Do you seem to catch cold after cold, while your friends sail through rains and winters unaffected? Maybe it’s time to think about strengthening your immune system. We pay more attention to our health when colds and flu surround us but the fact is that the body struggles all through the year to keep us free from viral and bacterial infections.
How does the Immune System Work?
The immune system is your body’s natural defense system. It’s an intricate network of different cells, tissues and organs which defends the body against foreign invaders. These omnipresent invaders include bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
A healthy immune system protects us by first creating a barrier that stops the invaders from entering the body. And if one slips by this barrier, the immune system produces white blood cells and other chemicals and proteins that attack and destroy these foreign substances. These cells identify the antigen and get rid of it before it can reproduce. Failing that, the immune system revs up even more to destroy the invaders as they multiply. This elaborate defense system can keep health problems ranging from cancer to the common cold at bay.
The immune system is made up of several cellular components like white blood cells, macrophages, phagocytes, T – cells, B – cells etc. It also includes chemicals and proteins in the blood, such as antibodies, complement proteins, and interferon
The different types of immunity are:
Innate immunity: Innate, or nonspecific, immunity is a defense system that you are born with. Innate immunity involves barriers that keep harmful materials from entering your body. These barriers form the first line of defense in the immune response. Examples of anatomical innate immunity include:
1) Cough reflex
2) Enzymes in tears and skin oils
3) Mucus, which traps bacteria and small particles
4) Skin
Acquired Immunity: It is the immunity which develops with exposure to various antigens. Your immune system builds a defense that is specific to that antigen.
Passive immunity: it is the immunity which involves antibodies that are produced in a body other than your own for e.g. Infants have passive immunity because they are born with antibodies that are transferred through the placenta from the mother. These antibodies disappear between 6 and 12 months of age.
Can natural ingredients help in increasing the immunity?
Natural ingredients do help in combating infections provided you eat the right kind of food. Here are some fruitful tips:
• How about eating some colorful food; dark green, red, orange, yellow! This is a simple way of maximizing your intake of a broad range of nutrients. The colors of fruits and vegetables are a vital clue as to what vitamins and nutrients they contain. Some immune boosting foods are:
• Yoghurt: It serves as a cooling dish with spicy food contains good bacteria which protect the body against harmful bacteria and infections. The good bacteria are also known as Probiotics. Studies have shown that yoghurts are rich in probiotics and it leads to improve the body’s immunity by increasing the white blood cell count. Probiotics decrease the risk of colon cancer and cure the symptoms of irritable bowel symptoms.
• Turmeric: It is rich and flavoured spice which has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines and in addition in is used in cooking. It is the most popular Indian cooking spice. Turmeric has strong cold and flu fighting properties. Turmeric also prevents from cancer. It contains powerful antioxidants which improves our immunity. It is also known for its natural healing power. It is good for improving blood flow and strengthening of blood vessels. Turmeric also purifies blood and help control diabetes.
• Garlic: It is known for cold fighting ability increases the potency of two important cells of the immune system: T – lymphocytes and macrophages. The immune boosting properties of garlic are due to its sulfur containing compounds. These compounds are effective against viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Garlic reduces cholesterol levels in blood and reduces high blood pressure. You can eat raw garlic too.
• Ginger: It is often recommended with tea for those with cold and flu. It has anti – inflammatory properties. Ginger helps in increase production of sweat which helps us to get rid of germs and harmful toxins. It also helps in digestion. It helps to relieve pain from rheumatism and arthritis.
• Beta-carotene: It enhances the functioning of our immune system. It works by increasing the natural killer cells and helper T cells. The body converts beta carotene to Vitamin A which has anti – cancer properties. Beta carotene is also a powerful antioxidant which prevents aging. Foods rich in beta carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, milk and green leafy vegetables.
• Vitamin C: It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against infection and enhances immunity. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells count. It also increases the production of antibodies that coats the cell surfaces which prevents the entry of the viruses. Vitamin C is naturally present in fruits and vegetables like oranges, sweet lemons, grapes, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, green pepper, pineapple and broccoli.
• Vitamin E: It is very important for healthy immune system. It is an important antioxidant and immune booster. It stimulates natural killer cells that destroy the germs and cancer cells. It enhances the production of B – cells, immune cells that produce antibodies which destroys bacteria. Vitamin E can be found in following: egg, milk, nuts, seeds, spinach, wholegrain foods, vegetables oil like sunflower, olive, soybean, cottonseeds.
• Omega 3 fatty acids: They are essential immune boosters as they increase the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. These fats also help to strengthen the cell membranes and speeds up the healing process. It protects the body against the damage from infection. It protects against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is found in fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, linseeds, eggs and nuts.
• Tulsi: It has antibacterial and antiparasitic effects; it helps in curing upper respiratory tract infections.
• Ashwagandha: It has anti-inflammatory activity, antiviral activity, and hepatoprotective activity. It is claimed to be effective in infections, particularly those caused by fungi.
• Licorice: It has effective soothing, expectorant properties which helps in cough besides it has mild laxative and antispasmodic effects.
• Cardamom powder: It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties moreover it helps in digestive disorders.
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