Also, infections, such as the flu virus, mono (mononucleosis), and measles, can weaken the immune system for a short time. Your immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition.
Our age, sex, infection history, and genetics can affect our immune system and make us more prone to disease.
Choose Calming Foods
Fruits and vegetables (aim for a broad rainbow of colors to get the most antioxidant variety), fish and fish oil, olive oil, ground flaxseeds, and spices like ginger, rosemary, basil and turmeric can all have a quieting effect on an overactive immune system.
Foods such as red meat, dairy, pastry, and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol trigger systemic inflammation, aggravating the autoimmune disease. If you are struggling with this condition, check out the most common foods that worsen autoimmune diseases so you can avoid them altogether.
You can collect your Immune Health blood sample using a simple and accurate finger-prick blood home test kit, clinic visit or home nurse visit. Your blood contains numerous components that serve vital functions including carrying oxygen, fighting infection and clotting wounds.
Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps your immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Your body also uses zinc to make DNA (the genetic material in cells) and proteins. During pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly.
A child exposed to colds and viruses earlier in life will develop a stronger immune system and is less likely to become sick in his or her later years. “Immunity is immunity,” explains Dr. Jordan S. Orange, chief of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Texas Children's Hospital.
Vitamin D deficiency is known to be related to the development of autoimmune diseases. In particular, vitamin D deficiency is related to the development and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Protection against autoimmune diseases
Comparatively, within the acquired immune system, the caffeine content within coffee potentially suppresses the proliferation of Th1 and Th2 cells. As a result, coffee can reduce the damage caused by the release of cytokines due to overactive T- and B-cells.
But to a person with an autoimmune disease, eggs (especially egg whites) may cause issues. In addition, egg whites have a high incidence of allergy-related symptoms. Although this is mainly about egg whites, egg yolks can also be a common food sensitivity so they too are on the elimination phase of the AIP Diet.
Regularly going for a walk or taking a bike ride can benefit your immune system by helping immune cells to perform effectively — increasing blood flow, reducing stress and inflammation, and strengthening antibodies.
Lemons pack a great punch of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system.
Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
Load up on anti-inflammatory foods
Eat more fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the best sources of omega-3s are cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and tofu, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans.
Autoimmune disorders in general cannot be cured, but the condition can be controlled in many cases. Historically, treatments include: anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation and pain. corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation.