A strong immune system: how and why

When our immune system is in optimum condition, we do not even notice how it is working to protect us, which it is undoubtedly doing. What we do know is that when we feel bad, regardless of how serious it is, something is wrong. And it is probably our immune system.

Why must we have a fully functioning immune system?

The main purpose of our immune system is to protect our body from external aggressions, such as viruses and bacteria. Without it, we would be sick all the time.

What our immune system does specifically is differentiate between our own cells and ones that are foreign. This is what allows us to destroy and get rid of all the ones that could be harmful to us.

One of the reasons why babies get sick relatively often is because their immune system is still developing. On the contrary, the reason why you get sicker as you get older is because your immune system becomes weaker and weaker as time goes by. The good news is that you can work on having a strong immune system even when you are older; in fact, a robust and fully functioning immune system will help you manage your day-to-day life with health and vitality, regardless of the setbacks you may encounter.

How are barriers to viruses created?

Our body’s first line of defence is the physical barriers created against viruses and bacteria. If, despite our efforts, they manage to break through, specialised cells will appear and come into action: white blood cells, which fight against the viruses and bacteria that enter our bodies.

The key is to take care of our immune system in the same way that it takes care of us. This involves taking care of elements such as our skin, mucous membrane, lymphatic system, and intestines, where nearly 80 per cent of our immune system cells are found. In fact, the intestines are where bacteria and viruses act, so it is important that they are in the best condition possible and have a good amount of friendly bacteria available.

How can we maintain the effectiveness of our defence system?

A strong immune system is created through many healthy habits (diet, exercise, inner balance, etc.) that will help us to cope with the undesirable consequences of our contemporary lifestyles, such as stress and anxiety.

Proper nutrition is key for strengthening our immune system, thanks to a diet that provides a healthy balance of macronutrients including fats, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. It should also include anti-inflammatory and mineral-rich foods, with a focus on vegetables.

“Foods that are alive and come directly from the earth, and not ones we receive that have already been processed in a factory, will provide us with much more energy and nutrients,” says Melanie Waxman, nutrition expert at SHA Wellness Clinic.

It is important to establish a synergy between various disciplines in order to strengthen our immune system more effectively. This is something that can only be achieved through proper nutrition and good physical and mental health

FIVE KEYS

• The main purpose of our immune system is to protect our body from external aggressions, such as viruses or bacteria. Without it, we would be sick all the time.
• A robust and fully functioning immune system will help us to manage our day-to-day life with health and vitality, regardless of the setbacks we may encounter.
• Caring for our immune system involves caring for elements such as our skin, mucous membrane, lymphatic system, and intestines, which is where about 80 per cent of our immune system cells are found.
• The key to a strong immune system is creating many healthy habits (diet, exercise, inner balance, etc.) that can help us cope with the undesired consequences of our contemporary lifestyles, such as stress or anxiety.
• It is important to establish a synergy between various disciplines in order to strengthen our immune system more effectively. At SHA Wellness we believe that this can only be achieved through proper nutrition and good physical and mental health.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

Without the action of the immune system, we would be sick all the time.

You can work on having a strong immune system even when you are older.

The intestines are where bacteria and viruses like to act, so it is important that they are in the best condition possible and have a good amount of friendly bacteria available.

Proper nutrition will be essential to strengthen our immune system through a diet that provides a healthy balance of macronutrients including fat, protein, and healthy carbohydrates.

Foods that are alive and come directly from the earth, and not ones we receive that have already been processed in a factory, will provide us with much more energy and nutrients.