To be immune is to be protected. Our immune system has this function: it is the body’s natural defense against harmful agents, infections and diseases. Therefore, if it weakens, our body’s defense capacity decreases and we become more vulnerable to certain diseases. In this article, we’ll share some tips for naturally strengthening the immune system.
The main cells of the immune system are white leukocytes or blood cells, so when the body detects a threat, these cells mobilize and travel through the bloodstream to the harmful focus, their functions are to repair damaged tissues, act as a barrier to infections and produce analgesic, allogeneic substances.
- Inflammation is how the immune system fights infections caused by bacteria.
- Fungi.
- Viruses.
- Protozoa or prions; detects particles that are harmful to health and.
- Upon invasion.
- Reacts by attacking and destroying them; inflammation only decreases when the threat disappears.
A weakened immune system has many negative effects on our body, including immunodeficiency, which is the body’s inability to have an effective immune response, which makes the body’s natural mechanisms of protection and defense less active than normal.
Some autoimmune diseases may occur, leading the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells in the body itself. The body is unable to differentiate its own tissues from infectious agents. As confused, it ignites healthy parts of the body. There are more than 80. types of autoimmune diseases and, although their causes are unknown in many cases, they are believed to have a strong hereditary component. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women.
Just as there are internal factors that affect its functioning, other external factors can help us strengthen it, so we can intervene and thus strengthen our immune system.
A balanced diet is the main factor that can help us strengthen the immune system. That is, our diet should be based on consuming all the nutrients we need to the right extent.
Monounsaturated fats (oilseeds, salmon, tuna, olive oil), dairy, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. In addition, other nutrients that can complement your diet and help strengthen your immune system are:
In many cases personal hygiene and food hygiene manifest themselves in their absence. Throughout the day, we put our hands in many places: door handles, bathrooms, computer keyboard . . . thus, any virus or bacteria present in the environment can affect us. , you should wash your hands before taking anything to your mouth. While this seems obvious, it is often not common and is a good way to prevent infections.
In addition, even if food passes through a food safety chain, it is necessary to disinfect fruits and vegetables with water and vinegar before consuming them; Likewise, it is advisable to store the meats and fish in the refrigerator until the time of cooking them.
Another healthy habit is to exercise for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week, this regularity keeps our muscles active and helps oxygenate each cell in our body to better perform its functions.
It is essential that the activity we practice involves the movement of all muscle groups of the body, such as swimming, tennis, cycling, running or just walking, all of this favors the coordination, flexibility and complete locomotion of the body.
But be careful! Just as a sedentary lifestyle impairs blood flow and promotes the development of certain cardiovascular diseases, excessive physical activity can increase the vulnerability of your immune system, exceeding the limits of your own body damages your defenses, as you take it to the extreme and exhaustion. It is important to evaluate this intensity and achieve everything you can and cannot achieve.
Stress, anxiety or depression can reduce our ability to cope with adversity, if they occur continuously, as well as alter our mental state, deteriorate and weaken our resistance, as well as promote the onset of the disease. The immune system consists of practicing yoga, tai chi chuan, mindfulness or meditation. They are all relaxation techniques that allow you to improve your breathing and, therefore, the balance between mind and body.
Are we constantly exposed to harmful agents: cigarette smoke, environmental pollution, dust, aerosols?Therefore, strengthening the immune system is the best way to prevent bodily harm. If you implement these simple guidelines, your immune system will strengthen and your body will thank you.