Immune system: what it is and how to strengthen the immune system quickly

the immune system defends us against known enemies and It is capable of mobilizing before any foreign substance with whom you come into contact, even for the first time.

Since childhood, we live surrounded by viruses, bacteria and all kinds of germs, and it is good that it is so. Living with these microorganisms allows our immune system I know and register them and develop effective defenses against them which, in the future, may be useful to us. Also, many people wonder how to improve immune system fast And, as we will explain to you in this article, that’s right: leading a healthy life and maintaining a positive attitude help to reinforce this protection system.

In this video you can enjoy a guided meditation to improve defenses.

Immune system: what is it

The system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to help the body prevent and fight infection.

Natural barriers of the immune system

The best way to combat the action of germs is prevent its entry into the body. For this, it has important natural barriers that act in the first instance:

Fur. It is the largest organ in the body and is capable of preventing the invasion of many undesirable microorganisms, unless physically damaged (injury, insect bite, or burn).mucosa. Mucous membranes (linings of the airways and intestine) are often covered in germ-fighting secretions. The tearswhich lubricate the membranes of the eyes, contain lysozymes (an enzyme), which act as a natural antibiotic, attacking bacteria and protecting the eyes from disease. The passages of the nose, with the walls covered with boogerfilter a good part of the incoming germs, sneezing being a quick way to eliminate them. In the lower respiratory tract, the cilia (hair-like prominences) expel from the lung any microorganism that has reached there. Coughing also favors its elimination.chemical secretions. Stomach acid and the antibacterial activity of pancreatic enzymes, bile, and intestinal secretions are effective barriers to protect the gastrointestinal tract. The acidic environment of the vagina is also a protective element, as is the dragging effect that the bladder produces when emptying.

Defenses in the immune system

Despite its sophistication, many times the natural barriers fail, or are simply insufficient to fight certain infections.

If the germs enter the body, the defenses are activated of the immune system, which although they have a complex function, follow a simple basic strategy: recognize the enemy (an antigen), mobilize defenses and attack.

To do this, the immune system has a own circulation system (lymphatic vessels) that covers the entire body and through which cells and substances that are involved in the immune response move.

through the lymphatic vessels lymph, a fluid rich in white blood cells (the most important cells of the immune system) that helps water, proteins, and other substances from body tissues return to the bloodstream.

In connection with the lymphatic vessels is a network of lymph nodeswhich are usually grouped in areas where the vessels branch (neck, armpits, groin).

All substances absorbed by the lymph pass through at least one lymph node, which has a network of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that filter, attack, and destroy any substance they deem harmful.

In addition, there are special areas (thymus, tonsils, bone marrow, spleen, liver, intestine) in which it is possible recruit lymphocytes and mobilize them to specific areas where action is needed.

This complex system makes it possible to quickly organize an immune response where necessary.

Thus, a wound on a finger can cause an inflammation of the ganglion of the elbow or a throat infection can inflame the ganglions that are under the chin. The reason for this relationship is that the lymphatic vessels drain the injection and transport it to the point where it is possible to fight it: in the ganglion.

Fever as a natural defense

In addition to a symptom of disease, fever is a reaction of the body to an infection or injury in order to regain balance.

A elevated body temperature stimulates defense mechanismsspecifically the production of macrophage cells, and brakes at the same time the reproduction of some microorganisms They do not survive temperatures above average body temperature.

That is why it is a mistake to fight fever routinelyeven if it causes discomfort, since a natural defense system is blocked and can mask a more serious illness.

Nevertheless, when the patient’s temperature exceeds 40 ºC or those who suffer from it are children it is necessary to remain very attentive, because if convulsions appear, it is necessary to act. In this case it is advisable to use a method that gradually reduces fever to avoid a possible rebound effect.

Innate immunity: what is it

All we are born with a natural immunity, in which some white blood cells (macrophages and neutrophils) and a group of proteins participate that are activated in a chain.

All these components of the immune system react similarly to all foreign substanceswhose recognition does not vary from person to person.

Macrophages and neutrophils are white blood cells that ingest microbes once the immune system has signaled them for destruction. They usually work together when problems arise.

