The main cells of the immune system are leukocytes, which circulate throughout the body via the lymph nodes and blood vessels. With the help of these cells, the immune system is able to recognise pathogens that seek to attack our body and act specifically against them, thanks to the production of antibodies.
In most cases, the immune system is effective and keeps pathogens that seek to cause disease in the body at bay. But sometimes measures must be taken to help it function properly when it is weakened. These include:
- Hygiene measures, such as proper and frequent hand washing, bring our body into contact with fewer pathogens, which helps not to overload the immune system.
- Eating healthy food: we will come back to this later, but a good diet and a correct supply of vitamins and minerals ensure that the immune system functions optimally and does not suffer.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle, do sport and eliminate bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. These habits increase the number of toxins in our body, which in turn overloads our immune system.
- Getting the right eight hours of sleep and living a low-stress life also help the immune system to function properly.
When it comes to the consumption of healthy foods, it is essential to talk about them when it comes to the immune system, as the consumption of foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and D ensures that our immune system is always on top of its game. These vitamins are found naturally in food and, as a general rule, there is no need for food supplements in the general population. It is important to be tested from time to time and to know our state of health in order to identify our nutritional deficiencies and to remedy them. Now, let’s talk a little about vitamins!
- Vitamin A seems to play a fundamental role in the formation of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. These are essential for our defence, as they provide a natural mechanical barrier that is difficult for pathogens to pass through. It also has a direct effect on the formation of white blood cells. A lack of this vitamin can weaken our immune system.
- The B vitamins are involved in protein formation, including proteins which are essential for the immune system.
- The positive effect of vitamin C on the immune system has been extensively studied. Vitamin C is capable of combating numerous pathogens, complements the white blood cells and improves their antibacterial function. Specifically, this vitamin is able to stimulate the function of neutrophils and interferons: the former are white blood cells that repair damaged tissues, and the latter are proteins that prevent viruses from entering cells. In general, it improves all immune processes.
- Finally, vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system in conjunction with vitamin A. It facilitates the formation of cathelicidin. It facilitates the formation of cathelicidin, a natural antimicrobial that acts against certain types of bacteria. With low levels of vitamin D, the T-cells (T-lymphocytes) of the immune system cannot be activated and thus perform their functions.
