What is the immune system?

The immune system is ‘our army’. It is a vast network of cells and tissues, the first line of protection against the viruses, bacteria and other unknown organisms that try to enter in our body and cause illness.

It is able to distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue. When the immune system encounters a pathogen the white cells (leukocytes) begin to multiply and send signals to other cell types to do the same.

The immune system is stronger during adulthood because till this time we have been exposed to more pathogens and developed more immunity.

Does the immune system works all the time?

There are a lot of causes which make the immune system go wrong.

Immunodeficiencies may be caused by: age, alcoholism, malnutrition, genetics, AIDS ecc.

How can you maintain a healthy immune system?

There are a lot of factors that help to maintain a healthy immune system:

-adequate sleep;

-managing stress;

-staying hydrated;

-exercising regularly;

-proper hygiene;

-proper diet.

Evidences

There is evidence that nutrition and lifestyle measures influence immune strength and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

The immune system relies on white blood cells that produce antibodies to combat bacteria, viruses and other invaders. Vegetarians have more effective white blood cells due to the intake of vitamins and low intake of fat.

Obesity has been linked to increased risk for pneumonia or other diseases. Plant based diets are effective for weight loss because they are rich in fiber.

Which are the vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system?

1-Vitamin C and vitamin E can boost your immune system because they contain antioxidants that are able to reduce oxidative stress, because they fight the free radicals.

You can find vitamin C in red peppers, lemons, broccoli, oranges, strawberries while the vitamin E in nuts, spinach, broccoli and different seeds.

2-B-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to decrease inflammation and increase immune function. It can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots and green leafy vegetables.

3-Zinc is a mineral that has the ability to increase the white blood cells boosting the immune system. It can be found in nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, beans ecc.

Plants that can be used to boost your immune system

There are different plants that help our immune system to work better.

They can be used in different ways, in all seasons and when you need them the most (when you catch a cold or have another illness).

Let list some of the plants that are easy to find, to eat or drink:

1-Echinacea is a plant that helps to prevent infections and boosts your immune system. You can use the leaves, roots and petals as tincture or tea.

2-Pepper, especially the red pepper contains a lot of vitamin C, b-carotene and other antioxidants. It helps to clear out congested mucus membranes in nose and lungs, helping eliminate toxins and disease causing components.

3-Turmeric is another plant that boosts your immune system. It contains curcumin, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. It can be used as a spice.

4-Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic and anti-spasmodic properties. The most useful parts of the plant are the roots. They have more antioxidant properties.

5-Mushrooms can increase the number of macrophages around our nose and mouth and contain vitamin D.

Macrophages are specialized cells involved in the detection, phagocytosis and destruction of the harmful organisms that enter our body.

Vitamin D boosts our immune system.

6-Garlic contains components that improve white blood cells ability to fight certain viruses.

How to make a smoothie with antioxidants properties at home?

Take:

-1 peeled orange;

-1 cup of grapes;

-1 banana;

-1pear;

-1 cup of almond milk;

-2 cups of spinach.

Blend them together. You can add ice cubs if you want.

Supplements that boost your immune system

Nowadays people are always in rush. Sometimes they don’t even eat properly and don’t take the right amount of vitamins and minerals through the food. They begin to feel tired, without energy and get sick more often.

In this case we recommend the daily intake of supplements that boost the immune system and help to prevent illness.

Esi Immunilflor is an Italian supplement that contains Echinacea, vitamin C, zinc and tyndallized enzymes. It has antioxidant properties and boosts your immune system. It is recommended to use when you catch a cold or when your immune system is weak for different reasons.

Vitabiotics Immunace is a British supplement that contains vitamin C, zinc, selenium, bioflavonoids, amino acids which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. It can be used by adults and children from 12 years of age.

Denk Immune Active is the right supplement for the persons that can’t swallow tablets or capsules. The box contains 20 sticks with raspberry taste that should be dissolved directly in mouth. The effective combination of selenium, zinc, L-histidine and vitamin C improves the immune function and make the body defense fit and productive.