Fitness and Health

Vitamins and minerals for our health
The body’s immune system is influenced by several factors. The most important of these is, without doubt, the food, the vitamins and minerals play a major role.

Although antioxidants are essential nutrients to promote the smooth functioning of our body, there is another set of components that help our health. B group vitamins, fatty acids and some other essential minerals are essential in our diet.

Other immunostimulants
cover a range of other substances libroHay less known to stimulate the immune system. Calcium is essential for phagocytosis and allows leukocytes to synthesize the enzymes. Excessive consumption of coffee, chocolate, fatty foods and bran, hinder calcium absorption.

Vitamins B5 and B6 are essential for phagocytosis and antibody production. Folic acid, another B vitamin, is essential during pregnancy for the fetus to develop properly.

Essential fatty acids are also involved in regulating the immune system. Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of the thymus and increases the production of antibodies. Iron, in turn, is needed to make these antibodies and allows the leukocytes do their job.

Immunostimulating medicinal plants
there are many medicinal plants known to strengthen the body’s resistance to disease. Here are a few:

- Applied to the skin, Aloe vera is an effective antiseptic and antiviral.

- St. John’s Wort has been used as a tonic always immune system and is taken for its bactericidal properties.

- Uncaria tomentosa is an antiviral with certain alkaloids that are believed to activate the immune system.

- Echinacea is traditionally used in many countries as a general antiviral and antibiotic. It is believed that increased leukocyte count and is usually taken in tincture form.

- Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antiviral agent, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant.

- It is believed that ginger stimulates resistance to infection.