Dairy and Immunity Article - 550 Words

Does Dairy Impair The Immune System? (Article Sample) Content: Does Dairy Impair The Immune System?IntroductionNutrition has a great impact on the strength of your immune system and the ability to safeguard your health and to fight infections. Dairy plays a big role in the human diet by providing a rich source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. You can build a very strong immune system by eating fermented dairy. However, in case you have allergies, dairy can damage your immune system. It is advisable to consult your doctor regarding any effect a dairy can have on your immune system (See Reference 1).DairyDairy is composed of a wide variety of foodstuffs coming from cowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s milk. These foods include skim milk, whole milk, butter, low-fat milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour milk, and yogurt. Other dairy products are milk proteins like casein that is used in the production of processed foods. Contrary to many peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s beliefs, eggs are not dairy products, simply because they do not come from cows, but chic kens (See Reference 2).Immune SystemThe immune system protects the body against foreign substances and other microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Pathological organisms and foreign substances commonly enter the body through the digestive track. Foreign substances, like certain proteins, have antigens that activate white blood cells to attack the antigen. In response to these antigens, the body releases antibodies, phagocytes, and lymphocytes to protect the body from the damage that may be caused by these foreign substances (See Reference 1).Dairy AllergiesAllergy to dairy products is among the most common food allergies. These allergies can cause many health problems. Allergy is defined as the immune response to a substance that can cause inflammation or tissue damage in the body parts. However, substances in many allergies, including dairy and milk, are not usually harmful. The bodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s reaction causes most problems. Dairy and milk allergy can cause ear infection in kids, heartburn, inflammation of the sinus, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, constipation, irritability, and anxiety. The symptoms of this allergy normally show up hours or days after the consumption of these foods. Even though Lactose intolerance has similar symptoms, it is not a milk and dairy allergy (See Reference 1).Fermented Daily ProductsConsuming fermented dairy products improve the i...