Nutritional Immunology
What is Nutritional Immunology?
Nutritional Immunology is a science that studies the link between nutrition and the immune system. A healthy immune system can prevent diseases and help the body stay healthy. However, when deprived of sufficient nutrients, the immune system becomes weak and unable to defend against cancer and other diseases. The human body requires a constant supply of nutrients. When one is healthy, balanced nutrition can help prevent illness; when ill, adequate nourishment aids in recovery. The relationship between nutrition and immune response forms the basis of Nutritional Immunology.
Does immune disorder cause major of the diseases?
Yes, most diseases are caused by immune system disorder.
When our immune system is stimulated or agitated, our body will produce excessive of IgE antibodies which can cause allergies such as skin sensitivity and hay fever. People might develop cancer or any infectious diseases such as SARS, due to low body immune system. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and other chronic diseases are due to overactive immune system. The body attacks and damages its own tissues.
How antioxidants, phytonutrients and polysaccharides work together to prevent cancer?
Animal foods stimulate the human body to secrete prostaglandin II, which inhibits immune function and increase the risk of cancer.
Therefore, nutritional immunology only promotes plant foods which increase immunity.Different nutrients deliver cancer preventive effects at different stages of cancer formation. Cancer can be cause by many reasons. It can be caused by free radicals. In this case, body needs antioxidants to stop the free radical from damaging cell.
Cancer can also be caused by animal hormones, environment pollution, and suppression of immune function. Hence, the body needs phytonutrients to inhibit the growth of the tumours and reduce the risk of cancer.
Explosion to carcinogenic chemicals, radiation and viral infections is another reason of cancer formation. Polysaccharides prevent the formation of cancer, destroy cancer cells and viruses by increasing the production of interleukins and interferons, as well as enhancing cellular immunity.Animal foods stimulate the human body to secrete prostaglandin II, which inhibits immune function and increase the risk of cancer.
Therefore, nutritional immunology only promotes plant foods which increase immunity.
Will the prevention be too late for those with inherited cancer genes?
Cancer is caused by mutations of DNA within cells. DNA mutation can be occur after birth or inherited. Nutrition cannot change genetics but with a healthy diet, human body can prevent certain cancer cause by inherited gene.
Further, diseases can be controlled or symptoms of disease can be alleviated through a healthy lifestyle. The American Cancer society recommends certain nutrients to protect cells from mutation or damage. Exercise and weight control can delay or prevent the development of cancer cells. Lots of research are still in progress to find other ways to prevent cancers.