The immune system is incredibly complex and its workings are not fully understood. However, it is known that nutrition and lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on the immune system. Sugar and exposure to stress have been identified as factors that are able to significantly disrupt the immune system. Stress is particularly bad for the immune system, because when exposed to stressors, the body releases cortisol, and this can significantly reduce the effectiveness of parts of the immune system. Sugar is able to damage the immune system because it can disrupt the ability of white blood cells to identify and phagocytose foreign particles including bacteria and viruses. A high sugar diet is associated with a stressful lifestyle, and these two factors together can significantly increase an individual’s risk of infection. Evidence suggests that high quality nutrition and the avoidance of stress are strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of infection, and may significantly increase recovery rates in those already infected.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
