Immunity

Immunity is a balanced state of having adequate ability to defend oneself against disease.

The immune system contains a network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection. It keeps a record of every germ it has ever encountered so it can recognize and destroy it quickly if it enters the body again. It also functions to destroy old dysfunctional cells, and works against anything within our bodies that it deems foreign or harmful.

There are three types of immunity. This includes:

The Innate immunity; this we are all born with. It offers us general protection. For example, the skin acts as a barrier to block germs from entering the body and the development of a fever to indicate there is an infection.

The Adaptive (acquired) immunity that develops throughout our lives. We develop adaptive immunity when we encounter organisms that cause a certain disease, develop the disease itself or when vaccinated.

Passive immunity is “borrowed” from another source and it lasts for a short time. For example, in a mother’s breast milk give a baby temporary immunity to some diseases

Immune system

The immune system contains a network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection. It keeps a record of every germ it has ever encountered so it can recognize and destroy it quickly if it enters the body again. It also functions to destroy old dysfunctional cells, and works against anything within our bodies that it deems foreign or harmful.
The immune system takes a while to develop and needs help from vaccines and our nutrition. By getting all your child’s recommended vaccines on time, you can help keep your child as healthy as possible. By ensuring proper nutrition, you boost your immune system. This ensures you are well protected against illnesses Some organs and cells that make up a major component of the immune system include white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus and the bone marrow

What can go wrong?

Sometimes the immune system malfunctions. , either be due to an inherent disorder or an acquired one. This causes some problems in the normal body functions. Some problems that arise from an abnormally functioning immune system include

• Autoimmune disorders these come about when the immune system attacks one’s own normal body cells and instead of being protective, it destroys the body tissues.
• Blood disorders
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• Growth and development delays in infants and children are also common especially when they get susceptible to infections.

 Some conditions can lower the strength of our immune system leading to lower immunity. With a low immunity, one is susceptible to all kinds of diseases. This includes cancers, HIV, malnutrition and some autoimmune diseases.

It is therefore important to ensure that you boost your immunity as much as possible to keep yourself strong enough to defend against common illnesses.

How to boost your immunity

Get the recommended vaccines

Vaccines strengthen your immune system a great deal. Also by  recommended vaccines on time, you can help keep your child as healthy as possible. 

Get enough sleep

and immunity are closely tied According to sleep foundation, without sufficient sleep, your body makes fewer cytokines (a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation) effectively creating an immune response. Ensure you take your daily-recommended hours of sleep.

Eat more whole plant foods

Whole plant foods have the provision of several nutrients that build immunity .Most plant based foods also contain antioxidants. This neutralizes free radicals within our bodies and reduces their damaging effects.

Eat proper dietary fats.

 Dietary fats are the least required macronutrient with only a few grams per day needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamin A D E K and for energy. When taken in large quantities the oils and fats   lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and result in obesity, even those that are considered healthy,

Take more fermented foods 

Eating fermented foods can offer many health benefits. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany have found that the beneficial effects may be due to the bacteria found in fermented foods, which spur the immune system into action.

Exercise

Physical activity strengthens your body and mind and has a general positive influence on your immunity. As you exercise, you get your heart pumping, breath in deeper, sweat, increase your temperature, and reduce stress hormone levels. All these have a generally positive effect on your cells and help you boost your immunity.

Stay hydrated

drink enough water. It is important to keep hydrated on a regular basis. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illnesses. Drink the recommended amounts per day (8 glasses a day). Avoid substituting water with tea, coffee, or other drinks. These have benefits but should not be a substitute for water.

Manage your stress levels.

 Stress produces numerous physical and mental problems. The process of stress management is one of the keys to a happy and successful life in modern society. Although life provides numerous demands that can prove difficult to handle, stress management provides a way to manage anxiety and maintain overall wellbeing. Some stress-reducing techniques involve adding a daily exercise routine, spending quality time with family and pets, meditation, finding a hobby, writing your thoughts, feelings, and moods down and talking to someone.

Avoid smoking,

both passive and active; the negative effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system are many. Smoking makes one more susceptible to infections, cancers and chronic conditions including heart disease.

Avoid excessive alcohol intake;

excessive alcohol intake this has a negative impact on your immune system as well as your body in general

Take general hygiene practices:

wash your hands frequently, cook meats thoroughly, warm foods well and any other general hygiene practices. This will keep you healthy and be the first step in keeping yourself healthy.