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Protection for Immune Health
I've
previously spoken of the immunity-boosting power of
Vitamin E, and now I'd like to tell you about some
other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can protect
and enhance your body's immune system.
The
B vitamins, particularly pyridoxine or vitamin B6,
have shown a strong correlation with strengthening
the body's immune system. As many of us grow older,
we do not have adequate levels of the B vitamins.
This can affect the immune system by weakening T-cell
function. Simple supplementation can reverse this
in a matter of weeks. Just be sure all of the various
B-complex vitamins are included in your supplement.
Vitamin
C, at a minimum dose of 2,000 mg. daily, can increase
the number of lymphocytes in the body, which constitutes
the basic backbone of our immune system.
Coenzyme
Q-10, in the amount of 25 mg. daily, can increase
another component of the immune system known as gamma
globulin, antibodies that prevent infection.
The
minerals chromium, zinc, and selenium have proven
to be effective in protecting and enhancing the immune
system. Chromium (200 mcg. daily) stimulates T lymphocytes,
which are a vital component of the immune system.
I recommend staying under 50 mg. daily of zinc, however,
as a higher dosage could be harmful. Likewise, don't
exceed 200 mcg. daily of selenium.
A
study at The University of Arizona demonstrated a
boost in immunity by taking the antioxidants selenium
and beta carotene. One note about beta carotene: don't
take it by itself. Beta carotene is part of a family
of chemicals known as carotenoids, which includes
alpha carotene, lycopene, lutein, and others. It is
a real mistake to isolate just one, such as beta carotene
or selenium by itself. I personally take a mixture
of carotenoids daily along with beta carotene. Once
again, God created all of these compounds to be taken
together in plants.
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