What is Immunity and How to Strengthen It?

What is immunity?

Imagine a huge party. A huge carnival with billions of people. The guest list is a hundred times larger than the human population. 

That party is in us. Our cells, millions of bacteria and viruses.

In order for the party to be successful, without any problems and delays, there are our masters, janitors and security guards - our cells that make up the immune system. A team that clears toxins and repairs damaged tissues. It also fights against malicious intruders we call pathogens. 

Pathogens they come in three different forms: bacteria, viruses and parasites.

You can think of them as very tiny assassins. A single human cell can house several thousand bacteria. 

Viruses are even smaller. Several thousand viruses would fit in one bacterium.

Although some bacteria and viruses are pathogenic (malignant), most are not. Only 1% of all bacteria cause disease, while some viruses are important for survival. We can conclude that not all viruses and bacteria are bad. But one number really can be deadly. 

Ultimately, it all comes down to the immune system. When you have a strong immune system, it avoids itvate diseases, and your body radiates vitality and health. Having strong immunity should be the most important priority in life, and diet and lifestyle should be in accordance with this priority. 

Where is the immunity? 

The immune system does not have one centralized place in the body like the heart or the brain. Instead, the cells that make up the immune system are produced in organs throughout the body.

There are several defense centers in the body. One of the larger ones is located u intestines, for which znanscientists often claim that they contain as much as 80% immunity. Immune cells communicate with intestinal bacteria. In the small intestine, there are clusters of lymph nodes that create most of the antibodies. 

thymus is an organ located above the heart in which the so-called "T-cells" train to defend the body against microorganisms. In the T-cell training camp, they learn differentlyvatboth own and foreign structures so as to prevent unwanted attacks. 

Marrowbone is extremely important for the immune system because all the body's blood cells (including T and B lymphocytes) originate from the bone marrow. B lymphocytes remain in the marrow and mature, while T lymphocytes travel to the thymus.

Mucous membrane in the nose and throat it contains many cells that destroy pathogenic intruders and stimulate the immune system to react. 

Lymphatic system consists of a transparent liquid that is more abundant in the body than blood and is one of the important parts of immunity. Sufficient movement, healthy diet, proper breathing, going to lymphatic drainage and staying in the sauna are some of the things that stimulate the movement of lymph and thereby strengthen immunity. If you feel chronic fatigue, poor concentration, lethargy, headaches, if you have large dark circles or puffiness, it would be good to pay attention to the lymphatic system. 

Tonsils are the "gatekeepers" of the immune system. When intruders enter the body through the mouth, they first encounter the tonsils. Within the deeper lymph tissue of the tonsils, there are lymphocytes (white blood cells) that process the invading cells and store data in the immune memory. 

Spleen is an organ located in the upper part of the abdomen. When the body sounds the alarm, lymphocytes from the spleen reach the intruders through the lymphatic fluid and fight them. 

In the bladder and genitals we will also find potential entry points for intruders. These mucous membranes contain various immune cells that protect the entire organism. 

Is immunity hereditary? 

The immune system consists of two different systems: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.

Innate immune system is a component that every person is born with, a adaptive immune system is a component that the body develops after being exposed to microbes and chemicals released by microbes.

Decreased immunity

We do not strengthen immunity immediately or when the disease occurs, but it is good to continuously work on preserving immunity. 

A decrease in immunity is a reduced ability of the body to resist a certain infection or toxin. 

symptoms Decreased immunity can be: allergies, frequent infections and colds, chronic stress and fatigue, diarrhea, dehydration and frequent sore throats. 

Weak immunity can be noticed by the appearance of the skin, nails and hair. The skin is dry and problematic, the nails are weak and brittle, and the hair is lifeless and lacks shine. 

The appearance of herpes on the lips is a common symptom of weakened immunity. 

An elevated temperature during the onset of illness is a sign that your immune system is working. The rise in temperature is an immune response triggered by the immune system to destroy certain microbes and initiate the body's recovery process.

Causes decreased immunity is caused by bad lifestyle habits: stress, insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and excessive physical exertion. 

How to strengthen immunity? 

80% of immunity lies in the intestines, that's why a balanced diet is one of the components of strengthening immunity. A monotonous diet leads to a lack of vitamins and minerals, which lead to a decline in immunity. 

Food for immunity

Which includes balanced diet? 

