Overview

A robust immune system is what binds an individual to good health and longevity.

It is essential to know what strengthens the body and helps the body fight against diseases and infections. The answer lies in having a strong immune system.

The immune system is the body’s natural defence system that fights against disease-causing pathogens. It consists of a complex network of cells, proteins and organs working together to protect the body from various diseases, infections or ailments.

Components of the Immune System

There are four different parts of an immune system:

Skin that prevents germs on the surface from entering the body.
The mucous membrane, inner linings of some organs and body cavity.
White Blood Cells.
Organs and tissues of the lymph system such as the spleen, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, thymus, and bone marrow.

What are the functions of the Immune System?

The immune system defends the body against harmful or foreign substances, also called antigens. Antigens maybe

Germs such as bacteria and viruses
Chemicals or toxins
Cells that are damaged from cancer or sunburn.

When the immune system recognizes an antigen of foreign origin, it creates antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that work to attack and destroy antigens.

If the immune system notices the antigen again in the future, it recognizes it and immediately sends out the antibodies and prevents the body from falling sick. This protection against a certain disease is called immunity.

Types of Immunity

There are two types of immunity:

Innate Immunity.

This immunity is the protection that a person is born with and is the body’s first line of defence. This includes skin, mucous membranes, enzymes, chemicals, stomach acid etc., that attack any foreign substance entering the body.

Adaptive/ Acquired Immunity.

Contrary to innate immunity, acquired immunity develops when a person is either vaccinated against or infected with a disease. Acquired immunity is usually long-lasting and starts defending immediately after its first exposure to the foreign substance.

What disrupts the immune system?

Conditions or disorders that might influence or disrupt the immune system are:

Allergies: Allergies cause the human body to overreact to a relatively harmless substance like food, mould, pollen etc.
Autoimmune Diseases: Such diseases are caused by the immune system accidentally attacking the healthy cells in the body. Some examples of these diseases are Hashimoto disease, Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: Mostly genetic disorders, these may last longer and are harder to treat and thus considered severe ailments. They prevent the smooth functioning of the immune system.
Infections: HIV is an example of a disease affecting the immune system which might lead to AIDS.
Sepsis: Sepsis is a widespread inflammation caused by the immune system’s reaction triggered by the infection.
Cancer: Leukemia, Myeloma are kinds of cancer that affect the working of an immune system.
Medications: Few medicines like Corticosteroids can weaken the immune system.

How to strengthen the immune system?

To strengthen the immune system naturally, one can do the following:

Quit Smoking
Consume fruit and vegetable-rich diet
Exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, control body weight, and protect against various diseases.
Avoid Liquor or drink in moderation.
Get proper sleep
Maintain proper hygiene, such as washing hands regularly.
Avoid stress
Stay hydrated: Hydration helps flush out toxins from the body.

How to enhance the immune system?

However, here are some ways for enhancing the immune system by consuming the right vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against damage caused by oxidative stress. Some foods rich in Vitamin C are oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, strawberries, spinach and broccoli.

Vitamin D has a mildly positive effect against respiratory tract infections. It is present in foods like salmon, mushrooms, fortified milk, cereals and bread.

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps the body fight infections. It is rich in foods like nuts, seeds and spinach.

Vitamin A regulates the immune system and protects against infections by keeping skin and tissues healthy. Vitamin A-rich foods are sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and spinach.

Zinc, found in beans, nuts and seeds, is an antioxidant that boosts metabolism and recovery of wounds.

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which boosts the immune function of the body.

Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that enhance body immunity.

With this, one can understand the importance, working, essentiality, and impact of the immune system, which can appreciate the health of a person and prevent various mishappenings and diseases from occurring in the body.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or as a substitute for consulting a physician. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21196-immune-system

https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/april-2019/how-does-the-immune-system-work-cancer