IMMUNITY

Immunity refers to the body’s ability to defend itself against infectious agents, like an army of soldiers defending the organism against invaders. These invaders can be viruses, bacteria, fungi or cancer cells. Immunity occurs through the immune response. Our body is protected by two main types of immunity :

• Innate immunity (or natural immunity) : is a protective system present from birth. Innate immunity is the first line of defence against infectious agents (invaders). Innate immunity is rapid (4d or 96h) and immediate. It involves different defences :

- Natural barriers (skin, mucous membranes)

- Cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, polynuclear cells, mast cells)

• Adaptive immunity (or acquired immunity): is the second offensive against infectious agents. Adaptive immunity complements innate immunity. It is set up after 4 days and involves lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that have a major role in defending the body : 

- Cell-mediated immunity through T-cells (TCD4 and TCD8)

- Humoral mediated immunity through B lymphocytes.

Adaptive immunity also develops an immune memory that will allow a faster defense during the second aggression by infectious agents.

The immune system defends our body against infectious agents. However, sometimes we get sick (flu, cold, cough…). Sometimes our immune defenses weaken at certain times of the year. So how do you strengthen your immune system ?

Here are 5 tips to boost your immune system and help your body fight off infections :

• Adopt a diet rich in vitamins and trace elements : Taking care of your immune system starts with food! Indeed, vitamins and trace elements are particularly interesting. For immunity, prefer vitamins C and D. Vitamin C would allow the renewal of white blood cells.

It is found in food :

- Red pepper

- Blackcurrant

- Kale

- Orange

- Lemon

Vitamin D would activate the white blood cells needed to make future antibodies. In the diet, it is mainly found in fatty fish (herring, mackerel, sardines anchovies).

On the trace elements side favor zinc, an important mineral to fight infections as well as magnesium that contributes to the stimulation and production of white blood cells including lymphocytes.

• Take care of your intestinal flora : The intestine is the first immune defense organ. It is made up of billions of bacteria: «good bacteria» and «bad bacteria». It acts as a barrier preventing the passage of «bad bacteria» likely to cause infections while retaining «good bacteria». To strengthen its intestinal flora and provide good bacteria, choose probiotics such as yogurt or food supplements.

• Reduce stress : Chronic stress (prolonged response) weakens the immune system. It would have an immunosuppressive effect and induce a disruption of the immune response.

• Having a recuperative sleep : Sleep is very important, because it helps to boost the immune system. A good night’s sleep would enhance the effectiveness of T cells that play a major role in the immune system.

• Exercise regularly : Exercise stimulates the immune system. It is therefore advisable to perform moderate physical activity at least 30 mins, 5 days a week. However, be careful!! It is also not about doing too much sport because it can have the opposite effect and thus alter immunity.

Immunization provides the body with the means to defend itself against infectious agents. There are two types of immunization :

• Active immunity : This is based on stimulating the immune system through a vaccine. Vaccination involves introducing a very small amount of an infectious agent that will therefore have a reduced effect compared to a natural infection and thus develop and stimulate our immune cells more quickly. 

• Passive immunity : This involves transferring antibodies (immunoglobulins) that are taken from an immunized patient to another who is not.