The human body is constantly in direct contact with a variety of genetically alien organisms. These are microbes, viruses and bacteria that seek to penetrate into the human body in order to receive the elements necessary for their vital activity: nutrients and products of energy metabolism. The most important factor in the survival of the human body is its system of self-defense against internal enemies – cells that are out of control of the organism, that is, tumor cells. Thus, the state of our health depends on how reliable the mechanism of external and internal security of our body is.
Why is the immune system impaired?
Various types of immunological disorders in the body can be formed for a number of reasons:
- The presence of chronic diseases
- Genetic predisposition, that is, the presence of allergic or oncological diseases in the next kin
- Condition after operations performed on the organs of the immune system
- Impact of harmful environmental factors
- Irrational nutrition (for example, deficiency of proteins, vegetables and fruits containing vitamins and microelements)
- Prolonged intestinal dysbiosis
- Unreasonable long-term use of drugs that affect the immune system (hormonal drugs)
- Chronic stress (physical or emotional)
- Chronic intoxication (alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction).
Since immunity is a whole system that is influenced by a huge number of factors, it is possible to increase immunity by strengthening the entire body as a whole by taking mediherb additives. For this, the following rules must be observed:
1. Proper, nutritious, balanced diet
Food should be cooked as much as possible. If this is meat, then let it be boiled, stewed and even fried, but it will be a piece of meat, not sausage or other smoked meats.
It is mandatory to include in the diet the use of raw vegetables and fruits, and dairy products, as they contribute to the normalization of the intestinal flora.
Give up soup bags, and chips and remember that Coca-Cola cannot be a diet.
To increase immunity, it is important to saturate the body with the necessary substances: vitamins, trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids.
2. Hardening
Hardening – trains the body’s ability to thermoregulate, being a powerful effect of increasing immunity. Hardening must be started in stages from 1 minute of the procedure, gradually increasing to 5-10 minutes.
3. Forget about hyperdynamic
During gymnastics, running, and hiking, the chemical composition of the blood changes, and hematopoiesis and immunity are activated, which leads to a faster renewal and rejuvenation of the composition of blood leukocytes that provide the body’s immune defense.
4. If you smoke, use drugs or abuse alcohol, stop
Long-term intoxication adversely affects the cells of the immune system and significantly increases the risk of developing immunodeficiency states, aggravating the course of acute and chronic diseases.
5. Avoid stressful situations
Weak stimuli train the body, but prolonged stress entails the release of special hormones that depress the immune system. If a person is upset or depressed, then he is more vulnerable to all kinds of bacteria and viruses.
6. Observe the sleep and rest regimen
Be sure to get enough sleep, for this it is advisable to go to bed and get up at the same time. Overwork and lack of sleep is a step toward immunodeficiency.
7. Do not self-medicate
It is impossible to take medications that affect immunity for a long time, uncontrollably, this can lead to autoimmune diseases, and provoke allergies. Everything should be within the physiological norm. If the immune system is working properly, do not touch it!
What foods help boost the immune system?
Nutrition plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. Excessive consumption of canned, fatty, modified foods negatively affects health, and, conversely, a balanced diet high in vitamins helps to strengthen the immune system.
If you often feel unwell, reconsider your diet. The following foods will help you boost your immunity:
- Blueberries and blueberry juice. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that can improve gastrointestinal function and boost the immune system3.
- Bitter chocolate. Dark chocolate contains theobromine alkaloid, which protects cells from oxidative processes and free radicals and also stimulates the immune system. Regular consumption of dark chocolate in small amounts stimulates the expression of genes involved in the activation of T-lymphocytes.
- Fatty fish. Salmon, tuna, sardines and other fatty fish are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that help boost immunity.
- Spinach. Spinach leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, which stimulate the production of immune cells and interferon.
- Dairy products. Kefir, yoghurt, cottage cheese and other fermented milk products maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora, which performs an immunoregulatory function4. Therefore, people with a healthy gut are less susceptible to viral infections.
How does taking vitamins affect the immune system?
For the normal functioning of the whole organism, including the immune system, all vitamins and minerals are important. However, some micronutrients directly affect the immune system, and their deficiency leads to frequent and prolonged colds. First of all, they include:
Vitamin A – helps to reduce sensitivity to infectious agents, strengthens the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, and activates the cells of the immune system.
Vitamin E – stimulates the synthesis of immune cells and the production of antibodies, and increases the body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections.
Vitamin C – accelerates the production of leukocytes and antibodies, has an antioxidant effect, strengthens the vascular wall, and participates in the synthesis of interferon.
Vitamins for raising immunity can be taken separately, but it is better if they are ingested along with herbal supplements. Useful plants contain a large number of polyphenols – flavonoids, lignans, and tannins, which contribute to better absorption of vitamins and stimulate immunity in adults themselves.
The bottom line
If you follow all of the above recommendations, you can easily strengthen your immunity and significantly extend your life!
If you suspect that your immune system is weak, you should consult a doctor.
It is important to understand that modern diagnosis of disorders of the immune system and their correction can prevent the development of many of these diseases, and if the disease is already present, contribute to more effective treatment.