Many of us are shocked that there is so much concern about illness and the proposed remedies. The return to school for children across the country doesn’t help either. Although we can take preventative measures to reduce the possibility of contracting disease, once it has entered our bodies, our immune system must fight it. We want our internal army to be able to withstand such a battle.
What is the Immune System?
The immune system, a complex network of cells and compounds that protect the body from harmful pathogens, can be described as a complex network. There are five types of pathogens, which are microorganisms that can cause disease.
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Worms
When any of these foreign agents enter our bodies, an immune reaction is often triggered. The timing and impact of the initial response are dependent on many factors.
The ability of our bodies to resist a specific pathogen is called immunity. There are three types of immunity.
Innate Immunity
Natural immunity, also known as innate, protects against diseases that a person inherits from their parents. Our bodies can successfully execute an attack even if we have never been exposed to it.
Adaptive Immunity
Active immunity, also known as adaptive or functional immunity, is protection we develop over time. Our immune cells can remember specific pathogens so that we can respond faster next time. Our adaptive immunity is created when we are exposed to certain diseases or receive immunizations.
Passive immunity
Passive immunity occurs when someone inherits protection from another source. This includes the temporary exemption babies get from breast milk and the transfer of specific antibodies through gammaglobulin injections.
Antibodies for the rescue
Pathogens can enter the body through specialized immune cells like the T-cell and B-cell. This triggers the production of specialized antibodies uniquely designed to bind to the pathogens.
Antibodies are proteins that act as keys. They create keys from protein and sugar and attach to and neutralize harmful substances that enter our bodies. The antibody acts as a deactivator of foreign substances. It also recruits other defense cells to attack the pathogen, like a road flare attached to an intruder.
These antibodies are retained in the blood after an infection is successfully fought. Some antibodies can last a lifetime, while others may last for several months, depending on the pathogen they target. Our immune system is ready to defend against another attack when antibodies are present.
Signs of a weak immune system
To weaken our internal defenses doesn’t necessarily take underlying severe conditions. Studies show that nearly CDC.
- Newborns: 14-17 Hours
- Children: 12-15 Hours
- For toddlers, 11-14 hours
- Preschoolers: 10-13 hours
- Children in school: 9-11 hours
- Teenagers: 8-10 Hours
- Adults: Between 7-9 and 9 hours
- Older adults (65+): 7-8 Hours
Supplementation
Supplements such as daily multivitamins can help you get the nutrients your body needs. Although these supplements may benefit your immune system and overall health, you should always consult a doctor before adding them to your daily routine.
Takeaways
Our immune system is our best friend when it comes to fighting illness and maintaining good health. It can be helped by living a balanced life, eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. Total Health and Fitness create a custom nutrition and fitness programs that encourage healthy habits and a happy body and mind. You can achieve your health goals.
