The purpose of our immune system is to defend our bodies against microbes, toxins, and other pathogens that can make us ill. Many people dont realize that many of these pathogens are present in our bodies all the time. An unhealthy lifestyle can create changes in our body, making it a more hospitable environment for these pathogens as well as suppressing our immunity, thereby making it all too easy for them to multiply and make us sick.

Stress and the Immune System
Unfortunately, in todays busy world, it is all to easy to slip into a lifestyle that does not support our immune system. Poor diet, lack of exercise and stress are some of todays most common lifestyle problems, and all of them contribute to depressed immunity. When our bodies are stressed, they release a substance called cortisol which suppresses our immune system. Poor diet and lack of exercise make our bodies more hospitable environments to pathogens; a combination of all these factors will often result in illness.

No amount of supplements made to boost the immune system will help if you are living a consistently stressful and unhealthy lifestyle. However, they can be helpful as an added support during busy, stressful times, during flu season, or whenever your body needs a little extra help. Depending on your individual needs and physiology, some immune system boosters will work better for you than others. Do a little research to help you determine what is best for you.

Supplements containing anti-oxidants are important immune system boosters. Whole foods supplements containing vitamins C and E as well as zinc have shown to be particularly helpful. Many experts also recommend green foods supplements, which contain a high concentration of anti-oxidants, as well as detoxifying agents that can help the body cleanse itself of disease causing poisons and pathogens.