Macrophages are found in strategic areaswhere the organs come into contact with the blood or with the outside, and they are the ones that initiate the response and send signals to their allies so that they come to reinforce the defense.

neutrophilsthat flow through the bloodthey pass to the tissues upon receiving the alert and add to the destruction of microbes.

All these white blood cells contain enzymes inside, which allow them to destroy foreign molecules, once ingested. The accumulation of neutrophils at a point of infection and the death and digestion of the microbes form pus.

Learned immunity: what is it

From birth, the immune system registers the antigens it encounters.either through the lungs (by breathing), the intestine (by eating) or the skin, and learn to answer before each of them.

This immunityunlike the innate, yes is specific to each person, and depends on the ability of their immune system to learn and remember.

However, hehe innate and learned mechanisms often work togethernot always coordinated, before an infection.

The reason the immune system is able to keep track of every antigen it encounters is in the nature of lymphocytesthe main cells of the immune system and that, unlike others, They can live for years or even decades..

Lymphocytes are the ones that manage that record, and when they encounter a foreign substance for the second time, they are able to develop a quick and concrete responsewhich explains why you don’t get diseases like chickenpox more than once or why vaccines prevent some diseases.

That substance that the body identifies as risky can come from outside (a bacterium, a toxin) or be a product of the organism itself (a precancerous cell or a neuron in bad condition).

By detecting a foreign molecule, the immune system can make antibodies, which attach to antigens to target them what to destroy

By categories, B lymphocytes are responsible for secreting antibodies; They are derived from a stem cell in the bone marrow and mature into plasma cells.

T lymphocytes are part of the immune surveillance system; they are formed from stem cells that migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus, where they divide and mature, and learn to differentiate between self and foreign, before entering the lymphatic system.

The antibodies, also called immunoglobins, they are therefore proteins that interact with antigen that initially stimulates B lymphocytes. There are five types of immunoglobins, of which Three stand out:

Immunoglobin G. It is the most common antibody and occurs after multiple exposures to an antigen (for example after receiving a tetanus booster); it is the only one that is transmitted from the mother to the fetus and protects the newborn until he develops his own antibodies.Immunoglobin A. It is found in the blood and in some secretions (intestinal tract, nose, eyes, lungs, breast milk); performs an important function against an invasion of microorganisms through a mucous membrane.Immunoglobin E. It is active against parasites and is also the antibody that generates immediate allergic reactions.

How to strengthen the immune system quickly

Our defenses depend largely on lifestyle habits. Some natural remedies help us improve our immune system quickly.

Diet to improve the immune system

A healthy, balanced diet that provides vitamins and minerals that the body needs.

The Mediterranean diet is a good protective agent due to its richness and variety of nutrients and antioxidant substances. In general terms, these are the most effective allies:

Raw vegetables. Due to its high content of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.Olive oil and, in general, monounsaturated fatty acids, which stimulate the immune response.Yoghurt. The probiotic bacteria it contains, also present in the Fermented cabbagestimulate the intestinal flora and regulate defenses.Antioxidants. They act against free radicals and are obtained above all from raw fruits and vegetables, hence the convenience of taking them daily.Zinc. Strengthens a depressed immune system. Its deficiency alters cellular immunity. It abounds in pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, cured cheese, legumes, peanuts, oysters…Vitamin C. It stimulates the action of white blood cells and favors the production of interferon, a substance that defends us from various viruses. Its best sources are: citrus, kiwi, mango, cabbage, red pepper, tomato, berries…Vitamin E. Its antioxidant capacity extends to the cells involved in the immune response. It is present in wheat germ oil, nuts, olive oil, avocado…Vitamin A. It favors the production of different defense cells, such as T lymphocytes. It is obtained from the consumption of cheese, eggs, carrots and green vegetables, sweet potatoes, cabbage…Iron. Its deficiency facilitates the risk of contracting infections and decreases the immune response. Meats, legumes, wheat germ and virgin olive oils, almonds, clams… are its main sources.

In contrast, it is convenient to moderate refined sugar, so proven negative effects on the immune system and the alcohol.

Sugar reduces…