immunity: causes of immunodeficiency, vitamins, Ways to strengthen immunity
Immunity is a very important part of our health, and as we get older, our immunity decreases. Some ways to improve immunity in adults at home include practicing habits follow this article to learn more about increasing immunity in an adult at home
What are immunity and the causes of immunodeficiency?
Our immune system consists of several organs. He - she:
- Tonsils and adenoids.
- Thymus-thymus gland (it begins to regress by puberty, and its functions are delegated to other immune systems).
- Lymph nodes.
- Spleen.
- Redundant.
- Bayer spots in the intestine.
- Bone marrow.
All of them produce or accumulate our main protective cells - lymphocytes (white blood cells).
As soon as the body is attacked by infections, that is, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi, protozoa penetrate into it, and lymphocytes begin to produce antibodies.
These proteins are the weapons of our immunity - they pounce on the "invaders" and engage with them.
If the immune system is healthy, the lymphocytes are strong and there are a lot of them, then the body comes out of the conflict as a winner.
Lymphocytes have an immune memory.
This means that if a pathogen enters the body again, the lymphocytes already meet a large number of antibodies and triumph faster and easier. Vaccinations are based on this principle.
If lymphocytes guard our health in the blood, then their colleagues serve in the cells of internal organs - macrophages, whose task is to catch bacteria and other pathogens that have immediately entered the tissues.
The manifestation of weakness in the human immune system
Our immune system's biggest adversaries include:
- Chronic foci of infection and untreated inflammatory processes.
- Seasonal hypovitaminosis (for example, deficiency of vitamins D and C, Group B).
- Stress. It has been proven that strong emotional and mental stress, it leads not only to increased production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol but also the production of acetylcholine, also called the "hormone of weakness", which makes the human body's immune system more vulnerable.
- Harsh diets and an imbalance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Abuse of alcohol and cigarettes.
- Illiterate use of antibiotics.
Ways to strengthen immunity
Drink tomato juice and bite apples
Carotene, from which vitamin A is synthesized, and vitamin E are considered the best defense for body cells, including immune cells. The higher their concentration, the more successful the body will be in fighting microorganisms. Carrots, spinach, and rose hips contain provitamin A, while vegetable oils are a good source of vitamin E. The World Health Organization recommends eating two tablespoons of olive oil per day.
Regular consumption of tomato juice increases the concentration of carotene in all cells of the body due to the content of lycopene. It is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals.
Consume more apples and citrus fruits, which both contain vitamin C.
Supporting the immune system also means:
zinc (abundant in unrefined cereals, Brewer's yeast), and selenium (they are rich in cereal bread, beef, veal, turkey, and garlic).
To maintain immunity localized in the respiratory tract, use essential oils dispersed in the air. Studies have shown that essential oils improve the condition of the mucous membrane, moisturize it and increase the immune response.
Walk every day for at least 30-40 minutes, that's how much time the body needs to activate the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Reduce stress on the immune system
There is another aspect of prevention that should be remembered. When everyone around is sick, it is important not only to strengthen the immune system but also to reduce the number of contacts with infectious agents.
The fewer bacteria and viruses enter the body, the easier it is for the immune system to overcome them.
- If at all possible, stay away from crowded areas. Keep a distance of 1.5 meters when meeting. Do not shake hands and do not kiss in greeting.
- To minimize the ingress of particles of infected mucus into the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, and eyes, if there is a sick person next to you, wear a mask in public transport, or in a store.
- Before going outside, apply essential oils with antimicrobial and antiviral effects (mint, eucalyptus, eucalyptus, juniper, etc.) to your clothes to disinfect the air you breathe.
- Wipe your hands with a disinfectant after touching the intercom, elevator buttons, doors, handrails, and telephone. Avoid touching your face when you are outside.
- Ventilate the apartment every 3-4 hours. Wipe off the dust. Humidify the air.
- Wash your hands thoroughly when you get home. Don't forget to wipe your keys and bag.
Immunostimulating drugs weaken the body
When pathogenic bacteria and viruses penetrate into the blood, blood cells - lymphocytes - begin to produce protective antibodies. These proteins are the weapon of our immunity - they pounce on the invaders and engage with them.
Now in vogue, there are many drugs based on interferons - substances that affect immune metabolism. But such medical immunostimulants are either generally useless. or more serious drugs are required only according to indications, for example, with secondary immunodeficiency.
Any stimulation of mom leads to exhaustion
If you constantly stimulate the production of leukocytes with medications, your immune system will become "lazy" and simply lose its functions.
If you constantly stuff the body with all sorts of stimulants, it will simply become dependent, constantly waiting for "unemployment benefits". And this is the time when real problems with immunity can begin.
If your task is to cheer up and increase the tone, it is better to use natural adaptogens (ginseng, Chinese Magnolia Vine, Rhodiola Rosea, Eleutherococcus, etc.).
They enhance the synthesis of RNA and proteins (that is, the basis of our cells), activate metabolic enzymes, and activate the autonomic and endocrine systems, while not interfering with the immune system.
What drugs increase immunity
All drugs that affect the immune system can be divided into several groups:
* Immunomodulators - any drugs that affect a person's immunity ؛
• Immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, serums, vaccines, immunoglobulins, toxoids, phages - all these categories are effectively used by adults and are prescribed to children for the Prevention of diseases, their treatment, and restoration of body resources.
What vitamins strengthen immunity
The following vitamins pay attention to immunity:
- • D (calciferol)؛
- • B2، B6، B12؛
- • E (tocopherol) ؛
- • C ("Ascorbic") ؛
- • A (retinol).
Vitamin A.
Retinol is involved in the formation of immune cells, resists bacteria and viruses, and has a beneficial effect on the state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Vitamin C.
Participates in the formation of interferon. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant.
Tocopherol fights free radicals in the Prevention of the development of cancer and participates in the activation of the immune response.
Calciferol is necessary for the division, regeneration, growth, and development of all cells, including cells of the immune system. Therefore,
vitamin D
is associated, albeit indirectly, with immunity. In recent years, scientists have discovered that activated T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the immune system have special receptors for calcitriol (the active form of steroid vitamin D). This just proved that the "sun vitamin" affects the functioning of the immune system
B vitamins
reduce the risk of stressful situations and stress on the body, and are involved in the fight against depression and emotional stress - this allows cells to work actively. The mode of action is during the immune response and increases the body's resistance to various diseases.
How to strengthen immunity after the coronavirus
The rules are simple:
- * Healthy sleep (at least 8 - 9 hours a day)؛
- • Physical activity (walking, swimming).
- • A full-fledged diet with the distribution of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in a ratio of 1: 1: 3 with a sufficient amount of fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs, cereals, etc.) ؛
- * Breathing exercises؛
- * Vitamin therapy.