How does our Immune System work?

Overview

In the current world, it is really necessary to attain and maintain a good immune system to fight against various diseases. Strengthening immune health can also help fight against other common illnesses such as cold or flu viruses.

The immune system is the body’s natural defense system against disease causing pathogens. It is a complex network of cells, proteins, and organs that work together to protect the body from infections and diseases. The immune system has many different parts, including

• Skin helps prevent germs from entering the body
• Mucous membranes are inner linings of some organs, and body cavities.
• White blood cells
• Organs and tissues of the lymph system, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, thymus, and bone marrow.

How does the Immune System work?

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.

What are the types of Immunity?

The immune system can be broadly categorized into:

• Innate immunity is the protection that a person is born with and is the body’s first line of defense. It includes skin and mucous membranes, enzymes, chemicals, and stomach acid which attack foreign substances.
• Adaptive or Acquired immunity develops when a person is infected with or vaccinated against a foreign substance. After the first exposure, the immune system will recognize the foreign substance and defend against it. Active immunity is usually long-lasting.

Which conditions affect the Immune System?

The following deficiencies and disorders can damage or disrupt the immune system:

• Allergies: In case of an allergy, the body overreacts to a relatively harmless substance such as food, mold, pet dander, or pollen.
• Autoimmune Disorders: In the case of an autoimmune disease such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and Rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake. There are more than 100 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts. Autoimmune diseases are in fact one of the leading causes of death and disability. Most people usually are unaware that they have autoimmunity which may lead to further complications and treatment challenges, hence it becomes very important to know various aspects of autoimmune diseases and their impact on our body.
• Primary immunodeficiency disorders: The infections may last longer and can be more serious and harder to treat. They are often genetic disorders and prevent the immune system from working the way it should.
• Infections: HIV is a well-known infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
• Sepsis: The immune system response to infection triggers widespread inflammation resulting in Sepsis.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer such as Leukemia, Myeloma affect the immune system directly.
• Medications: Few medications, such as Corticosteroids, can weaken the immune system.

What are the healthy ways to strengthen the Immune System?

The following guidelines can naturally keep the immune system strong and healthy:

• Quit smoking
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid alcohol or drink only in moderation
• Get proper sleep
• Follow good hygiene such as washing hands frequently
• Avoid stress
• Stay hydrated. Hydration helps flush out the toxins from the body

How to enhance the Immune System through food?

The following are some common vitamins and minerals that can help in increasing immunity:

• Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects against damage induced by oxidative stress. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli.
• Vitamin D has a mild protective effect against respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D is present in salmon, mushrooms, fortified milk, cereals, and bread.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and spinach.
• Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system and protects against infections by keeping the tissues and skin healthy. Vitamin A can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and spinach.
• Zinc works as an antioxidant and boosts metabolism along with helping to heal wounds. High zinc food is beans, nuts, and seeds.
• Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts the immune function
• Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhances body immunity.

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