Immune system
My immune system – always ready
‘Immune’ comes from Latin and means resistant, insensitive or immune. In terms of health: immune to everything that lurks out there in our environment and could upset the body: Bacteria, viruses, parasites, allergens, but also factors created by humans themselves, such as environmental toxins, stimulants or drugs.
Immune with system
Immune system – quite ingenious
As the name suggests, behind the immune ‘system’ is a complex interplay of many components that work together smoothly and are coordinated with each other. The immune system can be roughly divided into innate (non-specific) and acquired (specific) defenses. The specific defense provides efficient protection, but must first develop and equip itself over the years.
The innate defense accompanies us from birth. It is the first line of defense against pathogens and consists of physical barriers and defense mechanisms (e.g. the skin, mucous membranes, gastric acid, intestinal flora and immune cells). The so-called macrophages react very quickly but non-specifically to pathogens by taking them up and breaking them down, which is why they are also called ‘scavenger cells’. The natural killer cells recognize abnormal cells (e.g. tumor cells and infected cells) and destroy them to eliminate the danger.
- Protection by skin and mucous membranes
- Protection by biological defense substances (gastric acid, enzymes)
- Protection by macrophages (scavenger cells) and NK cells (natural killer cells)
Good to know: In young children, the specific immune system is not yet fully developed, which is why they tend to catch infections more frequently.
Support for the immune system
Immune system – from weak to strong
Certain factors can weaken the immune system in the long term and make the natural protective shield permeable.
What weakens the immune system:
- Lack of nutrients due to an unhealthy diet
- Alcohol and smoking
- Physical stress
- Mental stress
- Lack of sleep
- Old age
- Environmental influences (e.g. exhaust fumes and particulate matter)
What strengthens the immune system:
- a balanced diet (especially antioxidants, such as vitamin C, zinc and selenium)
- intact intestinal barrier
- sufficient fluids (preferably water)
- regular exercise (preferably in the fresh air)
- stress reduction
- sufficient sleep
Good to know: Too little sleep weakens the immune system. Researchers have found that important immune cells work less well when there is a lack of sleep.
Source: Journal of Experimental Medicine
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Immune with system
Immune system – keeps you healthy
How important the immune system is for our health is often only fully appreciated when we come down with a cough, cold, pain, fever or chills and are completely out of action for a few days. Only when the immune system has the situation under control and manages to successfully fight off the pathogens, is it possible to regain full strength and go about our daily lives without worrying.
Our defenses watch over us around the clock, even if we don’t realize it. To stay healthy despite all external influences or to get healthy again after an infection is a true feat that only our immune system can accomplish.
Immune with system
Immune system – fully active
The specific immune system acquires its full competence only over the course of years and becomes stronger with each pathogen contact. The specialized immune cells can specifically adapt their defenses to each individual pathogen, forming an immunological memory so that they can react more quickly and effectively the next time an infection occurs.
- T cells: ‘memory cells’; recognize the pathogen by its surface (antigens)
- B cells: form specific defense reactions against the pathogen (antibodies)
The specific defense is activated as soon as an intruder has overcome the barriers of the non-specific defense. The immune system can also recognize and destroy the body’s own modified cells.
Good to know: The intestine contains around 80% of all immune cells, making it the largest human immune organ! A healthy intestine is therefore, in addition to digestive function, also extremely important for immune defense.
Support for the immune system
Immune system – meaningful support
The need for the micronutrients that support the immune system depends on individual factors, such as age, lifestyle and diet, stress or physical exertion, diseases and corresponding medication. Consequently, nutrient requirements can vary from person to person and must be adjusted accordingly.
A variety of nutrients play their part in supporting the normal function of the immune system and are indispensable in this regard.
Important nutrients to support the immune system:
- Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc and selenium contribute to the normal function of the immune system
- Viamin E, copper and manganese help to protect cells from oxidative stress
- Riboflavin, biotin and niacin contribute to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (intestine, mouth, nose, bronchial tubes)
- Folic acid and magnesium have a function in cell division
