General Nutrition and The Immune System
Nutrition, as Webster defines it, is the process of absorbing food for the growth of tissue. It is the food and liquids that we consume in order to stay healthy. When we hear the word, nutrition, we generally think of healthy substances and indeed, plenty of studies have proven that eating nutritious food keeps a body healthy.

The functions of normal nutrition are to keep a body alive and create energy for the body. Nutritious foods and liquids can also, at least to some extent, prolong life and minimize suffering.

The immune system must receive nutrients in order to do its job. A nutrient is any ingested substance that is used in the metabolism of the body. There are several classes of nutrients: proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Water and oxygen are also considered nutrients. An essential nutrient is one whose role cannot be replaced by another and without which serious health problems will develop. (1)

It should also be noted here that a nutrient is a food – not a supplement. For the body to get all the needed nutrients, whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, should be eaten. Our bodies were built to be powered by food – not a substitute.

(1) 1986, “The Best Medicine” by Kurt Butler and Lynn Rayner, published by Harper & Row