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Even in the US, where the food supply is abundant and relatively inexpensive, malnutrition is on the rise. Americans are consuming greater quantities of highly processed, packaged foods that lack the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. These artificial and unnatural foods also contribute to a decrease in immune function, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and a host of other common ailments.

Stress is another contributing factor to poor health. Many studies have shown that chronic long-term stress can suppress the immune system. People are increasingly under pressure to work more and sleep less, which contributes to their level of stress.

Malnutrition and stress wreaks havoc on the immune system and your overall health, and increases the likelihood of disease. Here's what you can do to achieve optimal health:

- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense, packed full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients that the body needs for optimal health. The more dark green the vegetables, the more nutrients they generally have. Fruits and vegetables are also high in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells, which suppresses the immune system.

- Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Due to over-farming, US soil is so depleted of vitamins and minerals that you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs, even if you eat the recommended daily requirement of fruits and vegetables. If you do not believe in taking supplements, eat only whole grains and organically grown produce.

- Sleep more. Approximately eight hours of sleep is necessary for the body to recuperate and repair itself. Your body doesn't care if you need to stay up late to finish your assignments; it will interpret your sleep deprivation as stress. Stress depresses your immune system, and causes the release of cortisol which increases blood pressure and blood sugar.

- Meditate. Studies show that you can boost your immune system simply by putting mind over matter. People who meditated were found to have more activity in the area of the brain that affects positive emotions.

Our bodies require eight hours of sleep, exercise and fresh fruits and vegetables. This has been so since the dawn of human existence. It's no wonder that people suffer stress and immune related illnesses today than previous generations. We work around the clock, eat processed and artificial foods, sit all day at work and at home, and make other compromises to our health that work against our very nature. We can all achieve optimal health by nourishing our bodies the way nature intended.

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