Everything you need to know about the immune system
The immune system consists of a network of organs, cells, and proteins. It fights infections (microbes) and defends the body against harmful substances or certain malignant cells. Discover everything you need to know about the immune system and how you can strengthen it!1
The immune system usually works in the background, but it is a complex defense mechanism of our body. Certain parts of the immune system look for unhealthy cells or foreign substances, other parts communicate with other cells during an attack (for example during an infection), and then there are other parts that detect and fight microorganisms that cause infections, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, or unhealthy cells.1
The immune system consists of two parts that work together2:
- the innate immune system, with which you are born;
- the adaptive immune system, which develops when the body is exposed to pathogens or foreign substances.
Fever is a reaction of the immune system that kills certain germs and initiates the body's recovery process3
What does the immune system consist of?3,4
These are the main elements of the immune system:
- White blood cells or leukocytes: they are in your blood and lymphatic tissue, and attack every 'intruder' there. Some white blood cells (lymphocytes) secrete compounds (cytokines) that warn other defense lines of the body.
- Antibodies: these are proteins created by certain white blood cells (B-lymphocytes). The antibodies recognize intruders and bind to them, marking them for attack or neutralizing them immediately. Note: the immune system remembers all germs it has fought so that it can recognize them at a later time and stop them quickly if they enter our organism again. Certain infections like the flu must be fought multiple times because a large number of different viruses/strains of the same species can be the cause.
- The lymphatic system: this is the network of lymph nodes that are connected to each other. This system helps the organism transport and destroy microorganisms and other dead cells.
- In the primary lymphoid organs, a lot is produced:
- the bone marrow produces different types of white blood cells;
- the thymus, a gland in the chest cavity, produces T-lymphocytes or 'killer cells'. These cells help fight pathogens and unhealthy cells.
- Other secondary lymphoid organs such as the spleen, the appendix, or the tonsils, pick up intruders so that the immune cells can do their work.
How can you give your immune system a natural boost?5
These simple actions are crucial to staying healthy: good hand hygiene, keeping up with recommended vaccinations, exercising, not smoking, avoiding alcohol…
You can also boost your immune system with some good eating habits so that it is better resistant to attacks from germs. A healthy and balanced diet, rich in vitamins A, C, E, and D, and in selenium, turmeric, and zinc is highly recommended to give your immunity a helping hand. To do this, eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (of different colors). If you don't eat enough of these, certain food supplements can be useful.
Scientific references
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