Genes and lifestyle influence immune defenses, specialist says

Genes and lifestyle affect how well the immune system works, infectious disease specialist Shahin Gaini told KVF. He said there is no research showing that vitamins, dietary supplements or ice baths strengthen the immune system.

Some people catch colds or flu several times a year, while others rarely become ill. Gaini said genetics play an important role in how well a person’s immune defenses function, and lifestyle also matters.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and poorly controlled diabetes can weaken immune defenses. For healthy people, Gaini said, there is little scientific evidence that vitamins or supplements have a significant effect. A healthy, varied diet should provide the vitamins the body needs.

Vaccination is one of the best ways to prepare the immune system for serious illnesses, he said. Good hand hygiene can also help reduce the spread of infection.