Minerals and the Immune System
The Role Of Minerals In The Immune System.
Our immune system is a truly remarkable mechanism that works non-stop, 24/7, to protect us from infections and diseases that may be caused by germs, viruses and many other microbial organisms that bombard our bodies constantly.
Minerals and other trace elements play important roles in making sure our immune system remains functional and our bodies remain healthy Immunity Immunity is the body's ability to protect itself from micro-organisms that could invade and affect or take control of its vital functions.
The immune system is like a well-oiled machine consisting of cells, tissues and organs that all work together to keep these harmful micro-organisms out or under control.
When the immune system malfunctions, this may lead to immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Some people are born with immunodeficiency while some may develop this later in life, as a result of an infection or as a side effect of medication.
HIV is an example of an immunodeficiency disease.
It attacks and impairs the immune system so that people suffering from HIV tend to succumb to infections and other diseases.
Autoimmune disorders cause the body to attack its own cells and tissues.
Common autoimmune conditions include lupus, psoriasis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Nutrition -Inadequate Minerals and Trace Elements.
Nutrition has a well-documented effect on the body's autoimmune mechanisms.
It is a well-known fact that poor nutrition, including inadequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, suppresses the body's defences.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and those with eating disorders have a greater tendency to suffer from mineral deficiency and consequently are in greater danger of developing autoimmune diseases and disorders.
Lack of Minerals Can Cause Many Problems.
Magnesium is very important to the immune system.
It is vital to a number of processes that include regulating the production of blood and antibodies.
Lack of magnesium is associated with excessive antibody production and being prone to allergies, as well as to chronic fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
As we get older, our magnesium requirement increases, but ironically, the amount of magnesium in the body declines.
As we age, we also produce less digestive fluid in the stomach, adversely affecting our ability to break down and absorb minerals like magnesium.
Zinc is another trace element essential to a number of immune functions.
It is a building block for a number of specialized cells and tissues, it regulates some processes and it helps facilitate cell activities.
Zinc deficiency leads to growth retardation, delayed wound healing, abnormal immune functions and mental problems.
Like magnesium, zinc production slows down with age, and even a small deficiency can result in major health issues.
Zinc supplements have been documented to help against the common cold, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Too much zinc, however, may deplete copper in the body, and so these two supplements are normally taken together.
Trace Elements Are Vital To Body Health.
Although they may not directly affect the immune system, other trace elements and micronutrients are also vital to the health of the body.
Copper, boron, iron, iodine, chromium, molybdenum, manganese and selenium are among the numerous minerals the body needs in very tiny amounts in order for it to function properly.
Low levels of these trace nutrients lower the body's ability to resist infections.
Our immune system is a truly remarkable mechanism that works non-stop, 24/7, to protect us from infections and diseases that may be caused by germs, viruses and many other microbial organisms that bombard our bodies constantly.
Minerals and other trace elements play important roles in making sure our immune system remains functional and our bodies remain healthy Immunity Immunity is the body's ability to protect itself from micro-organisms that could invade and affect or take control of its vital functions.
The immune system is like a well-oiled machine consisting of cells, tissues and organs that all work together to keep these harmful micro-organisms out or under control.
When the immune system malfunctions, this may lead to immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Some people are born with immunodeficiency while some may develop this later in life, as a result of an infection or as a side effect of medication.
HIV is an example of an immunodeficiency disease.
It attacks and impairs the immune system so that people suffering from HIV tend to succumb to infections and other diseases.
Autoimmune disorders cause the body to attack its own cells and tissues.
Common autoimmune conditions include lupus, psoriasis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Nutrition -Inadequate Minerals and Trace Elements.
Nutrition has a well-documented effect on the body's autoimmune mechanisms.
It is a well-known fact that poor nutrition, including inadequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, suppresses the body's defences.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and those with eating disorders have a greater tendency to suffer from mineral deficiency and consequently are in greater danger of developing autoimmune diseases and disorders.
Lack of Minerals Can Cause Many Problems.
Magnesium is very important to the immune system.
It is vital to a number of processes that include regulating the production of blood and antibodies.
Lack of magnesium is associated with excessive antibody production and being prone to allergies, as well as to chronic fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
As we get older, our magnesium requirement increases, but ironically, the amount of magnesium in the body declines.
As we age, we also produce less digestive fluid in the stomach, adversely affecting our ability to break down and absorb minerals like magnesium.
Zinc is another trace element essential to a number of immune functions.
It is a building block for a number of specialized cells and tissues, it regulates some processes and it helps facilitate cell activities.
Zinc deficiency leads to growth retardation, delayed wound healing, abnormal immune functions and mental problems.
Like magnesium, zinc production slows down with age, and even a small deficiency can result in major health issues.
Zinc supplements have been documented to help against the common cold, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
Too much zinc, however, may deplete copper in the body, and so these two supplements are normally taken together.
Trace Elements Are Vital To Body Health.
Although they may not directly affect the immune system, other trace elements and micronutrients are also vital to the health of the body.
Copper, boron, iron, iodine, chromium, molybdenum, manganese and selenium are among the numerous minerals the body needs in very tiny amounts in order for it to function properly.
Low levels of these trace nutrients lower the body's ability to resist infections.