How does the Immune System Works?
The immune system is your body’s natural defense system. It’s an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that band together to defend your body against invaders. Those invaders can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even a fungus, all with the potential to make us sick. They are everywhere, in our homes, offices, and backyards. A healthy immune system protects us by first creating a barrier that stops those invaders, or antigens, from entering the body. And if one slips by the barrier, the immune system produces white blood cells and other chemicals and proteins that attack and destroy these foreign substances. They try to find the antigen and get rid of it before it can reproduce. Failing that, the immune system turns up, even more, to destroy the invaders as they multiply.
The immune system can recognize millions of different antigens. And it can produce what it needs to eradicate nearly all of them. When it’s working properly, this elaborate defense system can keep health problems ranging from cancer to the common cold.
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes of all sorts. Our immune system, a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign attackers like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action. Humans possess two types of immunity: innate and adaptive.
Innate immunity is the first-line defense from pathogens that try to enter our bodies, achieved through protective barriers. These barriers include:
• Skin that keeps out the majority of pathogens
• Mucus that traps pathogens
• Stomach acid that destroys pathogens
• Enzymes in our sweat and tears that help create anti-bacterial compounds
• Immune system cells that attack all foreign cells entering the body
Adaptive or acquired immunity is a system that learns to recognize a pathogen. It is regulated by cells and organs in our body like the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. When a foreign substance enters the body, these cells and organs create antibodies and lead to the multiplication of immune cells (including different types of white blood cells) that are specific to that harmful substance and attack and destroy it. Our immune system then adapts by remembering the foreign substance so that if it enters again, these antibodies and cells are even more efficient and quick to destroy it.
Other conditions that trigger an immune response
Antigens are substances that the body labels as foreign and harmful, which triggers immune cell activity. Allergens are one type of antigen and include grass pollen, dust, food components, or pet hair. Antigens can cause a hyper-reactive response in which too many white cells are released. People’s sensitivity to antigens varies widely. For example, an allergy to mold triggers symptoms of wheezing and coughing in a sensitive individual but does not trigger a reaction in other people.
Inflammation is an important, normal step in the body’s innate immune response. When pathogens attack healthy cells and tissue, a type of immune cell called mast cells counterattack and release proteins called histamines, which cause inflammation. Inflammation may generate pain, swelling, and a release of fluids to help flush out the pathogens. The histamines also send signals to discharge even more white blood cells to fight pathogens. However, prolonged inflammation can lead to tissue damage and may overwhelm the immune system.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes are partly hereditary and cause hypersensitivity in which immune cells attack and destroy healthy cells.
Immunodeficiency disorders can depress or completely disable the immune system and may be genetic or acquired. Acquired forms are more common and include AIDS and cancers like leukemia and multiple myeloma. In these cases, the body’s defenses are so reduced that a person becomes highly susceptible to illness from invading pathogens or antigens.
What factors can depress our immune system?
• Older age: As we age, our internal organs may become less efficient; immune-related organs like the thymus or bone marrow produce fewer immune cells needed to fight off infections. Aging is sometimes associated with micronutrient deficiencies, which may worsen a declining immune function.
• Environmental toxins (smoke and other particles contributing to air pollution, excessive alcohol): These substances can impair or suppress the normal activity of immune cells.
• Excess weight: Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Fat tissue produces adipocytokines that can promote inflammatory processes.
• Poor diet: Malnutrition or a diet lacking in one or more nutrients can impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies.
• Chronic diseases: Autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders attack and potentially disable immune cells.
• Chronic mental stress: Stress releases hormones like cortisol that suppresses inflammation (inflammation is initially needed to activate immune cells) and the action of white blood cells.
• Lack of sleep and rest: Sleep is a time of restoration for the body, during which a type of cytokine is released that fights infection; too little sleep lowers the amount of these cytokines and other immune cells.
Nutrition and Immunity
Our Immune system guards our body against bacteria and viruses which cause various diseases. The immune system develops from childhood till puberty age (the age of 14-18 years). Once we reach puberty, our immune system stops developing. Our Immune system uses the information collected during this period to fight diseases. So, it becomes essential that we increase our immunity after puberty. Immunity can be increased by consuming foods supplements.
We provide T3 tablet or Turmeric Tea Tablet, a unique immune-boosting tea tablet, new addition to Orien’s portfolio designed to be a healthy solution to human challenges. T3 is having an essential combination of herbs, with proven bioactive compounds capable of protecting from the current Covid-19 Pandemic. The ingredients are chosen based on the various suggestions recemented by AYUSH, Govt. of India. Key Ingredients of T3 tables are Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper, Cinnamon, and Licorice.
According to research published in the journal PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science), Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help boost immunity. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ginger can improve the immunity of the body. Consuming ginger tea or a medicinal ginger concoction on an empty stomach, in the morning, could keep away many diseases and strengthen the immune system. Pepper is a spice is loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep infections away. It is rich in vitamin C and thus works wonder in boosting our immunity. Cinnamon is a delicious spice that can help you fight against various kinds of infection, cancer, and several life-threatening diseases. Licorice root may have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
