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Pre-biotics, too, boost the immune system. Pre-biotics
are non-digestible fibres found in in chicory root, Jerusalem
artichokes, leeks and onions, wheat, bananas and oats. They have
immuno-strengthening properties because they encourage the growth
of healthy bacteria in the gut like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
There is evidence that, in this way, bifidobacteria and pre-biotics
protect against colon and other cancers.
Nutrition is not the only influence, of course, on the immune
system. The immune system is also affected by chronic worries,
repressed anger and depression. These have all been shown to reduce
the ability of immune cells to form antibodies and to slow down
the killer cells. So relaxation techniques also have a part to
play.
Extra help for the immune system, when necessary, can also be
found in herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, which reduce the damaging
effects of stress on the immune system.
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