{"id":150302310980,"date":"2022-02-20T22:28:55","date_gmt":"2022-02-21T03:28:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/?p=150302310980"},"modified":"2024-10-15T07:47:21","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T11:47:21","slug":"how-to-boost-your-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/how-to-boost-your-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Boost Your Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is immunity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The immune system is a complex network that keeps infections and diseases at bay. In addition, you have innate and acquired immune protection, which includes immune cells and secreted substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The innate immune system <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Throughout our life, we are exposed to millions of different pathogens. When exposed to a new pathogen, the first few hours are critical. This is where innate immunity comes in\u2013we rely on it to protect us from the initial infection.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innate immunity is not specific, meaning it will fight off pathogens or foreign bodies. The first barrier of the innate immune system includes the skin, stomach acid, and mucous membrane.<\/span> However, if a pathogen passes through the first barrier, innate immunity acts to eliminate it through different molecular processes:<\/span><\/span><\/span>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Phagocytosis – is a process by which an immune cell called macrophage engulfs and destroys the pathogen.<\/li>
  2. Release of antimicrobial proteins that help neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) destroys pathogens.<\/li>
  3. Inflammatory response – creates a hostile environment for certain types of pathogens at the injury site; sends in cells that engulf and destroy pathogens. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The adaptive immune system <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Besides innate immunity, we have adaptive immunity. Adaptive immunity is the immunity that acts if innate immunity cannot protect us against the pathogen. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Adaptive immunity is highly specific and directed toward specific pathogens. It is carried out by two types of immune cells – T and B cells. Therefore, it has two pathways (1) humoral immunity, whereby these B cells produce antibodies that fight off the pathogen, and (2) cellular immunity, where the T cells are directly involved in fighting off the pathogen <\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The three basic characteristics of adaptive immunity are: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Diverse, to cover many types of pathogens<\/li>
    2. Specifically, each distinguishes cells and molecules that cause health challenges from those that are harmless <\/li>
    3. Long-lasting to respond faster to subsequent encounters (secondary immune response) with foreign antigens than it did the first time (primary immune response<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      When mentioning adaptive response, TH1 and TH2 immune responses are also worth mentioning. TH1 fights against bacteria and viruses, while TH2 cells fight against parasites.<\/span> It is worth mentioning that people with TH2 dominance and weak TH1 tend to get sick easily and have allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      During an immune response, your body may recognize the invasion by foreign bodies called antigens. The antigens can then latch on to immune cells, activating them to defend the body.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Apart from protecting your body from harm, the immune system also aids in everyday processes like sleeping, eating, and other everyday activities. For example, immune cells are involved in digestive health<\/a>, which can have crucial implications for digestion and gut health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A study on mice showed that certain types of immune cells could initiate digestive enzymes<\/a>, among other processes.<\/span> This can have important implications when trying to improve processes that are related to digestion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Now that you\u2019ve learned how your immune system works let\u2019s cover how to give it what it needs to function well amidst stressful and demanding lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to boost your immune system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      What seems like a boosted immune system is actually an immune system with its full potential restored. As a first step, you want to nourish your body with what it needs for the immune system to work well. Then, herbs and state-of-the-art supplements can help you adapt to stress and restore healthy immune function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Maintain a healthy diet <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Your immune system needs the right fuels and cofactors, such as amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. On the other hand, unhealthy diets tend to create a lot of oxidative stress and inflammation, which can weaken your immune system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

       In fact, not having a balanced diet can lead to a weak immune system. Specifically, malnutrition and excessive body fat lead to a weakened immune system.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Furthermore, there is a link between excess body fat and respiratory tract challenges. Issues with the respiratory tract are one of the leading causes of morbidity. One study aimed to show whether excess body fat is one of the underlying factors that weakens the immune system and thus leads to recurrent respiratory infections. 1447 participants were included in this study who reported having had respiratory issues. Participants with excessive body fat reported a higher frequency of lower and upper respiratory tract issues.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This shows the importance of incorporating a balanced and abundant diet that can be easily followed. Another healthy habit that can significantly improve your well-being goes hand in hand with healthy eating, and that is- exercise.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Try avoiding food that is high in sugar and carbs. For an immune-supporting diet, try incorporating: <\/p>\n\n\n\n