The immune system – the body's system that is largely responsible for our health, warding off pathogens and keeping us fit and healthy. As important as this system is for humans, most people know very little about it. But that's what the mybacs team is here for!
In this article, you'll learn exactly how your body's own defense system works, what its functions are, and how you can strengthen it. We'll also explain the influence of the gut on our immune system and how this can affect our health. Enjoy reading!
How does the immune system work?
The immune system is essentially the body's own bodyguard. It protects our body from harmful substances, pathogens, and disease-causing cell changes. It also encompasses various organs, cell types, and proteins. As you can see, the immune system has a comprehensive influence on all areas of our body. This also means that a weakened immune system has negative effects on the entire organism. If the immune system fails because it is weakened or unable to defend against particularly aggressive pathogens, illness results. Pathogens that the body has never encountered before have an easy time of it, because the immune system doesn't yet have the antibodies to fight them off!
The functions of the immune system
The immune system acts as a shield against the outside world – without it, humans would be defenseless against harmful environmental influences. But dangers don't only come from the outside world. The immune system also protects us from harmful changes within our bodies.
Don't worry, we'll explain the individual tasks of the immune system in more detail now. It's responsible for neutralizing pathogens like viruses, parasites, fungi, and harmful bacteria, and simultaneously removing them from the body. It's also there to recognize pollutants from the environment and neutralize them so they don't pose a threat to the body. But that's not all: The immune system has another important task. It's responsible for fighting pathological changes in our bodies, such as cancer cells. The immune system is key to our health, so take good care of it!
How is the defense activated?
The immune system is activated by various foreign substances called antigens. These include the proteins on the surface of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When these antigens bind to receptors in the body, a whole series of cellular processes are triggered. The body typically stores information when it comes into contact with a pathogen. This allows for a faster reaction and a quicker defense upon subsequent contact with the same pathogen. The body's own cells also have such surface proteins, but the immune system does not normally target them. When our immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own cells as foreign, this is called an autoimmune reaction. In this case, the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells.
Innate and acquired immunity
Generally, a distinction is made between the innate (non-specific) and the acquired (specific) immune system. However, both defense systems are closely linked and complement each other perfectly in every reaction to a pathogen or pollutant.
But you're probably wondering now - why is it called the non-specific immune system?That doesn't sound particularly competent, actually. But don't worry, the name refers to the fact that this defense system generally fights off pathogens and isn't specialized in specific substances. It mainly functions with immune cells like phagocytes, or "killer cells." Its main task is to combat harmful substances and germs that enter the body, for example, through the skin or the digestive system.
In contrast, the specific immune system produces antibodies and then uses them specifically against certain pathogens with which the body has previously come into contact. This is why it is also referred to as an "acquired" or "specific" immune system. The body is a true marvel of nature, and the immune system is a particularly fascinating part of it. Because the specific immune system constantly adapts and learns, the body can also fight bacteria or viruses that change over time.
Tips for strengthening the immune system
Especially during cold seasons or times of illness, it's particularly important to support our body's own immune system in its daily fight against harmful substances. That's why we've compiled 6 simple tips on how you can best support your immune system.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as those found in dark Chocolate Those contained in nuts or pecans neutralize free radicals and contribute to a resilient body. They can even help reduce inflammation. Secondary plant compounds, zinc, selenium, and several other nutrients also provide additional support. Vitamins.
- Garlic: Garlic, a traditional remedy, possesses antibacterial properties thanks to its active ingredient, allicin, which can help prevent illness and infection. Garlic is also said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. All of this supports the immune system in functioning properly!
- Happy good: Did you know that over 70% of the immune cells in your body are located in your gut? This means that a healthy gut Intestinal flora which is very important for general well-being. Therefore, the motto is: happy gut, happy you!
- Workout: Exercise isn't murder after all. Cardio, in particular, increases the circulation of white blood cells. The main task of these immune cells is to eliminate potential pathogens, or disease-causing agents. Furthermore, physical activity boosts hormone production, which in turn can positively influence the immune system.
