Immunity | Monica’s Archives

Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection by the action of specific antibodies. It is the body’s resistance power against disease-causing organisms or harmful substances. It provides defense against pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infections. The immune system attacks germs and helps keep us healthy. Our immune system is essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from viruses, bacteria, parasites, and more. The immune system is spread throughout the body and involves many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues. The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in white blood cells. This means it can recognize and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again before it can multiply and make you feel sick. Some infections, like flu and the common cold, have to be fought many times because so many different viruses of the same type of virus can cause these illnesses. Catching a cold or flu from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.

Humans have three types of immunity:

·         Innate immunity – Everyone is born with innate or natural immunity, a type of general protection.

·         Adaptive immunity – Adaptive or active immunity develops throughout our lives. We develop adaptive immunity when we are exposed to diseases or when we are exposed to diseases or when we are immunized against them with vaccines.

·         Passive immunity – is borrowed from another source and it lasts for a short time. For example, antibodies in a mother’s breast milk give a baby temporary immunity to diseases the mother has been exposed to.

What can go wrong with your immune system?

White blood cells are the cells of the immune system. They are made in one of your lymph organs such as the spleen or thymus, and in the bone marrow. When your immune system doesn’t work the way it should, it is called an immune system disorder. You may:

Ø  Be born with a weak immune system. This is called primary immune deficiency.

Ø  Get a disease that weakens your immune system. This is called acquired immune deficiency. The immune system can be weakened by certain medicines like treatment for cancer, organ transplant, etc. Also, infections such as flu viruses, measles can weaken the immune system for a short time. Smoking, alcohol and poor nutrition can also weaken your immune system.

Ø  Have an immune system that is too active. This may happen with an allergic reaction. Dust, mold, pollen, and foods are examples of allergens. Some conditions caused by an overactive immune system are – asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food allergy.

Ø  Have an immune system that turns against you. This is called autoimmune disease. Some autoimmune diseases are type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Healthy ways to strengthen your immune system

Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines can naturally keep your immune system strong and healthy.

·         Don’t smoke.

·         Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

·         Exercise regularly.

·         Maintain a healthy weight.

·         If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

·         Get adequate sleep.

·         Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

·         Try to minimize stress.

Immune system and age

As we age, our immune response capability becomes reduced, which in turn contributes to more infections. The elderly are more likely to contract infectious diseases. According to some scientists, the bone marrow becomes less efficient at producing the stem cells that give rise to the cells of the immune system. Though, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to some extent.

Immune system boosters

Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong.

1.       Citrus fruits – Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections. Popular citrus fruits include – oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, etc. The body does not produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health.

2.       Red bell peppers – are a rich source of vitamin C and beta carotene.

3.       Broccoli – is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber.

4.       Garlic – has the power of fighting infections. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and slow down the hardening of arteries.

5.       Ginger – helps in decreasing inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses.

6.       Spinach – It is rich in vitamin C and packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.

7.       Yogurt

8.       Almonds

9.       Turmeric

10.   Green Tea

11.   Papaya

12.   Kiwi

13.   Poultry

14.   Sunflower seeds

15.   Shellfish

Variety is the key to proper nutrition. Eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help fight flu, even if you eat it constantly. Pay attention to serving sizes and recommended daily intake so that you don’t get too much of a single vitamin and too little of others. Eating right is a great start.

                                                               All the best!