The impact of diet on the functioning of the immune system

There is no doubt that a proper diet can significantly improve the body’s defense potential, while a harmful diet can disrupt the immune system’s response. The mechanism of action of individual dietary ingredients, vitamins and microelements is not yet thoroughly examined, however, we know which ones are needed to improve the function of the immune system.

Symptoms of decreased efficiency of the immune system:

• recurrent respiratory infections,
• severe bacterial infections,
• recurrent pneumonia,
• sores on the skin and inflammatory changes of the skin or mucous membranes,
• long-lasting diarrhea,
• weight loss.

Well-known nutrients that support the proper functioning of the immune system are: polyunsaturated fatty acids, cysteine, glutamine, arginine, prebiotics, probiotics, beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium. There are many natural sources from which you can get beneficial substances that improve immune reactions.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the risk of postinfective complications and increase the activity of T lymphocytes – very important cells of the immune system. The best sources of omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid, DHA, EPA) are mainly fish (cod, sardines, salmon, herring), linseed oil, flaxseed, rapeseed oil, and walnuts. You can also use dietary supplements (OMEGA+++) that enable you to provide fatty acids regardless of your diet.

The intestinal bacterial flora is the primary source of strength of the immune system. Probiotics and prebiotics are diet components that care for the correct composition of the bacterial flora of the digestive system. Suitable probiotics and prebiotics increase the immunoglobulin A and restore the balance of the immune system. The diet components that improve the composition of intestinal bacterial flora include silage (pickled cucumbers, kimchi) and unsweetened natural yoghurts. Of course, there are also dietary supplements (IMMUNE+++), which can help enrich the intestinal bacterial flora, and which can help to improve the functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin C is a compound that everyone associates with the immunity of the body. Indeed, vitamin C improves the body’s strength to fight bacteria, and also inhibits the immunosuppressive effect of histamine and has strong antioxidant properties. The most popular sources of vitamin C are: parsley, blackcurrant, pepper, citrus fruits.

Will dietary supplements improve the functioning of the immune system?

There are theories that micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, vitamins A, C, E, B6) impair the response of the immune system to risks. Sometimes it is difficult or impossible to provide all the necessary substances in everyday meals. If you suspect that your diet is too poor and does not satisfy the body’s needs, you may consider taking mineral supplements and multivitamin preparations. It is worth emphasizing that it is more beneficial than swallowing large doses of individual vitamins to include multi-vitamin supplements in the diet. Out of the wealth of nutrients provided, the body will choose those that are currently needed.