Medically reviewed by Neesh Patel, MB DCH
Our immune system is our body’s superhero, as it fights against diseases to keep us safe and healthy. It’s a defence mechanism that helps kill pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc., with antibodies. A healthy immune system is a must to stay healthy and protect from harmful substances, cell changes, and germs. This may have answered why our immune system is essential for our health.
But, do you know how does our immune system work? How can we boost our immunity and achieve good health?
Let’s find out.
How Does the Immune System Work?
The immune system’s job is to recognize harmful substances that enter your body, fight pathogens like bacteria and parasites, and remove them. It also fights cell changes in the body, causing diseases like cancer.
When foreign or harmful substances with antigens attach to immune cell receptors, they induce an immune response, which triggers a series of processes in the body. The first time the body comes in contact with a substance, the cells store all the information about the pathogen and how to fight it. The next time the same pathogen enters the body, the immune system is prepared to fight it.
What are the types of immunity?
Humans have three types of immunity:
1. Innate Immunity
As the name suggests, innate immunity is a general protection you are born with. For example, our skin blocks germs and foreign substances by acting as a barrier, thus preventing danger.
2. Adaptive Immunity
Adaptive immunity is developed with exposure to diseases or through vaccines. It tends to develop throughout life to help us fight diseases and health threats.
3. Passive Immunity
Passive immunity lasts only for a short while since it is borrowed, for example, antibodies in mothers’ milk give babies immunity to fight against that disease.
While the innate immune system fights pathogens entering the body, the adaptive immune system keeps learning and fighting even the bacteria or virus that changes over time.
What are the Parts of the Immune System?
The immune system is a complex collection of organs and cells. Its main parts include:
1. White Blood Cells
White blood cells are critical to the immune system since they find and destroy bacteria and viruses in the body. There are different cell types, each residing in a particular tissue, responsible for a specific mission.
2. Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands that destroy germs and pathogens so they don’t spread in the body. They consist of immune cells that replicate white blood cells to fight off invaders.
3. Spleen
The role of the spleen is to store white blood cells and filter blood by removing old and damaged red blood cells.
4. Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsils and adenoids are present in the nasal passage and throat to trap pathogens as soon as they enter the body.
5. Thymus
The thymus is located in the upper chest and helps white blood cells mature so they can learn to recognize invaders the next time they enter.
6. Bone Marrow
Bone marrow makes billions of blood cells including red blood cells, plasma cells, and a variety of white blood cells every day. It then releases them into the bloodstream.
7. Skin, Mucous Membranes, and Other First-Line Defenses
Our skin secretes oils and WBCs to destroy pathogens entering the body through the skin. Mucous membranes line the reproductive, digestive, and urinary tracts to protect them. Nose hair catch germs. Similarly, saliva, tears, and sweat defend the body.
8. Stomach and Bowel
Good bacteria and stomach acid kill bacteria as soon as they enter the stomach.
What Affects Our Immune System?
Various factors that depress the immune system include:
- Old Age: As we age, the production of immune cells in the thymus and bone marrow is reduced. As a result, the immune function declines.
- External or Environmental Toxins: Toxins like smoke, pollution, excessive alcohol, etc. can affect the immune system making it weak.
- Poor Diet: Lack of nutrients because of a poor diet can affect the production and performance of immune cells and antibodies.
- Excess Weight: Fat tissues can promote inflammatory processes and impair the function of white blood cells.
- Mental Stress: Stress hormones like cortisol affect the activation of immune cells.
- Chronic Diseases: Autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases can affect and even disable immune cells.
- Sleep and Rest Deficiency: Sleep aids restoration in the body. While sleeping, cytokine is released to fight infections. But if there is a lack of sleep and rest, the amount of cytokines, as well as immune cells, lowers.
How to Boost Immunity?
Our immune system needs constant nourishment in order to stay functional and protect our body. And to provide it with the nourishment it needs, we must follow a disciplined lifestyle. Here are the top things you can do for your immune system:
- Quit smoking to prevent toxins that damage the immune system
- Consume a balanced diet that has all the nutrients for the immune system
- Avoid alcohol or consume it only in moderation
- Wash hands, especially before eating
- Exercise regularly to stay fit
- Lose weight if obesity is affecting your immune system
- Stay up-to-date on the vaccines
- Practice mind and body wellness exercises like yoga and meditation
Conclusion
Now you know – why your immune system is essential for your health, how your immune system works, and how you can boost your immunity. So, make sure you take care of your health, and you can strengthen your body by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Though immune system-related issues can be genetic, 58% of the immune system is determined by non-genetic factors. All work you put into strengthening your body would be worth it.
Bookmark this article, make sure to understand your body’s needs, and develop habits that keep your immune system healthy.
