STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - PERMANENTLY BETTER DEFENSES
Reading time: 05:02 minutes
- controlling the body's own and "harmless" microorganisms (e.g. in the intestine)
- controlling inflammatory processes in the body
- wound healing
Table of contents
1. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: A PORTRAIT
The body's own defense system is known as the immune system. It fights microorganisms that invade the body. A strengthened immune system is able to destroy the body's own cells that have become defective. The immune system is a complex network of different organs, cell types and molecules. We are exposed to millions of bacteria, viruses and fungi every day and yet we are usually healthy. To protect us from illness, our body needs a sophisticated guardian: the immune system! It protects us from harmful influences from the environment and is vital for the organism.
The human immune system is not limited to one organ or one location. The bloodstream and lymphatic vessels run through the entire body and form important transport routes for immune cells and messenger substances. The fluid in the lymph carries oxygen and nutrients around the body. In addition, cells and foreign substances are transported away. As long as the defense functions smoothly, the immune system is not noticeable.
The human immune system is not limited to one organ or one location. The bloodstream and lymphatic vessels run through the entire body and form important transport routes for immune cells and messenger substances. The fluid in the lymph carries oxygen and nutrients around the body. In addition, cells and foreign substances are transported away. As long as the defense functions smoothly, the immune system is not noticeable.
2. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: FUNCTIONS
As the body's own defense system, the immune system fulfils several important functions in the human body. Its tasks at a glance:
- rendering pathogens harmless and removing them from the body
- combating pathologically altered endogenous cells, such as tumors- rendering pathogens harmless and removing them from the body
- controlling the body's own and "harmless" microorganisms (e.g. in the intestine)
- controlling inflammatory processes in the body
- wound healing
3. WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM: POSSIBLE CAUSES
There are many causes of a weakened immune system. For example, stress, regular smoking and alcohol consumption, dry mucous membranes in the nose due to heating or a lack of sleep can lead to our immune system no longer being fully functional. Environmental factors such as dampness and cold can also weaken the immune system.
In addition, age also influences the strength of the immune system. Children, for example, are more susceptible to infections because their immune system has yet to develop fully. Pregnant women have an increased risk as their immune system is "shut down". The immune system also declines with increasing age because fewer immune cells and antibodies are produced. Holistic medicine believes that diseases are not caused by viruses and bacteria, but by a weakened immune system.
In addition, age also influences the strength of the immune system. Children, for example, are more susceptible to infections because their immune system has yet to develop fully. Pregnant women have an increased risk as their immune system is "shut down". The immune system also declines with increasing age because fewer immune cells and antibodies are produced. Holistic medicine believes that diseases are not caused by viruses and bacteria, but by a weakened immune system.
4. STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: 6 TIPS FOR BETTER RESISTANCE
1. eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables!
The body needs many different nutrients for a well-functioning defense against diseases and infections. These includevitaminsAB6, B12, C, DE, the trace elements zinc, selenium, iron and copper as well as secondary plant substances. (Fersch et al., 2019) More and more scientists are also confirming a connection between healthyintestinal floraand the immune system. (Kempe, 2020) So a healthy diet rich in fiber is also a good tip.
2. get outside - even in cold weather
The sunshine vitamin D, for example through our productVITAMIN Dcan significantly support the immune system. We get part of what we need from our food. But the body itself can make a major contribution. When the sun's rays hit the skin, it independently producesvitamin D. Especially in the fall and winter months, when there is less UV radiation, you should spend a lot of time outdoors. Nevertheless, experts agree that it makes sense to take vitamin D supplements in our latitudes - for example with our productCAL & MAG & D3makes sense in our latitudes.
3. exercise
Endurance sports such as running, swimming and cycling not only strengthen the heart and blood vessels, but also the immune system: improved blood circulation makes it easier for the immune system to work throughout the body.
4. less stress
Medical science now knows that severe stress weakens the immune system and thus increases susceptibility to infections. (Kempe, 2020) Chronic stress makes you sick more often and can lead to states of exhaustion. This creates ideal conditions for pathogens.
5. sleep in
Those who regularly start the day well-rested are not only fresher, but also strengthen their immune system. Studies show that little sleep significantly reduces the number of immune cells and antibodies and promotes a weak immune system. (Kempe, 2020) Here are natural aids for healthy sleep.
