The immune system is most talked about as autumn approaches. Colder weather increases the likelihood of various infections, and this is when the need for immune supplements increases. What is it and how can you boost it?
What is immunity?
By definition, immunity is the body's ability to actively and passively resist pathogens entering the body. Immunity is built from the very first moments of life – we'll describe how this happens below. In reality, however, immune resistance is a variable, and its changes are determined by various factors. What is immunity, how does it work, and how can you strengthen it? This knowledge will certainly be useful to you!
What is the immune system?
What is the immune system? In humans, it's also known as the immune system, a set of interconnected organs tasked with recognizing and fighting pathogens to prevent the spread of disease. The immune system primarily consists of the spleen and lymph nodes, as well as the tonsils and lymphatic tissue of the digestive tract. Their main function is to produce and store immune cells that identify and neutralize bacteria, viruses, fungi, as well as toxins and allergens.
Structure of the immune system
The structure of the immune system is quite complex – its organs are scattered throughout the body. They include individual components of the immune system: bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, Peyer's patches, gastrointestinal lymphoid tissue, Waldeyer's ring, and appendix. The structure and functioning of the immune system are crucial to human health and well-being. The immune system is primarily composed of cells such as:
- lymphocytes
- phagocytes
- macrophages
- granulocytes
- antibodies
- NK cells - which inhabit the above-mentioned anatomical elements
How the immune system works, i.e. functions of the immune system
The immune system's primary functions include minimizing the risk of pathogens entering the body. Less obvious components of the immune system include the skin and mucous membranes lining the digestive and respiratory tracts. We didn't mention these above because they are, in fact, components of systems other than the immune system, which they merely support through their barrier function.The actual role of the immune system is to recognize various substances circulating in the body and classify them according to a simple key:
- potentially harmful
- harmless
The immune system then, upon detecting a threat, directs all its defenses to the site of infection and attempts to neutralize the pathogen. These immune system functions lead to the development of what is known as immunological memory—a mechanism utilized in vaccines.
Types of immunity
Depending on when a person acquires specific defense mechanisms against pathogens and what the response is to their presence, there are different types of immunity:
Specific immunity
Specific immunity is also known as humoral immunity. The body acquires it over time, after contact with a specific pathogen, and develops immunological memory. This is why it is called acquired immunity. Its basis is lymphocytes, which, upon initial contact, have developed specific receptors that allow them to recognize the pathogen and fight it more effectively. Active immunity is one in which mechanisms are activated after contact with antigens – for example, after a disease or vaccination. Passive immunity, on the other hand, occurs when antibodies naturally enter a child's body through breast milk. Artificial passive immunity, unlike the one described above, is developed, for example, by administering serum to the patient after a snakebite. Acquired immunity is developed throughout life, for example, through winter swimming or sauna bathing.
Nonspecific immunity
Nonspecific immunity, or innate immunity, encompasses all the mechanisms with which humans are born, which do not act specifically against a specific antigen. Passive immunity is also distinguished here, meaning it prevents pathogens from entering the body through various barriers, such as the skin or mucous membranes. Active innate immunity, in turn, involves the generation of a generalized inflammatory response, not directed at a specific pathogen, actively combating it, primarily with the help of macrophages.
Humoral immunity
Humoral immunity is one of the mechanisms of specific, or acquired, immunity. It utilizes various chemical substances (formerly called "humors") to combat specific antibodies, or immune proteins.
Cellular immunity
Cellular immunity is a distinct type of immunity mediated by leukocytes. The function of these cells is to absorb, digest, or eliminate pathogens.
Immunity tests
If you want to check the health of your immune system, what tests are worth getting done? First of all, if you don't get sick very often and your illnesses are relatively mild, your immune system is probably fine and should only be boosted during the fall and winter months. However, there are other serious reasons to test your immune system, such as suspected autoimmune diseases, rubella, Lyme disease, or hepatitis. for immunity It usually involves taking a blood sample and exposing it to specific antigens to observe the reaction.
Weak immune system symptoms and causes
When it comes to a weak immune system, symptoms primarily include a higher incidence of various infections, primarily upper respiratory tract infections. Weak immunity also leads to a general deterioration in well-being, rashes, lack of energy, frequent runny noses, coughs, and sore throats. It also causes digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Cold In adults, it's not a cause for alarm if it occurs 2-3 times a year, but if it occurs up to 8 times a year, it's worth examining your immune system and strengthening it. When it comes to a weak immune system, the causes often lie in poor nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle. Alcohol, smoking, and exposure to chronic stress and rushing can all negatively impact your immune system.
How to strengthen the immune system in adults?
With the arrival of autumn, many people wonder how to strengthen the immune system in adults. This requires changes to diet, supplementation, and lifestyle. How can you boost your immunity through diet? Primarily, ensure a varied diet, with a generous intake of fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, fermented dairy products, and fatty fish and nuts. How can you strengthen your immune system beyond that? It's worth strengthening yourself – taking alternating hot and cold showers, lowering the temperature in your home, and going for walks regardless of the weather. You can also try saunas in appropriate conditions or even winter swimming – but with an emphasis on personal safety.In addition, it is worth taking something for immunity!
Supplementation, or what to take for immunity?
What to take for immunity? Important supplements include:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- probiotics that strengthen the bacterial flora of the digestive tract
- vitamin D responsible for immune processes
- vitamin C responsible for strengthening blood vessels
- zinc and selenium, which also participate in immunological processes
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to resort to multi-ingredient supplements with exotic plant extracts. Multivitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and probiotics, which are often deficient in the Polish diet, are perfectly sufficient. A few weeks of supplementation will keep you feeling well throughout the rest of winter!
