Strengthen Your Immune System

"The best offense is a good defense." That philosophy seems to work in football and it definitely has value if your goal is lasting good health. Your big "D" is your immune system - a remarkable and complex network of cells and organs whose job is to protect your body from harmful bacteria and viruses, and help you heal if you get sick or injured. Take good care of your immune system and it most likely will take good care of you.

There are two types of immunity: innate and acquired. One (innate) you are born with and is influenced by heredity. Components of your innate system include your skin and the barrier it provides to the outside world; your mouth and nose and their secretions (saliva and mucous) that can kill or block the bad guys from getting in; and your stomach and intestines which contain acid, enzymes, antibodies and healthy bacteria that can squash all sorts of nasty germs.

Acquired immunity is just that - something you obtain along the way. It develops and changes as you move through life and are exposed to immunizations and different substances in the environment. Your body either fends off these invaders, or gets sick and develops antibodies to protect you from getting struck by that same bug again.

Eat your way to a stronger immune system

Both types of immunity are affected by how well you eat. Think big picture - how healthfully you eat day in and day out versus focusing on a handful of vitamins, herbs or supplements you may have heard boost immune power. If your diet includes enough protein, calories, vitamins and minerals, and if you choose wholesome foods to supply those nutrients and calories, your immune system more than likely is getting the nourishment it needs. If you're missing out on key nutrients, overeating or not eating enough for a healthy weight, over time the immune system suffers.