Like so much in our body, the immune system is a real miracle made up of countless components, incredibly complex and not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, I will try to give you a small overview as best I can.
WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
Of course, this cannot be explained in two words, it is a complex system that protects us from pathogens. Besides the bacteria in our body, defense cells and defense substances contribute to our protection. The cells include the B and T lymphocytes, which then again have subgroups and different functions. The B cells produce antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, for example. Some of the T-cells, the cytotoxic T-cells, kill pathogens. In addition, the defense cells produce many substances that help to fight the disease: some of these messenger substances cause fever, for example, which then kills the pathogens, or they attract other defense cells to the affected region in the body.
HOW CAN MY IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT ME?
Is a good immune system innate or can I acquire it? This question has always puzzled me. Actually, it is only important to understand that from birth (and even in the womb) our body is equipped with bacteria (such as those on our skin and mucous membranes), cells (for example so-called scavenger cells) and substances that fight many pathogens. This reaction is quite unpredictable.
Then our acquired or better specific immune defense comes to the rescue. This is because our immune system is capable of learning and can react specifically to pathogens with protective cells. This is also the idea behind active vaccinations: We show the body an attenuated pathogen and our immune system specializes in fighting it. When we then encounter the pathogen in the real world, our body is prepared, can render the intruder harmless and protect us from the disease. Normally, memory cells are formed that last a lifetime and, if necessary, produce the appropriate antibodies. That is why vaccines are also great hope in coping with the corona pandemic. The alternative to active vaccination is passive vaccination, in which antibodies are inoculated to neutralize the pathogen. Unlike active vaccination, however, these are not replicated and must, therefore, be repeated.
My take-home message for you: Your immune system is a miracle thing, made up of countless components and actors that work together to protect you together (usually *). If you are even more confused now than before, then I tell you that it doesn’t matter, because our body (usually) already solves the problem!
* There are also here exceptions: In some immunosuppressed people it doesn’t work sufficiently and in autoimmune diseases, it attacks our own body in overzealousness.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY IMMUNE SYSTEM?
We can strengthen the immune system given to us and supply it with everything it needs to fight the pathogens effectively. As individual as our immune system is, the possibilities for this are probably just as an individual. At this point, I would like to encourage you to listen to your body and trust it.
However, the immune system of many people benefits from stress reduction – both physically and psychologically. I already have a lot to write about this. For example, *CBD oil (receive 20% with my code: AW20), lavender in any form, yoga, or cocoa helps me. But it is also very important to sleep well and sufficiently to give our body enough time for regeneration.
Sunlight not only makes us happy but also enables the body’s own vitamin D production. Fresh air is also good for the health of our mucous membranes, which are an important barrier and component of our immune system. If you are now wondering how this is possible in Corona times, I can recommend regular ventilation and a humidifier, for example. And if you are not yet in quarantine, you can take a short walk in quiet areas – preferably not during rush hours.
A healthy diet can also help to ensure that our immune system is optimally supplied with nutrients. So in the current situation, I eat a lot of fruit, especially berries and vegetables. Ginger is also part of my daily routine, mostly in my smoothie bowls. Garlic is also wonderful for the immune system, even if my friend doesn’t necessarily agree. But shared “garlic perfume” is cool, isn’t it? We are at home anyway!
HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUR BODY:
Exercise: Yoga, walking, running
Vitamin D: natural sunlight or as a supplement
Relaxation: CBD oil (20% with AW20), lavender oil, meditation, sleep
Air humidity: ventilation, humidifier
Nutrition: lots of fruit and vegetables
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