The Immune System Explained

The immune system is the body’s defense system against diseases and infections. It attacks all germs and bacteria, helping us stay healthy. Without the immune system, the body is open to attacks from viruses, bacteria, parasites and much more. We are regularly exposed to a lot of pathogens but it is the immune system that keeps us healthy all through.

 

How does the immune system work?

The immune system is made up of several organs working together to fend off attacks. The white blood cells also called leukocytes are a vital part of the immune system.

Phagocytes, a type of white blood cell, chew invading pathogens and organisms while lymphocytes help the body remember invaders and destroy them.

When your body detects foreign organisms in the body called antigens, an immune response is initiated. The immune system recognizes the antigens and subsequently gets rid of them. The B lymphocytes from white blood cells get triggered to make antibodies to help destroy the antigens. The antibodies are proteins that lock themselves onto the specific antigens to get rid of them. The antibodies once made, they stick in the body in case the same germs have to be fought. This is one reason why most people who get a particular disease won’t get sick from the same again.

Though the antibodies recognize and lock themselves on an antigen, destroying it requires help and that’s where the T cells come in. They destroy all the antigens locked by the antibodies and the infected cells as well. This is one reason some T cells are referred to as killer cells. When the T cells are called into action, they also help signal other cells to help in fighting the antigen. Antibodies also known as microglobulins, are specialized cells and part of the immune system that offer protection against diseases and this is called immunity.

 

How can you boost the immune system?

One thing for sure is that the immune system is not a single entity. It is a connection of so many cells and systems in the body. This makes it hard to boost or strengthen the immune system. It is enticing to think of boosting the immune system but that is elusive. The immune system requires balance and harmony within itself to function. However, that doesn’t mean that your lifestyle doesn’t have an impact or effect on your immune system. Here are some of the ways you can boost the immune system.

• No smoking
• Eat a well-balanced diet high in vegetables and fruits
• Regular exercises
• Avoid alcohol
• Get plenty of sleep

With telemedicine, you can get expert help from a nutritionist on the foods you can eat and activities to indulge in to help improve your immune system.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/
3. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview

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