By Dr Betty Adderley

THE immune system does a remarkable job of defending the body against diseases and microorganisms, but sometimes it fails and a germ can invade the body, causing one to become ill. 

This is when we as individuals must intervene in the process and make our immune systems stronger.

Our first line of defence is to choose a healthier lifestyle. This can happen by changing our diet to healthier foods and adding appropriate supplements.

Every part of the body including the immune system functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy living strategies such as quitting the habit of smoking, eating the daily requirements of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight , controlling blood pressure, getting sufficient sleep, consuming little or no alcohol and going low on saturated fat.

Antioxidant vitamins have shown in numerous studies to dramatically enhance the immune system function.

Vitamins A and C, B12, beta carotene and vitamin E/selenium – these have all shown to stimulate immune function. Other minerals such as zinc and manganese are also necessary. Zinc acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, speeds up the rate of healing and can enhance the function of T cells, a type of white blood cell, by more than 200 per cent.

Manganese stimulate anti-body response and the activity of certain immune cells. Garlic also contains active substances that can ward off scavengers, bacteria and other foreign bodies from attacking the blood and cells.

Numerous research studies have revealed that the most potent defenders against cancer appear to be vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene.

These can inhibit the formation of cancer-causing substances in the intestinal tract, reduce the action of tumour promoting agents in the body, stimulate the immune system and even convert cancer cells back to normal cells.

Cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death, can be controlled by antioxidants.

On a day to day basis, people are interested in preventing colds, allergies, viruses, flu and other infections.

Most persons wait until they are sick before they take action. We need to be more proactive and take the matter of our health into our own hands. In other words, “prevention is always better than cure.”

• For more information contact Dr Betty Adderley at 361-5435 or e-mail bett_on@yahoo.com.

Dr Adderley is a veteran educator, trained counsellor, certified nutritionist, network marketing coach and motivational coach.