Written by: Nicole Ann Sadaya, R.M.T, M.D.
In this day and age, people from all walks of life are extremely anxious of their health more than ever as exposure to different toxins and harmful substances is becoming almost inevitable every day. Someone might think they’re well and healthy until they start experiencing the signs and symptoms. The thing is, your body’s natural defense system is a big factor and has a lot of work to do in order to protect you from getting ill.
Immunity is the ability of the body to resist infection of almost all types of organisms or toxins that can damage tissues or organs. It provides protection against diseases. There are two types of immunity:
First is the innate or generalized immunity which is characterized by the following:
- phagocytosis of bacteria and other organisms by white blood cells or tissue macrophages;
- destruction of swallowed organisms by acid secretions of the stomach;
- resistance of skin to invasion by organisms;
- destruction of foreign organisms and toxins by chemical compounds such as lysozyme, basic polypeptides and complement complex.
The white blood cells involved in this immunity are the neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and blood monocytes or tissue macrophages.
The second type is the acquired or adaptive immunity that is formed by the Cell Mediated Immunity (CMI) which is composed of the T lymphocytes, and the Humoral Mediated Immunity (HMI) which is composed of the B lymphocytes.
These lymphocytes circulate around the body through the blood and lymph. The lymph is a colorless, watery fluid absorbed from the interstitial spaces and tissues by way of the lymph vessels towards the lymph nodes, and then drains back into the blood.
When specific antigens come in contact with T and B lymphocytes, certain T lymphocytes become activated T cells while certain B lymphocytes produce antibodies. They react highly specifically against the antigens that initiate or stimulate them.
It goes without saying that a healthy immune system is important to prevent diseases. There are many ways to boost your immune system: a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, minimizing stress, moderating alcohol intake and no smoking.
There are different kinds of cells in the immune system that respond to many different microbes, and it is known that the body is generating more lymphocytes than it can possibly use. Attempting to boost these cells is a good thing.
People who live in poverty and/or malnourished are more vulnerable to diseases. Micronutrient deficiencies result to an alteration on the human response. Examples are deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C, and E. If a person’s diet is not enough to supply the nutrients needed – for instance not taking fruits or vegetables – another option can be done to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Regular exercise can contribute to a healthy immune system by promoting good blood circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move freely through the body and do their job efficiently.
As one ages, immune response capability reduces, which contributes to more infections and a higher risk of cancer as well as an increased incidence of age-related conditions. An increased risk is possibly due to the Thymus atrophying with age, resulting to fewer or lesser T cells to fight off infection. Another cause of a weak immunity is the less efficient bone marrow in producing stem cells that give rise to the cells of the immune system.
A variety of ailments like stomach upset, hives, and heart disease are associated with emotional stress. The emotional stress can suppress the immune system by increasing susceptibility to colds and other illness. Currently, stress can only be measured through the number of heart beats per minute also known as heart rate.
The best way to take care of the body is by boosting the immune system. After all, health is wealth. A healthy immune system can prevent a lot of diseases. If your body is healthy, your immune system will be able to fight off any unwanted microorganisms that invade your body.
There are a lot of ways to boost your immune system, like the aforementioned well-balanced diet and regular exercise. However, as we age, our body’s immune system weakens. Sometimes, our body can’t absorb as much nutrients as before from the food we eat.
Here at Naturheil-Zentrum, we can be your partner in helping you invest in your health. We have conceptualized a treatment package specific to boosting the immune system by simply activating the body’s natural line of defense.