Understanding Immunity and Ways to Enhance Immunity

It is like the body's defense force, helping us resist foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc. Faced with more and more mutant viruses, nothing is more important than enhancing immunity. In order to improve immunity, in addition to relying on health foods, you must also pay more attention to exercise, diet, and sleep in your daily life.

Definition of Immunity

Immunity refers to the body's ability to fight disease. This defense mechanism can identify viruses, bacteria, mutated cells and other substances and must be maintained at an appropriate level. If it is too low, it will be easily attacked by invaders. If it is too high, it will cause the immune system to attack its own healthy cells. Immunity can be divided into:

Innate immunity

The immune system that people are born with is non-specific, such as the skin, mucous membranes, cytokines and complement factors.

Acquired immunity

Acquired immunity, such as vaccines and colds.

Factors affecting immunity

1. Weakened immune system

Aging, excessive stress, smoking and drinking, lack of sleep, malnutrition, etc., can all lead to a decrease in immunity, making the body more susceptible to colds, liver problems, etc.

2. A single immune system is too strong

Too high immunity is not a good thing. When the immune function is too strong, allergic reactions will occur, such as skin allergies and asthma. In more serious cases, it will lead to immune disorders, and the body will not be able to distinguish between good and bad cells. It will attack its own normal cell tissues, causing various problems caused by immune imbalance.

Related Reading:Ways to boost your immunity

How to boost immunity

1. Balanced nutrition

There are many trace elements, proteins and other substances in food that can help the body's immunity. If the diet is not balanced and you only eat what you like, the immune system will not get energy, which will lead to a decrease in immunity.

2. Reduce smoking and drinking

Smoke is made up of many chemicals, some of which can damage lung cells, interfere with the function of immune cells, and cause blood vessels to spasm, reducing the supply of nutrients and oxygen. At this time, immune cells will not be able to quickly and normally attack harmful bacteria.

When you drink, not only do you get drunk, but your immune cells do too. In addition to affecting the functions of the liver and pancreas, alcohol can also cause dysfunction in macrophages, T cells, and B cells, making it impossible to quickly attack foreign attacks.

3. Get enough sleep

Sleep is the time for the entire body system to eliminate waste and restore vitality. Sleeping for 6-8 hours a day and maintaining the habit of not drinking alcohol or using mobile phones before going to bed will allow the body to rest well. This will regulate the "immune T cells" that fight pathogens and bacteria within the cells and further increase immunity.

4. Avoid stress

Appropriate stress can make us perform better, but when the stress is too great, autoimmune cells may be suppressed and immunity may decrease.

5. Exercise more

Exercise can reduce stress, strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, and further help control weight to prevent various chronic diseases. It also stimulates the immune system and produces anti-inflammatory cell responses. It is the most effective way to enhance immunity.