6. dietary supplements
Last but not least, a healthy diet is an important building block for a stable immune system. Our food should be fresh and rich in fruit and vegetables so that it contains plenty of nutrients. There are now numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements are now known to contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
The body needs many different nutrients for a well-functioning defense against diseases and infections. These includevitaminsAB6, B12, C, DE, the trace elements zinc, selenium, iron and copper as well as secondary plant substances. (Fersch et al., 2019) More and more scientists are also confirming a connection between healthyintestinal floraand the immune system. (Kempe, 2020) So a healthy diet rich in fiber is also a good tip.
2. get outside - even in cold weather
The sunshine vitamin D, for example through our productVITAMIN Dcan significantly support the immune system. We get part of what we need from our food. But the body itself can make a major contribution. When the sun's rays hit the skin, it independently producesvitamin D. Especially in the fall and winter months, when there is less UV radiation, you should spend a lot of time outdoors. Nevertheless, experts agree that it makes sense to take vitamin D supplements in our latitudes - for example with our productCAL & MAG & D3makes sense in our latitudes.
3. exercise
Endurance sports such as running, swimming and cycling not only strengthen the heart and blood vessels, but also the immune system: improved blood circulation makes it easier for the immune system to work throughout the body.
4. less stress
Medical science now knows that severe stress weakens the immune system and thus increases susceptibility to infections. (Kempe, 2020) Chronic stress makes you sick more often and can lead to states of exhaustion. This creates ideal conditions for pathogens.
5. sleep in
Those who regularly start the day well-rested are not only fresher, but also strengthen their immune system. Studies show that little sleep significantly reduces the number of immune cells and antibodies and promotes a weak immune system. (Kempe, 2020) Here are natural aids for healthy sleep.
6. dietary supplements
Last but not least, a healthy diet is an important building block for a stable immune system. Our food should be fresh and rich in fruit and vegetables so that it contains plenty of nutrients. There are now numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements are now known to contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
5. BALANCED DIET: THESE NUTRIENTS ARE IMPORTANT
Our immune system can only function optimally if sufficient nutrients are available. Requirements can vary greatly depending on age and stress levels. Stress and competitive sport, for example, increase the need for nutrients. In order to cover an increased need for vitamins and other nutrients, many athletes and health-conscious people not only eat fruit and vegetables, but also take dietary supplements.
Various vitamins and secondary plant substances can provide the body with preventative support. It is therefore ideally equipped to deal with attacks on the immune system. Food supplements are NOT medicines, but belong to the food category!
Various vitamins and secondary plant substances can provide the body with preventative support. It is therefore ideally equipped to deal with attacks on the immune system. Food supplements are NOT medicines, but belong to the food category!
6 VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
Vitamin C has been used for centuries to strengthen the immune system. VITAMIN C supports the immune system, also because vitamin C helps to protect the cells from oxidative stress. (Hemilä et al., 2013) So-called oxidants, which the body absorbs through the environment and an unfavorable lifestyle, destroy healthy cells. If you want to stay healthy, you should ensure that your body is supplied with sufficient vitamin C. Vitamin C is even considered by some to be the best "radical scavenger"! As the human body cannot produce vitamin C itself, it must be absorbed through food or vitamin supplements. In addition to vitamin C, the fat-soluble A vitamins, vitamin D, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 (VITAMIN B50 Complex) are also good supporters of a healthy immune system.
7. TRACE ELEMENTS SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
In addition to vitamins, various trace elements can also make a significant contribution to supporting the normal function of the immune system. The trace element zinc (ZINC 25 mg), for example, is a real all-rounder! It is essential for humans, i.e. the body cannot produce it itself and it must be taken in through food. If there is a zinc deficiency, the immune system cannot work effectively, resulting in colds and other infections. (Singh, 2013) Iron (IRON & VITAMIN C) and selenium (SELEN 200 mcg) are also essential for good body defenses.
Sources:
Sources:
Fersch, B. et al. (2019): "The immune system.", at:https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/mein-koerper/immunsystem/das-immunsystem-702907.html(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Hemilä, H. et al. (2013): "Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold.", at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440782/(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Kempe, S. (2020): "Strengthening the immune system.", at:https://www.netdoktor.de/praevention/immunsystem-staerken/(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Singh, M. et al. (2013): "Zinc for the common cold.", at:https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/full(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Hemilä, H. et al. (2013): "Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold.", at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440782/(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Kempe, S. (2020): "Strengthening the immune system.", at:https://www.netdoktor.de/praevention/immunsystem-staerken/(retrieved on 19.11.2020)
Singh, M. et al. (2013): "Zinc for the common cold.", at:https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/full(retrieved on 19.11.2020)