What is known about protecting or strengthening the immune system?
Your grandmother and mother were wise in much of this counsel. Adequate sleep and the active reduction of stress help prevention of “fatigue” of one’s immunity. Medical students who are sleep deprived have impairment of the function of human lymphocytes, cells critically important in immune health and strength. Diet is critically important since uncontrolled diabetes renders one highly susceptible to infection of all types, and morbid obesity is accompanied by increases in various types of cancer, especially breast cancer in females. Diets high in antioxidants and lycopenes are very protective of the immune system. Sweet potatoes are an example of a foodstuff high in antioxidants, preventing inflammation and tissue injury through the release of free oxygen radicals. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables (the brighter the red, yellow or green color the heartier) are most likely to contain lycopenes which are protective against canc er (such as tomatoes, red and green peppers, apples, e
