Immune System Strengthening  Supporting a Healthy Immune System
A healthy immune system grows ever more important as we age, and
immune status is closely associated with nutrition, exercise,
and stress reduction. Older people and people with compromised
immune systems should talk to their physician about exercising,
reducing stress, and designing an active, immune-boosting
nutritional program.  Vitamin D. Adults (and children) with
higher vitamin D levels contract substantially fewer cold, flu,
and other viral infections (Ginde 2009; Karatekin 2007; Cannell
2006). Vitamin D downregulates the expression of pro-
inflammatory cytokines while upregulating the expression of
antimicrobial peptides in immune cells (Schauber 2007). This
biological mechanism explains why Vitamin D confers such
dramatic protection against common illnesses.  Glutathione
boosters. Glutathione is probably the body's most important
cellular defense against free radical damage. It is a free
radical scavenger and major antioxidant.  Low leve