Swine Flu Pandemic or Nutrient and Immune Deficiency?

What Makes Some More Vulnerable to Dangerous Viral and Bacterial Infections?

Even Louis Pasteur was quoted as saying "Bernard was right, the microbe is nothing... the terrain is everything." Of course we can't truly prove whether or not Pasteur uttered these last words on his deathbed, We are finding, however, that the "terrain" or host is instrumental in determining whether or not we actually get sick when exposed to infectious agents.

Our first line of defense against harmful bacteria, virus, yeast, parasites and other foreign invaders is our immune system. This complex system is an orchestration of glands, organs and cellular activity, regulated by our nutritional status. If our immune system is suppressed by exposure to toxins, free radicals or excessive stress, it will become incapacitated. If we are deficient in protein or micronutrients, malnutrition will lead to suppressed immunity. That is when we are most vulnerable to an onslaught of foreign invaders.

How can we support our immune systems in the face of mutant viruses and infectious organisms? There are a few things that we all should be doing to maintain our immunity at its best.

PROTEIN status can make or break our immune systems. We need protein to build antibodies against foreign invaders, support cellular immunity when we need to attack an invader head on, and to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Clean, lean sources of protein include seafood (from small, cold water fish is best); organic eggs high in omega three fatty acids; turkey and chicken free of hormones, antibiotics and pesticides; organic dairy and whey. A scoop of high quality whey protein powder can be added at breakfast to a smoothie, oatmeal, or milk for your cereal. That way (whey) you can start off your day with 20 - 25 grams of high quality protein!

MICRONUTRIENTS are absolutely essential to immune function. Specifically, zinc, vitamin A/beta carotene, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin C are key players in supporting our immunity. A well balanced, preferably whole food multivitamin mineral supplement should provide you with adequate levels of these vital nutrients.