If I asked you what your immune system is, what would you say? Where is it? What does it do?
What exactly is our immune system…?
Immunity is the body’s ability to defend itself from specific invasion of microbes, parasites, bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungi and foreign tissues. We are constantly exposed to pathogens every day, and our body is armed with an incredible defense system to help protect, replace and repair. We require this resistance (the ability to ward off disease) to stay healthy, but when this system is compromised, we can experience a lack of resistance (called susceptibility) that can leave the body vulnerable to these invasions. Think of your immune system as the system that is like an interface between you and your environment. It’s what allows us to face our environment with protection.
What is the Immune System?
Well, it’s made of mainly 3 systems and comprises a huge network of cells, proteins and, it’s very smart. It keeps a record of every pathogen you encounter. We are born with the natural (innate) immune system and it provides general protection – think of your skin as a first line of defense, then your internal defenses, which are secondary defense mechanisms such as the response of inflammation and fever.
Then, there’s our adaptive immunity which develops throughout our whole life as we live, work, and play. We develop this system as we are exposed to pathogens in our everyday environment.
Finally, there is naturally acquired passive immunity, which we can get from another living human. A great example of this is antibodies passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, or after birth during breastfeeding.
Where is your immune system?
Comprised of a number of organs and organ systems: our lymphatic system (through lymph fluid and tissue, helps with homeostasis-“balance” in the body and it helps to provide a defense against disease), adenoids, skin, spleen, tonsils, your thymus, stomach and intestines, bone marrow… and a few more. It’s a big system. Very big and very busy. This entire system works like a symphony, in harmony with the rest of the body. Immune health protects us and it also protects those around us. Our immune system is armed with a huge system of defense to not only detect when something threatens the system, but to enlist an army of responses to attempt to destroy that invader. Simplistically, you will hear things like natural killer cells, T helper cells, macrophages, interferons, enzymes and lethal oxidants, just to name a few. These launch a massive resistance to pathogens and given the right materials, the pathogen does not stand a chance. Being deficient in vital proteins, nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals and hydration as well as oxygen however, will deplete this host defense system and leave it susceptible to invasion.
What does your immune system do?
This large system is like your body’s surveillance system. It is constantly working on multiple levels to distribute an arsenal of defense to protect you. With the help of the of these systems, the body will alert us with inflammation, heat, fever, swelling, pain, perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, headaches, mucous… basically it sends out so many signals to let us know there is something wrong and the system is trying to repair, replace to restore. Then, the second line of defense at the cellular level is activated to produce the internal defenses such as natural killer cells, cytokines and helper cells, just to name a few.
Imagine the work your immune system does every moment of your life. A good example of this is to know that there are over 200 microscopic viruses that can cause what is widely known as the common cold.
Can we BOOST our Immune System?
There is much controversy and buzz about this, but I will say YES! Call it prime, pump, boost, improve, increase, optimize… but yes, you can do this. Just as we can become “run down” and fatigued by overwork, skipped meals, busy schedules, too much electronics, media, appointments, responsibilities – so can our immune system. Lack of nutrients, dehydration, malnourishment (poor food choices), vitamin and mineral deficiencies, lack of sleep, and stress can seriously impair our immune function. What we EAT provides incredible fortification for the immune system as does EXERCISE. When we move, we breathe and this along with the movement causes our lymphatic system, which is very powerful, to move out toxins. Things like bacteria, microbes and “foreign” substances are moved out of the body through the lymphatic system. So how do we BOOST it?
Nourish Your Immune System
We need to consistently work and support this system, just as a military would need to constantly train and practice and sustain their energy to be able to face combat. The immune system thrives on vitamins and minerals that help keep it in top functioning condition. Vitamin B (which helps with stress, nerve conduction and hormone production), Vitamin D, which helps ward off infection and is essential to our metabolic function, Zinc, which stimulates cyctokines, natural killer cells, macrophages (things that attack and gobble up pathogens), Quercetin, that helps to stop viral replication, Vitamin C, which is a large and powerful antioxidant that also helps to combat microbes as well as help with cardiovascular function, Amino Acids, that help to formulate proteins and new cells and can be used as fuel for the immune system, Probiotics, which are good bacteria, that can promote gastrointestinal health and prevent “microbes” from taking over your system. Oxygen, which is absolutely essential for life, and required by cells to function as well as to aid in inflammation (in a good way) to help the body heal. SO MOVE… movement and breathing creates this oxygen. Find something you love to do to keep optimal oxygen improve your immunity.
The list is endless… So what does that mean? Do we take all these supplements? Choosing nutrition is vital to life. Selecting lean proteins, an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, good fats like those found in fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil and avocado are excellent choices. Nourishing grains such as oats, wild rice, kamut, quinoa, beans and legumes, fresh and dried herbs are loaded with these immune helpers. Natural yogurts and unprocessed natural cheeses, a little red wine, and plenty of fresh, pure water is a great foundation to a naturally healthy plan. Then, if you are deficient or need a boost, you can supplement with extra vitamins and minerals that will help. You may not need all of them, but during different seasons, stages of life and during an illness, your body needs all the help it can get. So be vigilant and monitor how you feel and seek advice from a qualified natural health practitioner if you have questions or need support to get started. Stay strong, be nourished.
Stay Healthy!
Erin-Michelle
