Health Network News

Immunity helps us fight a number of ailments for a disease-free life. The immune system comprises of tissues, cells and organs all working together to ward off attacking micro organisms or external agents. With advancement in age, the immune function also diminishes in effectiveness, making older people more susceptible to diseases and falling ill.

From changes in the cells’ chemicals to major alterations in important organs, age-related immune system changes occur on different levels. Leukocyte and antibody activity in the elderly is also reduced. In fact, scientific studies on the process of ageing continue to make new discoveries and efforts are on to identify ways in which the immune system of aged people can be boosted. Until then, you can try some simpler ways of boosting your immunity.

Exercise

Regular exercise has been known to boost the body’s immunity. Exercise increases the production of macrophages. These are the cells that eliminate bacterial growth in our bodies and preventing spread of infection. Immune cells are stimulated through the right kind of exercise and circulate better throughout our body. This reduces risk of bacterial infection in vital organs. Even if we do catch an infection, the effects are not very severe if our immune system is strong and the body is restored to normalcy in the shortest possible time. Exercise also increases blood circulation, which positively impacts the immune system. A little bit of physical activity every day will keep you fit and kicking for a long time.

Reducing stress

The physical effects of stress are not limited to migraines or hypertension, but stress and nervous tension also reduce the body’s immunity. As this effect may not be apparent from the outside, it is often overlooked until the sufferer starts falling sick very often. You also may have noticed that when your mental state is not very good, your body starts feeling weak and susceptible to falling ill. People experiencing depression often fall ill and ailments like headaches, stomach aches and common cold are very common in them.

Techniques like yoga, pilates, meditation, music therapy and aromatherapy are now used to control and reduce stress levels. Even doctors advice taking up stress busting activities at work and home. Besides physical exercise, mental exercises can also be great stress busters - so crosswords, puzzles and other mind games will not only keep your mind agile, but also your body healthy. Engaging in external and physical activities are also great stress busters.

Food

Nutrition plays an extremely important role in ensuring a good immunity system. Make sure that your food has adequate quantities of essential immunity builders. Vitamin C, D, proteins and zinc are all believed to be great helpers in boosting immunity. Add foods like sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, lime, lemon to your regular diet. Colored vegetables like carrots, beetroots etc go a long way in ensuring you have a disease-free life in your youth as well as old age. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemon and others are also said to boosters of immunity - include them in your diet on a daily basis.

For more information about health and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Inside Toronto.