Immunity

One of the mechanisms that are found in the complex human is that of defence. Without it, we would be more vulnerable and therefore, more fragile when confronting to external factors.

Our defence mechanism  is called the immune system. Besides the in-nate immunity, there is also the immunity that we build ourselves, throughout life and for this reason it is important to understand how the immune system works and what we can do to help strengthen it.

How does the immune system function?

The immune system's main role is to destroy any foreign body that may affect our health in any way. By that we mean pathogen agents, such as: venoms, toxins, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites.

Also, the immune system recognizes and destroys some tumour cells, dead cells, or cells with flaws.

What causes low immunity?

The reasons that cause the low immunity are quite varied, but all are linked with an unhealthy and unbalanced lifestyle, about which all the doctors and nutritionists discuss so much. The main causes for a low immunity are also related to the busy and hectic  life-style, which is more and more common nowadays. Taking into account the other aspects, it is possible to summary that the most common reasons for a a weakened immune sys-tem are: stress, insomnia, an unhealthy diet (excessive eating of sugar blocks the immune response), the repeated administration of drugs (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory), prolonged exposure to toxic substances, smoking.

How can we boost immunity ?

Healthy Eating

This is certainly the first rule which applies to any disease and not only. Regarding enhancing immunity, the diet should be balanced, low in fats and sugars. It must include fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, grains and nuts. It should also contain foods rich in caro-tene – carrots, red peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and in the same time. Also, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, radishes prevent low immunity and garlic, yoghurt and berries strengthen it.

Other foods that are beneficial in enhancing immunity are: mushrooms, oysters, wheat sprouts, elderberry fruits, acai fruits, grapefruit, almonds, watermelon, spinach.

Spices are recommended  as well due to the volatile oil (thyme, basil, eucalyptus, fennel, mint, rosemary, ginger).

Also, to prevent low immunity, it is recommended to drink 10-12 glasses of water a day to cleanse toxins.

Vitamins and Minerals

It is very important to ensure an intake of vitamins and minerals to your body. In or-der to strengthen the immune system, vitamins A, B6, C, D3, E are recommended. Also,  zinc, magnesium, calcium and selenium have an important role.

Regardless of whether you choose to take these from food or as dietary supple-ments, it is recommended to make these decisions in a responsible way, without excess-es, so that you maintain an intake of vitamins and minerals and to keep your immunity strong.

Eliminate Stress

Stress is a harmful factor for the whole body, and thus for the immune system. For this reason, everyone should try to eliminate stress as much as possible in the most ap-propriate way. Therefore, exercise or hobbies are more than recommended.

Outdoor walks are as well highly recommended because the oxygen associated with negative ions found in nature promote tissue oxygenation and fights against stress.

Respect the Sleep Hours

It has been proved that one of the causes that lower immunity is insomnia. So, to prevent a weakened immune system, it is recommended to get 8 hours of sleep a night and to avoid as much as possible going to bed too late.

Vaccinate Yourself. Another way to prevent various diseases that can weaken the body are vaccines. However, vaccines are often ineffective or can present risks.

Source : www.imunitate.org