What Systems of the Body Need the Most Maintenance?

The Milken Institute conducted a research study to determine the effects of common diseases in the United States. As part of its research, the institute looked at the most commonly occurring diseases. According to its findings, the top five diseases affecting people in America are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Cancer is often the result of a weakened immune system. Diabetes occurs because of a breakdown in insulin and glucose regulation. Heart disease, hypertension and stroke are due to problems with the cardiovascular system. Because these systems are most likely to suffer disease, it's important you give them proper care.

The Immune System

• Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body against invading microbes such as viruses and bacteria. It also attacks and destroys infected cells within your body that may be spreading a disease. It even attacks and destroys tumors to prevent more serious illnesses like cancer. To function effectively and provide your body the protection it needs, your immune system requires proper nutrition and good lifestyle habits. One of the most important things you can do to care for your immune system is to eat healthy foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consuming too much fat, sugar and alcohol can inhibit your immune system. Your body also needs plenty of vitamins E, C and A, as well as zinc to produce the antibodies it needs to protect you from disease. Reducing stress, avoiding foods to which you are sensitive, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly help to support your immune system, too.

Endocrine System

• Your body's endocrine system plays a number of important roles, including the regulation of blood sugar. The cells of your body use glucose for fuel. The glucose comes from foods that contain sugar or starch--vegetables, fruits, grains and beans, for example. To move the glucose from your bloodstream into your cells, your body produces insulin. If you consistently consume too much sugar or starch--especially from junk foods like candy, cookies and potato chips--you can disrupt the balance of glucose and insulin in your body, eventually triggering a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance puts you at high risk for diabetes. To maintain a healthy balance between glucose and insulin, eat foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar. You can also support this system by maintaining a healthy body weight and not smoking.

Cardiovascular System

• Your cardiovascular system is the system responsible for moving blood and oxygen throughout your body. The arteries within the cardiovascular system can become damaged over time due to things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. That can lead to heart disease and stroke. The keys to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system are to limit your fat intake to 35 percent of your calories, to limit saturated fat to 10 percent of your calories, to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to maintain a healthy body weight.

Skin Care

• Your body has an entire system built around supporting your skin, its largest organ. The skin is responsible for protecting you from dangers in your environment, including pollutants.

  Just like the other systems of your body, your skin needs proper nutrition to stay healthy. The skin requires plenty of protein to repair cellular damage. It also needs lots of vitamins A, C and E along with plenty of zinc. You can get these nutrients by eating a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fresh foods. A good multivitamin also helps. In addition to the right nutrition, make sure you wash your skin daily with a mild cleanser and follow it up with a good moisturizer.

Healthy Muscles

• The system of muscles throughout the body gives you strength and coordination and enables you to move. Healthy muscles also require good nutrition and plenty of protein. In addition, regular physical activity, including resistance training with weights, helps to maintain overall muscle health and strength.