• Vitamins and minerals (fruits, vegetables)
  
• Essential amino acids (eggs, meat)
  
• Unsaturated fatty acids (fish, oilinovo oil, nuts)
  
• Complex carbohydrates (cereals, rice, sweet potato)
  
• Fermented products (kefir, yogurt)
  
• Sufficient fluids (water, tea)
  

What does a balanced diet not include?

• High intake of saturated fatty acids (palm and coconut oil, red meat)
  
• Trans fats (bakery products, margarine)
  
• High sugar intake
  

Even with all our efforts to eat well, we often do not consume enough vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients, and food supplements are of great help.

Supplements participate in metabolic procesiwell, they can boost energy levels and help us sleep better and function better. 

Sleeping

A sufficient amount of sleep creates new energy for the body. A sufficient number of quality sleep hours means a balanced immune defense. Sleep problems, such as sleep apnea and circadian rhythm problems, seriously hamper the healthy functioning of the immune system. 

Sleep is closely related to nutrition and physical activity. If, for example, we eat a large meal before going to bed or do physical activities too late, we will disrupt the natural stages of sleep that must occur during one night's sleep. 

Inflammations in the body that would damage physical and mental performance during the day occur during sleep. This is another of the immune system's intelligent responses. 

Movement and physical work

Without physical activity, the body often goes out of its own circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm determines when we will be sleepy and at what time we will wake up. If we did not move enough and eat healthy, we will often sleep poorlyvati. Movement does not mean only physical exercise and fitness, but also implies physical labor. Performing tasks that involve physical effort "qualitatively tires" the body and helps us fall asleep more easily. 

The best vitamins for immunity for adults

Multivitamins

When choosing multivitamins and dietary supplements in general, it is important to choose proven quality and supplements approved by the Ministry of Health. All dietary supplements in pharmacies have undergone a rigorous regulatory process and met all important conditions before being put on sale.

There are many multivitamin formulations.

A popular solution with strong doses is Orthomol Immune. The accessory is made in Germany. It is used in case of chronic infections and in case of a serious decrease in immunity. With Orthomol Immun also exists Orthomol Vital F to reduce fatigue in women and Orthomol Vital M to reduce fatigue in men.

Beta glucans

Imunosal is a preparation of Hrvatof quality. With a good price-quality ratio (one dose contains as much as 900mg of beta glucan) it is a frequent choice of customers. Imunosal exists in variants for children i variants for people over 50 years old.

American beta glucan Transfer Point it has been the choice for infectious, chronic and autoimmune diseases for many years. It stimulates the formation of bone marrow (which plays an important role in immunity) and increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is one of the richest dietary supplements and is of completely natural origin.

Royal jelly is produced by bees. Of the important nutrients, it contains almost all vitamins and minerals, neurotransmitters and amino acids that form proteins. It is recommended for allergies, impaired immunity, colds, flu, herpes, hormonal disorders and as a prevention for viruses.

There is fresh royal jelly of which it is the most famous Radošević Royal Jelly.

Royal jelly also exists in ampoules in a formulation with other ingredients such as propolis and colostrum. Apimel Defense & Security is an example of such an addition.

Probiotics

80% of immunity lies in the intestines, and probiotics are formulations of good bacteria that help balance the intestinal flora and thereby strengthen immunity. Solgar Ultibio Immune contains bacterial cultures in addition to vitamin D (which is also very important for immunity), vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.

Herbal supplements

Stress can play a big role in weakening immunity. Chronic stress leads to frequent infections, allergies, headaches and fatigue. Herbal supplements like Adena Natura I adapt they contain ancient Ayurvedic adaptogenic plants that gently restore our body to balance over time.

The best vitamins for immunity for children

Multivitamins

Modern nutrition often does not cover important nutrients needed for child development. There are various multivitamin preparations for children of different ages.

Solgar Cangavites chewable tablets are a common choice for children aged 6 and over.

Orthomol Junior C Plus will meet the needs of a child aged 4 and older whose immunity is weakened.

For the cognitive development of the child, it is good to introduce additional supplementation of omega fatty acids. Orthomol Junior Omega Plus contains 30 daily doses in the form of caramel without fish taste.

Beta glucans

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly, the most precious bee supplement, can be taken by children one year and older. Radošević royal jelly can be mixed with honey and yesvatwith a teaspoon.

Probiotics

Cultures of good bacteria are important in the development of children and come in doses adjusted for younger ages. Biorela Choco Multi Kids are chocolate bars that can be eaten by children of one year and older.