Low Immune System Treatment: Definition, Symptoms & Causes of Low Immune System

Overview 
 
The immune system protects the body by helping it to ward-off and recover from various diseases. While stress reduction and regular exercise are known to assist in strengthening the immune system, the types of food consumed make the largest contribution to a healthy immune system. Eating a well-balanced diet including a variety of healthful foods will boost this system's effectiveness like nothing else. 
The chief destructive force that the immune system has to contend with is free radicals. Free radicals damage healthy cells by causing cell alterations (mutations) which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. However, certain substances present in food can destroy free radicals. These substances are called antioxidants. 
Symptoms 
&bull; Chronic infections 
&bull; Frequent colds 
&bull; Frequent flu 
&bull; Frequent cold sores 
&bull; Frequent genital herpes 
&bull; Sores 
&bull; Swollen lymph glands 
&bull; Cancer
Causes
Emotional state, stress, lifestyle, dietary habits and nutritional intake can impact the immune system. Low immunity can be caused by a number of conditions, surgical or medical treatments or due to age. Either of these conditions can reduce the ability of the immune system and cause serious infections. 
Here is a list of conditions that may cause low immunity: 
&bull; Nutrient Deficiency 
&bull; Cancer 
&bull; HIV/AIDS 
&bull; Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
&bull; Low White Blood Cell count (Neutropenia) 
&bull; Transplant surgery. 
&bull; Using anti-rejection drugs 
&bull; Low Stomach Acidity 
Low immunity can also be due to age as immunity lowers with age. Immunity is also low among children and among pregnant women.
Treatment

Vitamin C 
 
Vitamin E 
This nutrient helps to slow down the symptoms of aging and strengthen body cells that fight infection. People who eat foods rich in vitamin E or take supplements have an added weapon against bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E also helps in the fight against heart disease and cancer. Good food sources of are whole grain foods and vegetable oils. Supplements are recommended to reach the daily requirement of this vitamin. Check with your doctor on the dose. 
 
Carotenoid 
The immune system gains strength from minerals to synthesize proteins which make up all the cells of the body. Important minerals include: ---zinc, which increases the number of lymphocytes to fight cancers. Dietary sources of zinc are whole grains and cooked oysters 
 
Iron 
This fights infection and strengthens overall immunity. However, too much iron can be harmful and a physician should be consulted before starting a program of using iron supplements. Meats, dried beans and tofu are good sources of iron. 
 
Selenium 
 
Mumio 
A natural product consists of more than 50 elements. It is as a concentration of beeswax, fossilized honey, and bees' nests, which seeps out of certain rocks over time due to the influence of spring water and appears like a substance similar to a resin. Mumio is commonly consumed in tablet form and helps protect from illnesses and boost immunity.Carotenoids are antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system by producing lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells important to fighting infection. The best sources for carotenoid are the red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkin, etc. and leafy green foods. The four important carotenoid are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. All of these provide excellent protection against disease. Boosts the immune system to aggressively react on cancer cells. Diets high in this nutrient are linked to reduced risks for stomach, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, green peppers, cantaloupes and broccoli Those who use tobacco products should eat even more foods containing vitamin C or take supplements since smoking deplete vitamin C reserves quicker than others. 
Astragalus Root 
Used to treat viral infections including the common cold among the Chinese. It helps stimulate white blood cells and protect from invading organisms and it also enhances the production of an important natural compound produced by the body to fight viruses known as interferon.
Ashwagandha 
Is a general stimulant of the immune system. This herb is known to counteract the effects of stress and promote general well- being.
Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng 
Is popularly known to provide support to the immune system. 
Asian Ginseng 
Is known not only prevent illnesses but also to treat immunity related diseases.
Echinacea 
Herb helps stimulate a variety of immune cells. Extracts of this herb is also available in capsule form for easy consumption.
Green Tea
 
Stimulates production of immune cells. 

This helps to increase the number of antibodies and encourages growth of immune cells. This mineral can cause damage if too much is ingested so supplements are not recommended. Food sources are fish, grains and nuts. 
A low fat diet is very important for a strong immune system. Excess fat hampers the ability of the body to fight off bacteria and free radicals. Lowering fat in the diet can be accomplished by limiting the intake of fatty foods and making low fat and low calorie meal substitutions.