I am feeling tired all the time. Could this be due to a lowered immune system?

The strength of our immune system determines the body's ability to resist infection and fight off disease. If the immune system is weak, the body is more prone to illness. When ill, a strong immune system will ensure the fastest possible recovery. Tiredness could be due to several reasons. If it has existed for a long period of time, it is essential you contact your GP to determine the cause.

Energy levels are a good indicator of how strong your immune system is. If you are feeling tired and low a lot of the time, you may have a compromised immune system.

If you are feeling that your immune system is a bit 'under the weather', take a look at your diet. Poor nutrition is one of the biggest culprits for a lazy or weak immune system.

The immune system needs optimum nutrition in the diet in order to function well. Even if the body is depleted by a small amount of minerals or vitamins, it can have a major affect, over a period of time, on quality of life and general health, especially if you have a hectic lifestyle or poor absorption.

Increase nutritional intake of foods rich in antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radical attack and cellular damage. A healthy immune system needs adequate amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and magnesium.

The consumption of a health supplement is also recommended to ensure a balanced daily supply of vitamins and minerals. Try taking immune strengthening herbs, such as Echinacea and Cat's Claw. Eat plenty of immune boosting garlic, ginger, almonds (they are packed full of folic acid, magnesium, calcium, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin E) and drink plenty of green tea. You should also increase your intake of blueberries, yellow and red peppers, Alpha sprouts, broccoli sprouts and fish.

Try to reduce the time spent in a polluted environment. Pollution (either through food or from our environment) will eventually cause toxic 'overload.' Some toxins and chemicals can even cause abnormalities in cell growth and reproduction, leading to the development of cancer cells. It is the immune system's job to destroy abnormal cells before they have a chance to proliferate. If the load is too great, or the immune system is compromised, the body's neutralisation ability is severely strained.

When we are stressed, evolution has designed our bodies to get ready for action (fight or flight) by diverting all resources to the muscles. Bodily functions are considered unnecessary in an emergency situation, and are temporarily closed down. This includes digestion, repair mechanisms and immune function. Situations that create constant stress result in an impaired immune response. Over time, this can have disastrous health consequences. Constant stress will also contribute to tiredness.

Lack of sleep will exacerbate tiredness and a low immune system. Continued stress and lack of sleep will severely affect health and cause premature aging.

Both medicinal and recreational drugs can substantially lower the immune system. Even if someone needs to be on long-term medication, it is important to include a health programme including acupuncture, good nutrition, homeopathy and herbal medicine. This includes changing diet and lifestyle. If you find that your energy levels do not increase visit your GP.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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