immune function
The immune system benefits from adequate sleep, exercise, and the consumption of plant foods (see also here, here). “Airborne” supplements and nasal zinc gels are not recommended. Foods that may be especially helpful include apples, tea, cocoa, gluten, kale (see also here), and Ceylon cinnamon. Chronic diseases associated with inflammation such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and arthritis may be prevented or even possibly reversed by a plant-based diet, whereas chicken and eggs may play a pro-inflammatory role. Avoiding meat during pregnancy may prevent childhood allergies and parasitic brain infections.
Topic summary contributed by Jinda Chaijinda.
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Watch videos about immune function
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Preventing the Common Cold with Probiotics?Though prebiotics may be preferable, probiotics may reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.
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Boosting Immunity While Reducing InflammationCooked white mushroom consumption stimulates antibody production while potentially still playing an anti-inflammatory role.
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Does a Drink Of Water Make Children Smarter?Most children don't drink water from when they wake to when they go off to school. Interventional trials show this mild state of dehydration may negatively affect scholastic performance.
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Clinical Studies on Acai BerriesAn independent review of the effects of açaí berries was recently published, including studies on immune function, arthritis, and metabolic parameters.
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How Tumors Use Meat to Grow: Xeno-AutoantibodiesCancer may use a molecule found in animal products to trick our immune system into feeding it with inflammation.
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Clonal Deletion Theory of ImmunityPlant-based diets may be protective against multiple sclerosis because IGF-1 can prevent our immune system from eliminating autoimmune cells.
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Clonal Selection Theory of ImmunityWe may have a billion different types of antibody-releasing cells in our immune system, such that each recognizes a different molecular signature.
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Cancer as an Autoimmune DiseaseBecause certain tumors such as breast cancers thrive in settings of low-grade inflammation, our immune response can sometimes facilitate tumor growth.
