The immune system of our body forms one of the most important parts of the human body. It is the protective shield that guards our body from external threats such as disease causing bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. It fights off infection and keeps the cells of our body from dying. A weak immune system means you are more susceptible to attacks from pathogens thus making you fall sick more often than normal. Hence, maintaining the immune system of the body in sound condition is paramount to strong and robust functioning of the body.

How does the immune system work?

The immune system of our body is a collection of biological systems and processes that detect threats, take appropriate actions to eliminate them and also aid in the healing process of the body. Our immune system is divided into two basic subsystems; innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.

We have pattern recognition receptors in each cell of our body, which form the most basic part of the immune system. They are proteins that essentially act as sensors of hostile foreign bodies and warn the immune system about the attack. Upon the warning, immune system initiates the corresponding defense mechanism to protect our body from the external agent. They are also released when there is cell damage such as cuts and bruises, so that the immune system can take appropriate actions to repair the damage. This whole system makes up the innate immune system of our body. Innate immune system is non-specific and responds to attacks in a generic way.

Adaptive immune system is something that evolved over time. It depends on “immunological memory” where each pathogen that has entered the body is remembered and the immune system enhances the defense mechanism accordingly. A signature antigen is generated every time the pathogen enters the body, delivering a defense mechanism tailored for that particular pathogen. This forms the principle that vaccination is based on.

How to maintain a healthy immune system?

1. Eat more veggies and fruits

Fruits and vegetables alone contain the entire nutrients that the immune system needs to stay healthy. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables and the antibody production in your body will shoot up. It will lead to better metabolism and provide a healthier digestive tract, which has a considerable effect on the immune system as well.

2. Choose organic supplements

There are several supplements available today that are aimed at boosting the immune system. But the safer and healthier way to go would be to choose organic products while taking immunological supplements. They contain only natural ingredients and are completely safe for daily intake with no side effects.

3. Avoid smoking

The tobacco smoke tends to have an undermining effect on the immune system. It weakens the defense mechanism of our immune system to various diseases and makes the body more prone to attacks. Stay away from tobacco smoke at all costs.

4. Probiotics

Research has shown that the healthy bacteria that live in the digestive tract of the human body, which are called probiotics, play a major role in keeping the immune system in fine shape. They are known to aid the immune system in correcting deficiencies and producing new healthy cells. Taking supplements that boost the health of these good bacteria can in turn lead to a healthy immune system.

5. Herbal preparations

There many herbs known to have a stimulating effect on the immune system of our body. Aloe vera, Echinacea, garlic, Ginseng root, etc. considered to have anti-bacterial properties and help the immune system in fighting off infections. Consuming supplements that contain herbs and intake of other herbal preparations can help to stimulate the strength of the immune system.

Since the immune system is central to the proper functioning of our body, we need take care of it so that it will be able to protect us at all times. Adding healthy food and immunological supplements can help in stimulating your immune system in the long run. To know more about other health supplements, click here.