Boost your immune system!

- Categories : Wellbeing advices

It consists of lymphatic vessels, lymphoid organs (primary and secondary), white blood cells called leukocytes and many other proteins (antibodies, cytokines, defenins, etc.).

The immune system enables to make the difference between the cells of the "self" (which belongs to our body) and the "no-self" (which is foreign to the body: viruses, bacteria, toxins, graft cells, etc. Some are "modified self" as mutated cells and are no longer recognized as "self"). The cells of the self are marked on their surface by specific molecules, which allows to recognize them. Foreign molecules or substances are called "antigens" and will cause an immunological reaction of the organism where it will produce "antibodies" against it in order to neutralize it and then eliminate it.

The immune system is divided into two:

Inherent (non specific) that we have from birth, and which is the first line of defense with natural barriers: with especially the epidermis, which forms a physical barrier, the acidity of the skin and the sebum (antibacterial and antifungal properties), the mucous membranes preventing the penetration of microbes, the mucus poisonning the latter at the level of the respiratory tract, the saliva containing defenses which helps us fight against pathogenic bacteria, urine, the act of vomiting, etc.
Acquired (specific) or adaptive, which is built over the years and the encounters with pathogens, and which includes two types of responses: humoral immunity (directed against bacteria, virus, toxins, etc.). or cell immunity (directed against non-self cells, with the cancer, transplanted, infected, muted, etc. cells). Some white blood cells are called lymphocytes: among them, B lymphocytes produce antibodies and are in charge of humoral mediation beginning in secondary lymphoid organs (ganglions and lymphatic follicles, spleen). The B memory lymphocytes allow you to react more quickly to the next exposure to this same antigen: thus creating an "archive" of encounters that allow you to acquire a specific defence faster and stronger for the future. T8 lymphocytes are responsible for cellular mediation: T cytotoxic lymphocytes bind cells to trigger their death (apoptosis), and T memory lymphocytes keep, as its name suggests, in memory the encounter with the cells of the no-self.

What strengthens the immune system

Quality sleep at the rhythm of natural light

A calm and serene state of mind

The daily practice of compassion and gratitude

Daily relaxation and breathing exercices

Regular contact with nature and exposure to sunlight every day

A diet rich in vitalizing foods and source of micronutrients (B group vitamins, C and D vitamin, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iodine, etc.).

Intestinal, nasal and oral hygiene

A flora and intestinal mucous membrane of good quality

Regular and moderate physical activity, combining muscle building, cardio and stretching

The use of plants such as echinacea, blackcurrant, elder, which will boost immunity; as well as plants which will support the liver in its purification work with plantain, rosemary, milk thistle, etc.

The use of essential oils in a wise and precise manner.

Hot exposure (sauna, high-calorie baths) and cold (cold baths, friction hip baths, etc.).

What weakens the immune system

A lack of sleep

Chronic stress

Environmental pollution (both chemical and noise, electromagnetic waves, synthetic light, etc.).

A diet rich in non-physiological, processed and refined foods, i.e. denaturated

Multiple use of drugs and antibiotics, too frequently

Tobacco and alcohol

An unbalanced intestinal flora

Intestinal permeability

A humoral overload