- Day-night balance: A balanced day-night rhythm stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (substances produced by the immune system). It also leads to the body producing more killer cells, thus improving its ability to fight off pathogens!
- Don't drink: Less alcohol is naturally more beneficial for the immune system than excessive alcohol consumption – that's only logical. Alcohol weakens the immune system by reducing its ability to produce white blood cells.
The connection between gut health and the immune system
When we think about our gut, most people probably think of digestion first. That's true, but our gut has many other qualities as well. Among other things, it plays a crucial role in our immune system. Did you know that 70% of all human immune cells are located in the gut? This means they account for roughly 80% of our body's own defense mechanisms. 32 m2 The intestine has a surface area This has a very significant impact on our health, well-being, and immune system. But how exactly does the defense mechanism from the gut work? Our gut has three different layers to ward off pathogens and "bad" bacteria of all kinds; the intestinal barrier can be seen as a complex system of gates. You'll find out exactly what that means now:
- The intestinal mucosa: The intestinal mucosa is the innermost of the four layers of the intestinal wall. Its primary function is to absorb nutrients and water into the body. Additionally, the mucous layer provides protection against bacteria, pathogens, and parasites. The intestinal mucosa is therefore the first barrier between harmful substances and the organism, thus significantly supporting the immune system. The intestinal mucosa acts as a "gate." It prevents the contents of the intestine from leaking out and stops various substances from entering the body uncontrollably. Of course, certain substances must be able to enter the organism; for this, there are "gates" that can open selectively.
- The microbiome - the gut flora: When the gut flora becomes unbalanced, it has a significant impact on our health, as pathogens, toxins, and bacteria then have an easy time entering our bodies. This is because the gut is populated internally with a large number of "good" bacteria that break down toxins and ward off pathogens. Furthermore, the bacteria in our gut act as "personal trainers" for our immune system, as they train our defense system daily to better distinguish between harmful and "good" bacteria in the body. The gut flora is a true all-rounder when it comes to supporting the immune system. The bacteria residing there also diligently produce short-chain fatty acids, which protect the intestinal wall and thus help maintain the intestinal barrier. The gut flora can be seen as a "gatekeeper," as it determines which substances are allowed to pass through and thus enter the intestines.
- The gut-associated immune system: Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is located in the intestinal lining and represents the largest concentration of immune cells in the body. As the name suggests, the role of these cells is to fight unwanted germs and harmful foreign substances. This is achieved by stimulating the production of various immune cells. However, GALT's task is not so simple, as it must continuously distinguish between killing "bad" bacteria and tolerating "good" bacteria. GALT acts as the "gut police," controlling all germs and substances that have passed through its barrier.If a villain does manage to get inside the intestines, GALT is on hand to take him out of circulation!
In fact, the large intestine plays an even more significant role in the immune system than the small intestine. This is because the intestinal lining of the large intestine is particularly densely populated with gut bacteria that regulate and support the immune system. Additionally, the lymph nodes are located in the lining of the large intestine. These small lymph nodes, also known as Peyer's patches, store the specialized immune cells of the gut. Lymphocytes are responsible for eliminating foreign substances or pathogens by producing antibodies. Furthermore, the lymphatic system connects the large intestine's lymphatic drainage pathway (GALT) to the rest of the immune system.
In short
The beneficial bacteria in our gut perform several vital functions in our body and actively support our immune system. They suppress potential pathogens and harmful organisms, preventing harmful germs from colonizing our intestinal wall. Furthermore, they continuously stimulate and train our immune system day after day. This helps us distinguish between our own healthy bacteria and harmless organisms, as well as harmful pathogens and enemies.
If the intestines are affected by, for example, poor diet, antibiotics, Allergies Whether weakened by illness or disease, this affects a person's overall well-being. A poorly functioning gut flora therefore has direct negative effects on the immune system. That's why it's so important to keep the body's own gut flora healthy, as it's far more important than previously thought.
To protect the intestinal flora, it can be helpful to Probiotics to take or to pay more attention to it, probiotic foods to consume. Examples include yogurt, kefir, quark, or buttermilk. Our Dailybacs are also a way to rebuild, improve, or maintain your gut and/or immune system.
