THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - what is it and how to make it more effective?

Immune system - what is it?

The immune system is an extremely complex defense system in our body that usually responds to an invasion of foreign forces that can endanger our health. This includes organs, lymphocytes and macrophages, and molecules involved in the activation of the immune response, which aims to kill but also stop the spread of pathogens. The system is divided into two - natural and acquired immunity.

We already have a natural immune system at birth and react immediately to the pathogen. The main response is an inflammatory reaction, with a higher body temperature trying to remove such viruses. The mucous membranes try to flush out germs with their secretions. The weakness inherent in a period of illness is not an end in itself to expend valuable energy on anything other than recovery.

The response of acquired immunity to the pathogen is not general but specific. Previously acquired diseases are detectable by immune memory and special guards - T-lymphocytes and antibodies - are fighting. The disadvantage of this is that the disease first has to be dealt with only by a natural immune response in order to acquire acquired immunity against a particular disease. In the meantime, any help to strengthen our health is very welcome!

Immune System - How To Boost It?

A healthy lifestyle is the most appropriate answer in this case. Do not smoke, avoid excessive stress and alcohol consumption, eat healthily and maintain a normal weight. Get 7-8 hours of sleep, engage in active health sports and ensure adequate self and food hygiene. However, the rather long list consists only of the most basic factors.

At the same time, we must not forget that the house must be built on a solid foundation. All of this is very difficult to achieve at once, because today's hectic way of life often dictates our resources to cover these necessary factors. Because of this, our general health, including our immune system, will suffer. Various food supplements can be beneficial, as all of the above activities consume and require micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins in one way or another.

In itself, there is nothing new here, and for example, even top athletes have repeatedly undergone various health tests that have shown that despite their gram-accurate diet, sleep and activity, there are still significant deficiencies in vitamin and mineral intake. It is also known that with age, activity decreases and the diet becomes more one-sided. Partly because of this, the elderly become more frequent and severely ill due to a weaker immune response.

Immune System - Why Take Supplements?

We need a certain number of vitamins and minerals to work as intended. With one deficiency, or severe deficiency, hair loss occurs with the use of other micronutrients, leading to complications that eventually culminate in a health problem. For example, a deficiency of vitamin C would cause scurvy or vitamin K, without which blood cells would not be infected, ie proper blood clotting would not take place. However, there is also a risk of overdose, such as vitamin A overuse, which can lead to muscle and bone pain, skin problems and vision problems. Science is tireless, and when new knowledge is discovered, limits are also reassessed, such as the previous levels of vitamin D in our climate are too low to achieve the desired effect. In summary, it is recommended to add supplements to support immunity in the list below. Although all vitamins and minerals are needed, various studies have shown the best benefits of these supplements, as we often lack them the most.

Immune system - vitamins and minerals

B12 - an important metabolic aid, which is also involved in the formation and maintenance of blood vessels. It is also an important stabilizer of the central nervous system. Given that many do not get high-quality protein from their daily diet, adding B12 is a wise move. Vegetarians, the elderly and those suffering from certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as celiac disease, benefit in particular from this vitamin. Bioactive vitamin B12

D3 - a sun vitamin that we get really little in a given climate with our lifestyle. Its deficiency affects virtually all of our body's physiological activities, from mood to skin. Its chronic deficiency, which is characteristic of people living in northern latitudes, has been shown to be significantly more likely to cause upper respiratory tract disease. Its deficiency directly affects the absorption of calcium but also indirectly mental health, which in turn affects all other aspects of life. Vitamin D3, 4000IU capsule

Calcium - It is well known that we need this mineral to maintain the health of our bones and teeth. In fact, it is also involved in the work of muscles, blood circulation, hormones and the exchange of information in the brain. Our bodies do not produce calcium themselves, so we need to get it through food or supplements. With regard to the developmental period of children, it should be noted that they can receive a sufficient amount, but middle-aged women should also take it as an adjunct to the prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium and additives. LUUDEX [K2 + D3 + Ca + Mg] 

Zinc - is directly involved in the work of the immune system, hematopoiesis, the composition of nearly 300 enzymes and many other vital physiological processes. It has been found that if a cold occurs, such as a viral infection of the respiratory tract, it is worth taking the mineral immediately. This reduces the severity and duration of the symptoms of the disease. Zinc is also an effective aid in wound healing but also in preventing hair loss. ZINC DIGLYCINATE - Bioactive 

Vitamin C - Although not very effective in preventing disease transmission, it has been shown to have some effect. As a result, the duration of the disease is shortened and the severity of symptoms is reduced. This is because vitamin C is present in a concentrated form in immune cells and is depleted extremely quickly during periods of illness. At the same time, it protects against gingivitis, which has often been relegated to the background in Estonia due to the lack of state support for dental care. VITAMIN C 100% L-ascorbic acid 

Pre- and Probiotics - Given that the immune system relies heavily on our microbiome, it's not a bad idea to support it by adding strains of beneficial bacteria to your menu and providing them with essential nutrients such as fiber. At present, evidence-based medicine shows that certain probiotics help to fight viral and bacterial infections and allergies, but also to improve the effectiveness of, for example, influenza vaccines. ECOBIOTIC probiotics

Immune System - Summary

By cultivating a healthy lifestyle that follows the basics of diet, exercise, stress, sleep, etc., you may not need supplements. Thus, the target group of dietary supplements is rather weaker target groups, such as the elderly, those suffering from immunodeficiency but also chronic diseases, and the like. However, experts in the field have said that few of us can be role models for a healthy life, so it is wise to consume quality supplements, especially during difficult times. It is essential to respect the recommended limits and to take this as an aid method until the above-mentioned balanced lifestyle is achieved. The emphasis should also be on the quality of the product and not on price and quantity. Pictures: Pixabay, Ecosh. Author: Ragnar Vaiknemets