This current state of the pandemic has not only affected our daily lives but also made us more concerned about our immune system which left/leaves us with a lot of questions and concerns like what should we do to make our immune system strong. However, many of us are still unaware of how our immune system works and why we need to take proper care of it. The immune system plays an important role in our lives not only in this pandemic but also in our usual life. It is a silent protector, which protects the human body from many unknown diseases and infections, leading us to have a healthy life.

   What is an immune system?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs, which provides defense against invaders. Our immune system consists of tonsils and adenoids, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, appendix, spleen, peyer’s patches, bone marrow, white blood cells, antibodies, and complement system.

            It distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy foreign cells and then responds accordingly. Most of the pathogens are repelled before they show any signs and symptoms of the disease.

·        3 Types of Immunity

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity is the protection every human body possesses from the time of birth. This protection includes barriers like skin and mucous membranes. It also includes some cells and chemicals which protect the human body from foreign substances.

Active Immunity

Active immunity is also known as adaptive immunity.  It is the response of the human body to the attack of diseases causing bacteria and viruses.

Passive Immunity

              Passive immunity is acquired from sources other than the human immune system i.e. antibodies are given through vaccination etc. For example: A newborn acquires immunity from the mother’s placenta, chicken pox, etc. through vaccination.

       How it affects our health

We already know that the Immune system plays a vital role in the human body, protecting it from many diseases and infections long before it shows any symptoms and if we don’t take proper care of our immune system it can lead to many diseases and disorders as mentioned below.

Common disorders of the immune system

Allergic diseases: This is a chronic health condition. It is an immune system response to substances such as dust, mold, pollen, etc. When one’s body encounters these substances the immune system develops antigens against them leading to allergies. These allergies can be inhaled ingested and enter through the skin. Examples: allergic asthma, hay fever, etc.

Autoimmune diseases:This is caused when our immune system is unable to differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria due to a malfunction in the immune system leading them to attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs which weakens bodily functions and leads to another disease. Examples:  insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Immunodeficiency: It is a disorder that not only weakens the immune system but also affects its ability to fight against pathogens and foreign invaders. There are two types of immunodeficiency first is primary which is inherited and the other is secondary which can be acquired from any other disease or could be a result of medical treatment. Examples: AIDS, leukemia, etc.

CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)

Novel Coronavirus is an infectious disease we all have been affected by in one way or another whether it be economic, physical, or mental. And the number of deaths keeps on increasing leaving us concerned about our health. To understand the role of immunity in coronavirus refer.

Steps to strengthen our immune system

Intake of Vitamin C – Vitamin C helps with the production and functioning of white blood cells that attack bad bacteria and viruses. Foods like oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, guava, and tomato are some of the best sources of Vitamin C.

Supplements – For people who don’t follow a proper diet and have weak immune systems additional supplements rich in protein and vitamin C are preferable. There are some supplements present in the market with cow colostrum that have many beneficiary qualities like playing an important role in immune responses, neutralizing the pathogen actions, promoting wound healing, increasing gut flora, helps in fighting against seasonal ailments. Hence, bovine colostrum supplements can be taken for immediate results.

Regular Exercise – Regular exercise is essential for the human body to keep our immune system and minds strong. Regular movements in our body regulate our blood flow and relax our muscles.

Drink water- Staying hydrated is a basic need of the human body because a good amount of water improves our body's functioning.

Take care of our gut- A healthy gut is the way to a healthy life because 70% of good bacteria are produced in our gut and to take care of that we need to follow a balanced diet. 

Proper sleep- Getting a night of proper sleep and relaxing our mind is necessary for us. When we sleep our body produces cytokines – a protein that regulates our body’s immune system.

Stress Management-Stress has become a part of our lives and we cannot run away from it therefore we need to relax our minds and try to manage the load of stress in our daily lives.

To fight through this struggling phase we need to take care of our physical and mental health properly. And taking good care of our immune system would solve more than half of our problems giving us a proper time to deal with the remaining.