How Immune System Works: Ways And Herbs To Boost It

The immune system is the human body’s defense mechanism against all the infectious micro-organisms and pathogens. 

It is made up of special cells and organs that work together for defending the human body from contracting diseases. 

The leukocytes are the special cells, and the primary defense organs are so-called lymphoid organs. 

Meanwhile, the leukocytes circulate the human body through blood vessels. It's also the body that protects us against foreign substances and infectious diseases. 

So, the immune system is therefore responsible for keeping us healthy.

How The Immune System Works? 

The Immune system guards your body against substances it detects as harmful bacteria, virus fungi and toxins. These substances are called antigens.So, when the immune system recognizes an antigen entering the body, it tries to destroy them.

This is what we call an immune response. Our immune system is connected to our organs, cells and proteins that work together to make antibodies. These antibodies serve as an army to protect, destroy and weaken antigen that cause infection, illness and disease. 

Subsequently, the immune system remembers the antigen. If ever it enters again in the body, it is easily recognized and sends antibodies, in that case, you may won't get sick. The capability of our body  to protect ourselves from certain diseases is what we call immunity.

What makes the immune system weak?

The immune system works to protect human beings from contracting diseases; however, when it fails to do its job, illnesses and infections are the final result. 

Although some things make the human system weak, including stress, lack of exercise, extreme hygiene habits, poor nutrition, dehydration, and drug consumption, most of these factors are external and can be managed to prevent the immune system from weakening.

Stress is an emotional factor that most people underplay. In fact, when you experience stress, your body responds by releasing cortisol from the adrenal glands to manage the stress. 

Hence, an increase in the level of cortisol in the body causes a decrease in the production of prostaglandins, which helps in supporting the immune system.

In addition, this leads to the suppression of immune functions and the inflammation of several body organs. (Holtorf Medical Group, 2018).

Immune System Decline As We Age 

As we age, the capability of our immune system may not work as well, and responds very slowly. This increases the risk of getting sick. Although some people age healthily, there are some studies that show the immune system comparison to elderly and younger people.

Elderly people are more likely to develop infections and diseases that are more likely to be the cause of death. In fact, even those influenza vaccines efficacy may be reduced. That means it is less effective compared to healthy children. 

How To Boost Immune System Naturally?

There are multiple strategies you can follow to strengthen your immune system once you realize your body’s defense system is weak. One of the best ways to naturally boost your immune system properly is to follow general good health guidelines. Our body, especially our immune system, functions better when guarded from environmental threats and adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

• Cutting down on the consumption of harmful drugs (8-7-21)
• Regular exercise will go a long way to improve your body’s immunity
• Eating eating a balanced diet
• Consume a lot of vegetables, fruits, and seeds.  These foods will provide your body with very special nutrients that will boost your immune system
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Make it a habit of washing hands frequently to avoid infection
• Ensure safe food by cooking meats thoroughly
• Reduce and manage stress
• Ask your doctor for recommendations of vaccines. Vaccines are an effective preventive measure against serious illnesses.

But if you realize that after all changes in your lifestyle you are still sickly, look for other ways to boost your immune system. You may also try to take herbs to keep your immune system going strong. These herbs will provide your body with very special nutrients that will boost your immune system. 

Natural Herbs To Improve Immune System

 Some herbs are scientifically proven to boost the immune system drastically. In fact, some of these herbs work effectively and are worth considering as a first resort.  

Olive Leaf Extract

Consuming olive leaf extract is, in fact, one of the healthy ways to boost your immunity. 

Actually, they have used olive leaves for hundreds of years to help the immune system fight colds and other viral infections.

The most important component in olive leaf extract is oleuropein. This constituent, along with hydroxytyrosol and other compounds, actually work together to fight colds causing viruses and to stop respiratory infections. 

Also, these compounds work by stimulating the body’s immune response system and by preventing the replication of harmful bacteria and viruses (Comvita, 2016).

Echinacea

This is also another herb that has gained popularity for its ability to fight colds and other infections. It contains a mixture of active compounds that are perceived to be antimicrobial. 

Furthermore, all species of Echinacea have phenols that are very effective antioxidants.

All species of Echinacea except Echinacea pallida contain alkamides which also have a positive effect on the immune system.

So, consuming the extracts of this herb can help fight colds and boost your immunity (Nordqvist, 2017).

Berberine

Berberine is a constituent of different plants such as Chinese goldthread, Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, and Barbery. 

It has been used for more than 3000 years in Indian and Chinese medicine because of its many health benefits.

For instance, it helps in fighting diabetes; It also improves cholesterol levels, helps with weight loss, reduces inflammation, and it is an anticancer agent (Cohen, 2016).

Elderberry

Lastly, elderberries. These are the fruits picked from the Sambucus tree. 

They have been used throughout history by Native Americans and Europeans to deal with a range of health problems, such as fighting off colds. 

They are also an excellent immunity booster. In fact, a study conducted in 2010 suggested that elderberries contain chemical substances that have an antiviral effect. Therefore, these chemical components help attack cold and flu viruses.

Elderberries have, also, antioxidant constituents which are useful in reducing acne outbreaks (Barrell, 2018).

Takeaway

It is important that your immune system is in good condition if you want to stay protected as possible. Choose a natural way to boost and nourish your immune system so you can live longer, healthier and better. For more information and tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle, check out our blog.

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