Intense emotional and psychological experiences also affect immunity. Psychoneuroimmunology is the term used to describe the interactions between our emotions, nervous systems and immune systems. Psychoneuroimmunology is part of a growing body of knowledge documenting the mind's profound influence on health and disease. The immune system works properly when it's cared for properly. This means ingesting all the right nutrients, living in a non toxic, non stressful environment and avoiding things such as sugar that suppress immunity.
Nutrient deficiency is the most common cause of low immune function.
Natural practitioners recommend beginning with whole, fresh foods that are chemical and pesticide free. Care must be taken to obtain sufficient dietary proteins and L amino acids that help form immune tissues and antibodies. For proper protein production, adequate amounts of pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, folic acid, Magnesium and Zinc are very important, according to Elson Haas, M.D., in his book Staying Healthy with Nutrition . The essential fatty acids are also required for cell and tissue health. Fasting and detoxification diets can help strengthen immune function.