by Louise Frank

Created on: August 02, 2010

THE body is a self-healing mechanism. It has an amazing ability to fight off disease and infection. But sometimes it needs a little help when its immune system is not functioning as well as it should.

All kinds of things can affect the immune system, including pollution, bad diet, depression, stress, prescription and non-prescription drugs and lack of exercise.

But there are many ways in which you can boost your immune system and help your body fight off infection and disease.

First, it is important to eat healthily. Some foods help build up immunity:

Vitamin A is good for the skin and the mucous membrane which prevent harmful organisms from entering the body. It is found in dairy products, eggs and in red, yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots.

Vitamin B helps make antibodies which deal with viruses. It is found in wholegrain products, offal and green leafy vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Vitamin C is vital for the immune system, fighting off bacteria, toxins and viruses, and also helps wounds to heal quickly. Find it in citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Selenium protects body tissues and enhances the immune system. It is found in meat, eggs, fish and wholegrain products.

Zinc helps fight off virus attacks and can be found in red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products and wholegrain products.

Cut down on processed foods. Make sure you get your five a day in fruit and vegetables.

Secondly, think positive. It's been proven that a person's state of mind influences the strength of their immune system. It may sound trite and cliched but count your blessings. Don't let other people be responsible for how you feel. Be realistic and don't let one bad event affect you for too long. Don't brood. Be forgiving - of yourself and other people. Try some visualisation and picture yourself happy and healthy. Be kind to yourself and encourage yourself.

Thirdly, cut down on stress. Learn to relax and take time for yourself. Yes, learn to be a little more selfish. Delegate when you can. Take up regular exercise. Watch comedy programmes on TV or DVD. It's been proven that laughter really does help the body heal itself. Don't take everything so seriously. If you don't feel like laughing, start by smiling at people. You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel when they respond.

Fourthly, make sure you are getting enough sleep.

Finally, get some regular exercise. You don't have to join a gym or a sports team. Walking is a brilliant all-round exercise. Try putting on some music and dance your troubles away. Or do some vigorous gardening or housework. It all counts as exercise. If you start to feel warm and your heart beat increases, then you are exercising!

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