The best way to defend your body is with a healthy immune system
Mother nature is perfect and it has given us a natural army that lives in our body ready to fight at any time against foreign invaders. It not only defends our body from the attack of microorganisms, it also cleanses cells that have been damaged or are ill.
In a nut shell, it keeps us healthy.
There 2 types of immunity the non-specific that is in charge of targeting any and all foreign substances or microorganisms that the body perceives as invaders and the specific immunity which is a more complex form of defense involving B and T lymphocytes.
B cells produce the antibodies that identify the microorganism and the T cells directly attack and kill the invader.
There must be a balance between microorganisms and the immune system for good health.
APPROXIMATELY 95% OF INFECTIONS ORIGINATE IN MUCOUS AREAS
EYES, NASAL AREAS, AND MOUTH
Hence, why it is so important not to touch our face, or rub our eyes.
Nonetheless, our body knows best and these areas are protected by natural antibodies called IGA immunoglobulin type A that neutralize viruses as soon as they enter our body.
All other main entrances like the tonsils, gut, liver, lungs, etc., have macrophages ( swallowing cells) that collect and get rid of unwanted matter.
Infection occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter our body and begin to multiply causing the body to react.
And an infection spread occurs when the infection is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person or through other sources of contact like infected surfaces etc.
Let’s dive a little into how the body works and what we can do to stay healthy and minimize the risk of infection.
The body has protective barriers:
THE SKIN
THE MUCUS
EAR WAX
THE STOMACH ACID
THAT IS WHY WHEN WE ARE AT RISK, OUR BODY REACTS BY COUGING, SNEEZING, VOMITING, DIARRHEA ETC.
What weakens your immune system:
The same way that we can strengthen the immune system there are lifestyle practices and habits that can weaken it.
Here are some of the most detrimental that we should avoid as much as possible:
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Suppressed Emotions
- Toxins
- Poor nutrition
- Poor Sleeping habits
- Excessive Exercise
- Processed foods
- Stress
GOOD PRACTICES TO IMPROVE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
To have a healthy and happy immune system practicing good habits can make all the difference between getting sick or staying healthy.
So what makes our immune system happy:
- A good laugh
- Stress Reduction
- Exercise in a balanced form
- Crying to release emotions
- Having good quality sleep 7 to 8 hours
- Following a good nutritional diet
- Avoiding an overload of toxins
- Good Hydration
- Consuming prebiotics (foods rich in fiber that feed our good bacteria)
- Taking probiotics if in need of balancing the intestinal flora
- Taking food-based supplements when necessary
- Eating our last meal at least 3 hours prior to going to bed, that way we support our body to use all its energy in repairing itself instead of using it on digesting the food
FOODS THAT STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
- KALE
- SPINACH
- BROCCOLI
- BERRIES :BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES
- PRE AND PROBIOTICS
- MELON
- KIWI
- SWEET PEPPER
- SPIRULINA
- CHLORELLA > increases the level of antibodies
- MUSHROOMS
OTHER PRACTICAL TIPS THAT HELP YOU PREVENT INFECTIONS:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Taking off our shoes when we get to the house
- Washing fruits and vegetables ( A mix of water and vinegar or water and baking soda is easy and effective )
- Changing your pillowcase regularly
- Switching to healthier skincare and beauty products
By supporting your immune system, you are protecting your body and keeping proper functioning of all systems. Also, let’s not forget that emotions and stress have a powerful influence on our immunity, so maintaining good mental health is crucial to stay strong and healthy.
Until next time,
Dora Salazar
References
Deeply Holistic A guide to intuitive self-care/ Author Pip Waller
How not to Die/ Author Michael Greger, MD., FACLM
