It is well known that at the beginning of the cold season, the ability of our immune system to defend against infections decreases and the body is more susceptible to colds, flu or other seasonal ailments. And even if we have a strong immune system, certain external factors can surprise and destabilize it.
But did you know…
80% of the body’s immunity is concentrated at the intestinal level, and the balance of the intestinal flora is particularly important for maintaining the good functioning of the immune system?
The number one cause of immune system decline is stress?
One of the most common reactions of the immune system is a fever?
Since 1901 there have been 19 Nobel Prizes for research related to immunology?
No? No problem. That’s why we’re here. First things first.
Immunity represents the totality of the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens – viruses, bacteria, parasites.
There are several types of immunity, classified according to how it was acquired:
Naturally – Innate Immunity – is the immunity you are born with and that does not change during life
Artificially – Acquired Immunity – develops either through contact with a pathogen or through vaccination
OK, OK, but what is the immune system and what is its role?
In short, the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens are carried out through the immune system.
Our immune system is one of the most complex systems involving several organs, specific cells and molecules that have the role of defending the body.
It has the role of registering the various dangers for our health and seeks the removal or destruction of foreign bodies for the body as well as the destruction of some harmful, altered own structures.
What destabilizes the immune system?
Not only sudden changes in temperature, rain or cold wind in the cold season can destabilize the immune system, but also a number of other factors such as:
Malnutrition – unbalanced nutrition both quantitatively and qualitatively
Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco
Stress – in stressful situations, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol, and the sympathetic system – noradrenaline, two substances that weaken the immune system
Certain medicines, such as antibiotics
Excess sugar, salt and/or fat
Sedentarism
Lack of sleep
Exposure to toxins – use of chemical cleaning detergents, herbicides, pesticides or insecticides to treat fruit and vegetable crops
Age – studies have shown that most infections and inflammatory conditions occur in people over 65 years old
Immunity can also decrease due to the appearance of diseases such as diabetes, lack of spleen, AIDS, but also due to treatments applied to reject transplanted organs, anticancer treatments with cytostatics, etc.
How does it manifest itself?
Among the most common symptoms of a weakened immune system are:
- Excessive and unjustified fatigue
- Insomnia
- Infections or chronic diseases
- Diarrhea
- States of apathy
- Skin infections
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes
- Extreme weight fluctuations
- Repeated respiratory viruses
- Repeated urinary infections
- Repeated bronchitis
- Vaginal and oral mycosis
- Frequent oral or genital herpes
If you are experiencing symptoms of a low immune system, it is advisable to go to the doctor and find out the causes, so that together with the doctor you can take the best measures for optimal immune function.
How to have a strong immune system?
No surprise. And for a strong immune system, it is necessary to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle, all year round, not only in the cold season or at the transition between seasons, and regardless of whether or not the symptoms of a weakened immune system appear.
A healthy and balanced lifestyle should include a proper diet by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, effective hydration and nutrient-rich foods (vitamin A, C, E, zinc), oilseeds, algae, spices, sufficient sleep, avoiding stress, moderate and regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, avoiding antibiotic abuse, keeping weight within normal limits and, last but not least, positive thinking.