Have you ever been sick? Do you often wonder why you weren’t sick after coming in contact with a person that has a communicable disease? Have you ever been diagnosed with a disease of the immune system?
The IMMUNE SYSTEM can also be called a defender because it acts like a wall or strong tower that protects one from enemies such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other germs. Just like a wall, when it is not properly fortified with mortar, it becomes weak and allows an enemy to penetrate.
History has shown us that is very crucial to fortify what serves as a source of protection to you. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that defends your body against invaders (infectious micro –organisms).
Can a protector fail? Can a wall get weakened? Yes, it can. Likewise, the immune system can fail if not properly taken care of. Once the immune system becomes weak, it affects the immune response.
For the immune system to function properly, all its components need to work harmoniously.
The effect of a person’s lifestyle on the system is critical to healthy functioning and well-being.
Memory cells such as ” B and T cells” possess a retentive function, wherein they recognize every invader that has been destroyed in the past.
Components of the immune system.
- White blood cells
- Antibodies
- Lymphatic System
- Spleen
- Bone Marrow
They all work together to fight germs or harmful things that invade our body and also prevent destructive changes within our body system.
FUNCTIONS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.
- Fights Pathogens.
- Helps to naturalize toxic substances from the environment.
- Prevents unhealthy changes in the body.
When the immune system gets exposed to a germ, the antigen on the surface of the germ attaches to special receptors on the immune system cells. Due to the memory cells, if the body is coming in contact with the germ for the first time, information is stored to enable the immune system to fight the germ faster if it encounters it again.
The IMMUNE SYSTEM is divided into two subsystems; the Innate ( non-specific ) immune system; phagocytes and the adaptive (specific) immune system. Both have their distinct characteristics but work together when a germ or harmful substance triggers an immune response.
The innate fights germs in a general and non-specific immune system using natural killer cells and phagocytes.
The adaptive system uses specialized antibodies to fight the previously encountered germ.
The usefulness of the IMMUNE SYSTEM can’t be overestimated, so, how can we boost this system to work optimally for our benefit?
Here are five proven ways to boost your IMMUNE SYSTEM.
- Don’t neglect the power of sleep: Research has shown that when a person is under chronic stress, a hormone known as cortisol is produced in high amounts. This hormone can repress the effectiveness of the immune system.
Stress can also reduce the number of essential cells or lymphocytes needed for fighting diseases. Quality sleep helps one to recharge by producing cytokines ( a protein responsible for inflammation). When there is prolonged sleep deficiency, research has shown that it can lead to a chronic low-grade inflammatory response. Thereby, predisposing one to diseases such as diabetes, neurodegeneration and atherosclerosis. It is noteworthy to remember that sleep is the best medicine to fight diseases.
2. Maintain a healthy diet: Adequate diet is necessary for all cells to function effectively. The immune system is activated after exposure to an infectious organism which can increase the energy demand.
Optimal nutrition is necessary for effective immune response and also reduces the chronic inflammatory process. Poor or undernutrition can impair the immune system function, therefore, it is important not to neglect a well-balanced diet which contains vitamins, protein and minerals.
Science has proven that these classes of food increase the resistance of the immune system to infection. Eat lots of Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts.
3. Hydration is vital: “Hydrate”, what comes to your mind when you hear this word?. Does it mean you need to drink enough fluid whether soda or soft drink?.
Hydration means drinking water which is very essential to a healthy immune system. The bloodstream needs water ( a component of blood) to transport nutrient to the cells where they are needed for metabolic purposes.
Furthermore, it helps to remove toxins from our body through various means. Science has shown that without water, humans can only survive for days. Also ensure that the water is pure to avoid cholera and typhoid.
4. Exercise: Staying physically active is essential for reducing the risk of Infection and stimulating the immune system.
Also, it can reduce one’s stress level, promote quality sleep and improved circulation. When circulation is enhanced, it aids the transportation of natural killer cells, macrophages and white blood cells to the area of infection thereby promoting resistance to infection.
5. Reduce Stress: Research has shown that physiological stress can affect the immune system function. One can be predisposed to a host of new diseases due to activation of latent virus and dysregulation of the immune system.
How can you declutter after a stressful day?
- Prayer is key.
- Search out God’s promises from the Bible
- Read a good Christian Literature.
- Engage in soulful conversation with friends.
Remember an optimal immune system is needed for survival and being alert to signs of invasion.
