Why Vitamins And Minerals As So Important To Your Immune System

Many of us, parents especially, waver during cold and flu season when it comes to making the decision on whether or not to get the flu shot. Each new flu variation that hits the news, especially ones that sound dangerous, such as the avian flu, gives us something new to worry about. Whatever our yearly decision may be concerning the flu shot, there are proactive things we can do to reduce the risk of colds, flu types and other illnesses and diseases for ourselves and our families. One of the most important of these is using proper nutrition to promote the optimum performance of the body's natural immune system.

The simple fact of the matter is that, in the rapid pace of modern life, most of us do not eat properly. As we speed through our busy days, too often we succumb to the temptations of drive through cuisine or overly processed, prepared and packaged convenience foods. Most of these types of foods lack the nutrients most important to the healthy functioning of the body's natural immune system or present them in forms that are inefficient or damaged via processing or cooking.

Vitamin C is one of the many nutrients that are thought to stimulate and strengthen the immune system. This water-soluble anti-oxidant vitamin washes out of the body daily with the release of urine. Thus, the body's supply of this vital nutrient must be renewed daily. Vitamin C has been shown to help in the production of the white blood cells responsible for fighting infection and illnesses.

Vitamin A, another important anti-oxidant, also plays a role in the production of white blood cells and anti-bodies. Its action against free radicals makes it important to general health, as well as to the proper functioning of the immune system.

The Vitamin B complex is known for its far-reaching positive effects on the health and well being of both mind and body. In addition to its very real influence on the immune system, especially with its role in the levels of a protein called glutathione throughout the cells of the body, it is also good for counteracting the effects of stress on the body. Stress has been shown to be a significant factor in the occurrence and severity of many illnesses and diseases.

Zinc is an important mineral, especially for the immune system. Recent research has shown that even relatively small deficiencies of zinc can have a negative effect on the function of the immune system. In addition to playing a key role in the activation of almost one hundred different enzymes in the body, it also serves in the production of white blood cells and their ability to successfully fight off infection.

These are just a few of the nutrients that play a role in the body's natural immune system. A little research or a brief consultation with a nutritionist can help you to devise a list of vitamins and minerals that you should pay careful attention to if you are seeking to see to it that your body's immune system operates at peak performance levels. For children that lean towards fussy eating habits, or adults that struggle to eat a balanced diet, supplements may be the best option. Prevention is always the best choice and meeting the recommended daily nutritional requirements is an excellent way to stay healthy.