animal studies to have very low or no toxicity.

There are a number of herbs and botanicals which are believed to be effective for boosting immune system responses. Green tea, Siberian ginseng, piperine, olive leaf are a few more. Some of the better health supplements for building immune system strength contain all of the ones listed here and more. For more information about supplements for building immune system strength, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Author: Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience in health care and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more at www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com