Human Anatomy: Foods to Boost the Immune System

Published: 2021-08-07
Views: 468
Author: Writer
Published in: Human Health

The immune system is a vital part of the body, but for those who aren't as familiar with science and human anatomy as I am, I'll break it down a little. So, what exactly does immune mean?

To be immune means to be unaffected or protected by something against threats. This can be likened to having a lucky charm that keeps your body safe.

What exactly is the immune system?

The immune system is a kind of forcefield or luck charm that protects the body from external threats, it is a system that comprises cells, organs and tissues that work together to identify foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes prompt protective action. In humans.

When the body detects foreign chemicals, the immune system tries to identify and eliminate the antigens. Antibodies are normally retained in our bodies in case we have to battle the same pathogen again.

This is why, once a person becomes ill with a disease, such as chickenpox, he or she is unlikely to become ill again. An immunization exposes the body to an antigen in a way that does not cause illness.

However, it allows the body to produce antibodies that will defend the person from future attacks.

The protection the immune system offers is known as immunity and there are two types of immunity: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

Here are some variables that affect the immune system

As humans, our body is faced with a lot of internal and external threats every minute that goes by and there are immune systems that keep us healthy. However, there are times when these systems fail to function very well.

Variable #1: Age

Internal organs may become less efficient as we age, and immune-related tissues like the thymus and bone marrow produce fewer immune cells required to fight infections.

Micronutrient deficiencies are sometimes linked to aging, which can worsen an already weakened immune system.

Variable #2: Lack of sleep

Many of us take sleep for granted, and it has an impact on us not only emotionally, but also physically and cognitively. A goodnight's sleep is a must for a healthy immune system as your body requires rest to perform its duty.

When we sleep, we generate a kind of cytokine that fights illness; lack of sleep reduces the number of these cytokines and other immune cells. Getting a minimum of 7hours of sleep is advised.

Variable #3: Stress

Now I know you might say stress is unavoidable but personally, I feel it is avoidable at least on few occasions. Stress, whether mental, physical, emotional, or chemical, will eventually hurt our immune system and for this reason, you must devise tactics or find methods to deal with, better manage, or reduce stress.

Variable #4: Obesity

This isn't only about consuming unhealthy foods; it's also about not exercising your body as often as you should. By not eating properly and exercising regularly, you make it difficult for your immune system to function properly, and obesity affects not only your immune system but also other aspects of your body.

Variable #5: Poor dietary habits

Malnourishment or a nutrient-deficient diet can decrease immune cell and antibody production and function. Your immune system and overall health are directly affected by the foods you ingest so a healthy diet choice is your best choice.

Foods to boost your immune system

You may be asking how to strengthen one's immune system, and the greatest method or one of the best ways to do so is to eat correctly, essentially a fantastic diet does the trick.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain anthocyanin, a kind of flavonoid with antioxidant effects. Flavonoids are critical components of the respiratory tract's immunological defense mechanism. With high flavonoids diet, you have a lower risk of getting an upper respiratory tract infection.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains theobromine which help strengthen the immune system by protecting the body's cells from free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules produced by the body when it digests food or comes into touch with contaminants. Despite its possible health benefits, dark chocolate has a lot of calories and saturated fat.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a wonderful vegetable to eat daily to boost immune system health. Broccoli is another good source of vitamin C and includes antioxidants like sulforaphane. It is also one of the most popular vegetables in terms of nutritional content in the world.

Sweet Potatoes

Carotene, a kind of antioxidant that gives sweet potatoes their orange skin, is abundant in sweet potatoes. Carotene is a vitamin A source that promotes skin health and may protect against sun damage's UV radiation. Vitamin C is also abundant in sweet potatoes.

Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities; thus, it is likely to be beneficial to one's health. Ginger is used in a range of meals and sweets, as well as drinks.

Your immune system is vital to your health and for this reason, you have to take care of it efficiently. You can as well become a farmer and grow some of these foods in your garden.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your feedback.