. . . building healthy immunity Building a healthy immune system, so that it's there when you need it, means fortifying yourself with all the basic vitamins and minerals every day. It's also important to keep inflammation under control. Chronic inflammation is a constant tax on the immune system, weakening immunity. It tends to increase with age; however it can be controlled with good diet, supplements and other healthy lifestyle choices. (See my article on Inflammation for how to reduce chronic inflammation.) Zinc is one of the foundation nutrients needed for building a strong immune system. Very often deficient in the elderly, it's been proven to reduce excess inflammation and to restore vigor to immune cells. It seems to condition immune cells so that they're ready to meet the challenge of flu. If you're unable to avoid a cold or the flu, extra zinc is helpful in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. A recent review of 15 different studies using zinc for colds confirmed th…