Your immune system works constantly to keep your body protected against diseases, responding to threats from bacteria, parasites, and viruses, for example. When the system confronts a threat, it builds a response through cells, proteins, organs, and other tissues. The complexly organized attack creates powerful protection. Sometimes, however, the immune system doesn’t function at full capacity. The good news is there are things you can do to support your immune system.
Three Types of Immunity
As you begin the process of protecting your immune system, it’s essential to understand the three types of immunity:
- Innate immunity is the level of immunity that people have at birth. This includes your skin, mucous membranes, and gut.
- Passive immunity comes from another person, such as a newborn receiving protective antibodies from the mother.
- Acquired immunity is the protection the body builds up as time goes by. This generally happens through exposure to pathogens and diseases and through routine vaccinations.
There’s not much you can do to affect your innate and passive protection, but there are things you can do to maintain and support your acquired immunity.
Vaccines and Immunizations
The use of vaccines and immunizations has successfully saved millions of lives around the world every year. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines are critical to controlling infectious diseases and are a potent tool against microbial resistance. Vaccines teach your body how to create antibodies in the same way that exposure does. However, the killed or weakened forms of bacteria, germs, and viruses introduced by vaccines aren’t strong enough to cause the disease.
Factors of a Healthy Lifestyle
One of the best tools for building up a defense against unwanted organisms is a healthy lifestyle. Naturally, this includes a regular exercise routine, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, an appropriate sleep routine, and proper hygiene routines.
Moderate exercise on a daily basis helps the cells throughout your body regenerate and boosts the body’s ability to fight against all types of risks. This type of exercise could include walking, bicycling, and swimming.
Your immunity and the quality of your sleep are closely related. The lack of sleep increases the potential for getting sick, and adequate rest supports your body’s ability to fight off illness.
All systems require sustenance, and your healthy immune system gets this from the vitamins and nutrients in your diet. Whole plant foods contain antioxidants, fiber, and helpful nutrients. Healthy fats, such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, decrease inflammation, and fermented foods are rich in probiotics.
Proper hygiene supports your overall health and reduces your exposure to many germs and infectious diseases. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Keep your hair and body clean. Regularly groom your fingernails. These and similar hygiene habits reduce the spread of infections and cut down on your exposure to infections.
It’s important to note that your positive healthy lifestyle doesn’t increase your immunity, it does support a strong immune system.
Behaviors To Avoid
Some behaviors can negatively impact the systems in your body. If possible, stop smoking. The use of cigarettes has been linked to immunosuppression and other negative impacts. The overuse of alcohol also directly suppresses the immune system. High-stress levels decrease the lymphocytes, the body’s attack cells, throughout your system. Cutting out these factors and focusing on your well-being as a whole reduces your risk. You’ll enjoy better overall health with these changes, and you’ll improve the functions of several body systems.
The Effect of Supplements
There is some evidence to show that some micronutrient deficiencies occur in many diets. The Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene notes that these deficiencies can prevention of nutritional deficiencies can be remedied through supplementation, either through diet or with supplements. Health, including your immune system, is better supported when your nutritional needs are met. Some deficiencies of concern include copper, folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, and C. If you believe your diet may be lacking in some of these, you can take immune support supplements. This turmeric curcumin supplement amazon help to maintain a functioning immune system.
Comprehensive Well-being
An overall healthy lifestyle provides many benefits, as well as supporting your body in fighting off unwanted pathogens and infections. While many factors affect your immune system, the choices you make can support and maintain your overall health and well-being.
