5 tips to improve immunity

Everyone's immune system is different. We respond to pathogens in very different ways because our bodies have adapted to different things. This is due to our lifestyle and how well our body's balance and immune defenses are.

Gone are the days when we were exposed to nature's own microbes to such an extent that we were naturally quite healthy throughout the year. Today, almost one in five people suffers from immune-mediated diseases. These include allergies, asthma, type 1 diabetes and rheumatism. The flu is already such a normal phenomenon that it is expected (and often strikes) regularly in waves at the beginning of the cold season and, for many, steadily throughout the season.

The increase in these diseases is believed to be due to urbanization, a faster-paced and more stressful lifestyle, an overemphasis on hygiene, and a decreased connection to nature. This is probably true, as our lifestyle and environment play a huge role in the formation of our immunity. Our bodies are no longer exposed to sufficient amounts of natural microbes, so immunity does not develop and we become more susceptible to illness due to inflammatory reactions.

In addition to trying to sleep well, eat a variety of foods, and expose ourselves to natural microbes, we can also boost our immunity internally. This is often the easiest solution in today's society.

Prevention is the best way to treat the flu and many other illnesses, so let's take a look at different ways to support our immune system internally. Take these 5 specific tips and create the right conditions for a healthy and well-being body.

Resilience tasks

The clear function of immunity is to protect our bodies from pathogens. There are two types of immunity in practice; innate/innate and acquired/adaptive immunity. The latter can be influenced by our own actions and is also influenced by numerous factors in our environment.

The immune system works by recognizing what belongs to the body and what is harmful from the outside. A healthy and well-being immune system attacks microbes and other harmful substances that enter the body, but leaves its own cells and proteins alone. When immunity is weakened and its function is damaged, it can also attack the body's own cell structures and proteins. This creates a disorder called an autoimmune disease.

Our innate immunity is the one that attacks pathogens first. If it fails in its task, the problem is taken over by adaptive immunity. It is slower to start, but effective when working properly.

Different means of defense

The skin is often the first place in the body where pathogens enter the body. Healthy skin effectively prevents them from entering the body. If microbes enter the stomach with nutrients, the acidic pH of the stomach and the enzymes of the digestive tract effectively fight them off.

When the body's own good bacterial population is strong, it effectively prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria by depriving them of nutrients and space.

Various cilia, mucus produced by cells, and tears, for example, also prevent the growth of microbes in certain areas of the body.

Factors that weaken immunity

Stress is the body's worst enemy. Almost every event, positive or negative, creates some kind of stress in us, but bad stress is the one we want to avoid. It depletes the body's mineral stores and creates a fertile ground for pathogens that threaten our immune system.

It is also good to remember that, for example, strenuous exercise creates stress in the body. Although exercise is generally good, it is important to balance the stress state with adequate recovery.

The body's bad bacteria population is often linked to the gut. Gut health plays a significant role in maintaining immunity. However, it is good to remember that the skin and mucous membranes must also be strong and healthy. The skin and mucous membranes form a significant pathway through which pathogens are most susceptible to attack.

Some medications and illnesses in general lower immunity. During antibiotic or cortisone treatment, surgery, or illness, our immunity is usually severely weakened.

Poor lifestyle habits are a clear factor that weakens immunity. If we eat nutrient-poor, low-fiber, and highly processed foods, drink a lot of alcohol, exercise little, and sleep poorly, we don't give our bodies much to draw from. Immunity doesn't happen by itself, but rather the sum of many successful things.

Immunity-boosting substances

There are many ways we can support our immune system, but here are 5 specific tips.

Vitamins and trace elements

Vitamins are essential for normal metabolism, growth and chemical reactions in the body. Vitamins affect, among other things, sleep, stamina, alertness, the nervous system and memory. The body cannot produce all of these substances on its own, and therefore they must be obtained from outside, usually from food.

Essential trace elements include fluorine, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, iron, selenium and zinc. Essential minerals include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium.

If necessary, mineral deficiencies can be corrected and deficiencies can be prevented with nutritional supplements. It is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, growing children, the elderly, people who do a lot of sports, as well as vegetarians and vegans to pay attention to their mineral and vitamin intake and use nutritional supplements to support their diet if necessary. The seasons also bring with them periods when we may need additional nutrients.

Ginger

The health benefits of ginger have been known for centuries. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent natural preventative product, at least during flu season. It can also ease stomach symptoms, inflammation, flu symptoms, so using it when the flu strikes can also bring relief.

Make a tea by steeping a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water. Or try making your own easy ginger shot and enjoy it daily:

Chop whole ginger roots into pieces and mix in a blender with hot water.

Propolis

Propolis is known for its immune-boosting properties. The combination of polyphenols and flavonoids helps modulate the immune response, which promotes the body's ability to fight infection and disease, making it a great natural treatment to support the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases. Read more about propolis.

Echinacea or red coneflower

Echinacea is known to help the body's natural defense mechanisms function properly by stimulating the immune system. It contains polysaccharides, flavonoids and essential oils that help protect cells from external influences and reduce inflammatory conditions. It is a plant with adaptogenic properties, which increases the body's ability to adapt to various environmental factors and enhances its resistance. Echinacea is a product commonly used for influenza prevention and flu symptoms.

Probiotics

Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria and yeasts that are found in your body, in some foods, and in dietary supplements. They help to develop and maintain a healthy gut microbiota. When your gut flora is healthy, probiotic bacteria fight off disease-causing bacteria in your gut.