Name: Kris
Status: Educator
Grade: 9-12
Location: IL
Country: United States
Date: July 2008
Question:
As a biology teacher at Hoffman Estates High School I asked my junior
and senior students to fashion a question for the Ask A Scientist board.
We are presently studying the immune system and my students want to know
if there is any artificial or natural way in which to boost their immune
systems? Can you help us with this concept?
Replies:
Antioxidants like vitamin C & E would offer protection. Vitamin
A strengthens mucus membranes to thwart invaders and enhance total resistance
(not necessarily immunity). Being generally physically fit is a huge factor,
but studies with professional athletes suggest a faster spread of viruses and
other agents through their system. Ginseng, mineral springs (hormesis - low
ionizing radiation stimulation), and other agents have not been proven
beneficial scientifically. In general, if you minimize damage via UV and
other radiation to the immune system, minimize the aging process, you will
maximize your immune response. Since Louis Pasteur, we should not forget
targeting specific immunity via vaccines. Also, bone marrow transplants will
help those that are immunodeficient. It is hoped that biotechnology will
produce antibodies and other agents to order, that will be the magic bullets
against any immunoinvader.
NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.
