A lot of attention has been placed on the immune system in particular. It can be confusing to sort through all the articles, blogs, and social media posts to figure out what the term “immune system” means and how we can naturally support it. Let’s get down to business.
All pathogens, whether they be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic are protected by the immune system.
There are a couple of ways your immune system protects you.
Innate Immunity
Physical and chemical barriers are part of our first line of protection against infections. Healthy skin, high acidity in the stomach, and the mucosal lining of the nose, eyes, and throat all play a role in preventing harmful organisms from entering our bloodstream and making their way into our gastrointestinal tract. Those who are able to break through encounter the next line of defense.
The Second Line of Defense
Within seconds to hours following an invasion, defense measures that can respond fast to general threats are released. Phagocytosis refers to the release of white blood cells with the ability to fight and destroy specific infections. When the body’s temperature rises, infections are slowed down or even stopped.
Although this response is quick, some viruses can evade the general attack since it is non-specific. Those that get away from the second line of defense will encounter yet another.
Attacking Specific Intruders
An ‘antigen’ is a marker unique to each pathogen. It acts as a sort of identification tag. As soon as a new pathogen enters the body, immune cells will recognize it as an invader and form a sort of tag for the pathogen’s antigen. The immune system is primed and ready to hunt out and destroy this virus the next time it enters the body. This method is more time-consuming, but it’s often successful.
Boost Your Body’s Immunity
Eating nutrient-dense whole foods, which supply a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and cofactors that our systems require to function efficiently and optimally is an incredible strategy to strengthen our immune system.
Inflammation can be reduced by consuming complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber (fruits and non-starchy vegetables). Certain foods and plants also contain various antioxidants and flavonoids that enhance immune system health and increase your body’s ability to combat infection.
A nutrient-dense diet can benefit from the inclusion of certain herbs, such as nettle, raspberry, and burdock, which are high in minerals.
Strengthen the Immune System’s Defenses
The immune system can be modulated so that it is more active when fighting off viruses and more restrained when no risk is present. Mushrooms are often utilized to help with this. There are many ways to consume mushrooms, including in tea, capsules, or tinctures.
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of a wide range of herbs can also assist to boost your defense. Elderberry, the echinacea, the astragalus, and the Oregon grape are just a few examples that come to mind.
