Vitamin D is crucial for a strong immune system, which can be achieved through exercise, diet, and sunlight exposure. T cells rely on vitamin D for activation to fight foreign pathogens, and its role in boosting the immune system may lead to new vaccine development. Vitamin D supplements and foods like cod liver oil, shellfish, soybeans, and eggs can help maintain sufficient levels.
Vitamin D and the immune system are known to have close links. The nutrient can be obtained from food, vitamins, or from sunlight. By building a strong immune system with exercise, diet, and enough vitamin D, the body will fight disease, stimulate bacteria-fighting cells, and improve overall quality of life.
It is important to get enough sunlight to get enough vitamin D in the immune system. Exercising outside is a great way to get natural vitamin D – most vitamin D is produced naturally by ingesting sunlight. In the colder winter months, multivitamins or supplements may be a good idea for sufficient intake. Once there is enough vitamin D in the body, the immune system can begin to adapt to fight viruses and bacteria. Vitamin D is also important in calcium absorption.
Vitamin D and the immune system rely on T cells to detect and eliminate foreign pathogens. The nutrient stimulates these cells into action and helps immune system deficiencies. Without enough vitamin D, the body has a difficult time motivating these T cells and makes a person more prone to diseases and viruses caused by bacteria. T cells must be stimulated to attack invading bacteria.
Two types of immune cells link vitamin D and the immune system. Successfully activated T cells can become killer cells that destroy all cells carrying foreign pathogens, or they can become helper cells that aid the immune system’s memory acquisition. T cells must have vitamin D for activation to take place. The immune response can be greatly enhanced when T cells are stimulated.
Identifying this role of vitamin D in T cell activation is a breakthrough. Recent findings on the broad role of vitamin D in boosting the immune system may also play a key role in the development of new vaccines, which work by training the immune system to react against deficiencies in the body. It also provides a better understanding of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes. Researchers can now determine the chemical steps required to transform a cell from active to inactive. Doctors can eventually start this process based on each patient’s vitamin D and immune system.
A person can consult their doctor for a test of vitamin D and the immune system. Health food stores have quality vitamin D supplements, which people can take daily to ensure sufficient vitamin D. Cod liver oil, many types of shellfish, soybeans, and eggs are all foods rich in vitamin D.
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