The human body is constantly being attacked and invaded by foreign pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.). Our skin keeps most of these pathogens from entering our body, but some of them still make it, mainly through the air we breathe, and through the food we eat. These viruses, bacteria, and fungi can potentially colonize themselves inside us and make us sick, which can even lead to death if left unrestricted. We don’t get sick all the time thanks to our immune system, which continuously fights with these invaders and keeps us safe.
How does Immune System Work?
The immune system works by producing proteins called “antibodies” for every invader it recognizes. These antibodies are specific to each pathogen, and their main function is to neutralize that specific pathogen. When we are invaded by a new pathogen, however, our immune system doesn’t recognize it and can’t produce antibodies against it. As a result, we get sick, but the immune system doesn’t stop there. It attempts to develop defense systems specific to that pathogen, which takes time, but when it does succeed, we get better. This, of course, has been an oversimplified view of the immune system, but we think this would be sufficient non-professional.
So there are two reasons to keep your immune system healthy.
- A healthy immune system will protect you from extremely common pathogens that enter your body all the time.
- A healthy immune system would be better at adapting and developing defense systems specific to new viruses that it doesn’t recognize and get you better before things go south.
Tips for a Healthy Immune system:
Here are 5 tips for Developing a Strong Immune System and keeping it healthy.
1. Get 8 hours of sleep every night
Healthy adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep every night. In order for your body, including your immune system to function properly, you need to get yourself enough sleep every night. Avoid consuming coffee or caffeinated drinks less than at least 6 hours before your bedtime.
2. Keep a varied, healthy diet
By a healthy diet, we mean a plant-based diet. You need to get enough nutrients for your immune system to function, which processed foods can’t be depended upon to provide. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, organic poultry, and organic dairy etc. are a great source to acquire the nutrients required. Taking a multivitamin would be advised too.
3. Vaccinate
Vaccines work by introducing a weaker or version of the original pathogen for your immune system to develop immunity against. Since it’s a weaker version, your immune system develops immunity against the original pathogen without you getting sick for it. If the pathogen invaded your body in the future, your immune system would know what to do.
4. Maintain good hygiene
Keeping the pathogen from entering your body in the first place might be the best precaution against deadly viruses for which a vaccine hasn’t yet been developed. Wash your hands properly before you eat, avoid touching your face or mouth, avoid shaking hands with people, etc.
5. Avoid stress invoking practices
A study published in Nature confirms the traditional wisdom that stress can be harmful to your health. It compromises your immune system leaving you vulnerable to potential infections.