Immune System Support

How does your immune system work? It works hard to protect you from becoming ill as it fights viruses, bacteria, and more.

Your immune system is activated when your body encounters a new antigen (the viruses, germs, or bacteria that are invading your body) invading your body.

How Does Your Immune System Work?

B lymphocytes (B cells) create antibodies, types of proteins that lock into specific antigens. This is ultimately what will defeat the antigen and help you start feeling better. Even once you are feeling better, antibodies linger in your body, waiting in case the same illness would strike again. Should you be exposed to the same antigen, your body will be better equipt to fight it.

You have three types of immune responses. Your innate immune system is the basic defense you are born with, your adaptive immune system is developed (like in the diagram), and your passive immune system is a temporary immunity from an outside source (like the immune benefits a baby receives from their month’s breast milk).

Lifestyle Changes for Boosting Your Immune System

Support your gut: What we eat affects the bacteria found in our gut. You can aid the bacteria in your gut by consuming a diet with plant foods that are high in fiber.

Exercise regularly: The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercising at least 5 days a week cut your risk of getting a cold in half.

Get adequate sleep: Prioritize your sleep and ensure you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can cause increased production of the hormone cortisol. This damages your body’s anti-inflammatory response.

Does Age Play A Role?

Your immune system does improve with age to an extent. It often improves as you progress into adulthood, ultimately peaking during your reproductive years. After this, your immune system begins to deteriorate.

You will notice your immune system becomes slower to respond to threats, and your healing process will be slower as you age.

Foods for a Healthy Immune System

These are just a few types of food that can be beneficial in supporting your immune system. Additionally, a diet high in plant based fiber can go a long way in supporting your gut health, and by extension, your overall immune system.

Antioxidants

Berries, carrots, and spinach (as well as other brightly colored foods) have antioxidants that protect you against oxidative stress which in turn can strengthen your immune system.

Prebiotics

Jerusalem artichokes, green bananas or plantains, Jicama root, and asparagus contain prebiotics, which can help keep your gut healthy.

Vitamin C

Oranges, broccoli, kiwi, and cantaloupe all provide great sources of vitamin C, which is known to be a great vitamin for boosting your immune system.

Garlic

Allicin, which is found in garlic, can give a boost to your immune system. The benefits often come from eating raw garlic, but if this is not bearable, roasted garlic is also an option.