A special health report from Harvard Health Publications titled The Truth About Your Immune System took a look at the scientific evidence that has been produced surrounding the ability to boost your immune system.  It not only addressed recent scientific studies but also basic question “can you really boost your immune system”.  Here is a quick look at some of the findings.

1.      The Key is System

It is important to understand that your immune system is just that – a system.  This means that it is incredibly difficult to find a single tactic that will actually boost it.  In order to function properly, it requires balance.  To date, “there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function”.  However, that doesn't mean that there aren't some specific strategies that can prove beneficial.

2.      Be Skeptical

There are a lot of products that claim to boost your immune system, however this isn't as simple as it sounds.  There are a variety of different cells that are part of the immune system that respond differently to different invading microbes.  While scientists have not been able to identify “how many cells or what kinds of cells the immune system needs to function at its optimum level”, there is evidence that certain lifestyle changes may improve the immune systems response to a threat.

3.      The Importance of Diet

The link has long been established that people who are malnourished are more prone to disease.  This is because the immune system requires the proper raw materials to function effectively.  Currently, a number of different nutrients have been giving the nod of approval for potentially boosting the immune system.

·         People with low selenium levels are at a higher risk of “bladder, breast, colon, rectum, lung, and prostate cancer”

·         Low levels of Vitamin A has long been associated with impaired immunity and increase risk of contracting an infectious disease.

·         Vitamin B2 has been reported to improve resistance to bacterial infections.

·         Low Vitamin B6 levels can diminish immune response, such as the lymphocytes ability to become T and B cells.

·         Vitamin C is essential because it works in combination with a number of other micro-nutrients

·         Vitamin D signals an anti-microbial response to certain bacterium.

·         Vitamin E increases antibody responses to hepatitis B and tetanus, among others.

·         Zinc is essential for all cells functioning within the immune system. 

The report also noted that taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement (such as the P90X Peak Health Formula) will provide a variety of health benefits in addition to helping the immune system.  On the other hand, taking a single vitamin in a mega-dose does not help. 

While it is obvious that additional studies are needed, and ongoing, to determine exactly what is needed to boost your immune system; a healthy diet and potent multivitamin that will provide enough vitamins and minerals is beneficial.  In fact, well-rounded multivitamins like the P90X Peak Health Formula provide a number of additional health benefits as well.