Lack of sleep is one of the most potent forces generating stress on the immune system, weakening the functioning of the cells. Improper diet is another cause for ill-health of the immune system. High polyunsaturated fat content in the diet affects the genesis of the lympho-cytes in the bone marrow. It is preferable to stick to a vegetarian diet as it is low in fat. Studies have shown that, in vegetarians, the killer cell activity of the immune system is twice that of omnivorous controls.
Emotions also affect the immune system.
High levels of noise are also known to affect the immune system. Nicotine and alcohol hamper the production of healthy cells in the bone marrow, and immature cells that function ineffectively are released into the circulation. A wave of stress releases large amounts of adrenaline and nor-adrenaline which can either stimulate or inhibit the functions of the immune system. There is a difference between healthy and unhealthy stress. The former is necessary and tones up the immune system, while the latter wears out the immune functions.