Immune system: vital function
The immune system function is to be our protective shield against pathogens – a powerful barrier, or rather a guardian, that recognizes and fights harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, germs and parasites when they enter the body. This is why it is so important that the immune system is always healthy and functioning properly. After all, a sleepy or sick guard can defend us less well.
However, the immune system is not only important when it comes to fending off intruders. It must also recognize enemies inside – for example when healthy body cells undergo pathological changes and turn into cancer cells.
However, the immune system is not only important when it comes to fending off intruders. It must also recognize enemies inside – for example when healthy body cells undergo pathological changes and turn into cancer cells.
Defense is teamwork!
But is it really just one Guardian? Just a system? No. That would be too easy. In reality, the structure of the immune system is extremely complex. That's partly because it can't be located in a single organ. Rather, it is made up of several independent systems or (lymphatic) organs that are distributed throughout the body. On the other hand, the immune system consists both of innate components, the so-called unspecific immune defence, and of acquired or learned components – the so-called specific immune defence.
Training is important!
From birth on we have a non-specific immune defence as basic protectionbut as its name suggests, it reacts only non-specifically to invading germs. The body's own scavenger cells (e.g. macrophages and granulocytes) may be talented generalists with a great hunger, but they are not trained specialists and therefore do not always catch all foreign proteins. Some pathogens can then overcome the body's first line of defence.
But through training the immune system becomes more and more powerful and learns to defend itself against new attackers. . This is where the specific immune defence comes into play. It supplements our innate abilities with a decisive component: Within four to seven days after an attack we produce immune cells, the so-called B- and T-lymphocytes. These only attack certain pathogens in a targeted manner. The defenders recognize their opponents by means of proteins on their surface, the so-called antigens. These are foreign proteins that stimulate the body to form antibodies.
But through training the immune system becomes more and more powerful and learns to defend itself against new attackers. . This is where the specific immune defence comes into play. It supplements our innate abilities with a decisive component: Within four to seven days after an attack we produce immune cells, the so-called B- and T-lymphocytes. These only attack certain pathogens in a targeted manner. The defenders recognize their opponents by means of proteins on their surface, the so-called antigens. These are foreign proteins that stimulate the body to form antibodies.
Strong together!
An effective protection of the organism against the diversity of attackers is therefore based on the most exact possible coordination of the defenders and simply on teamwork down to the cellular level. Every player has to do his part to ensure success and stay in constant training. Ideally, the immune system is supported by regular physical activity (sports) and a healthy, balanced diet. Because these factors have a decisive influence on our body's own defence system and can strengthen the immune system in the long term. Tip: Why not try a team sport and/or cook together with friends! In this way you continue the teamwork on a cellular level outside the body and do something good for your immune system.
The intestine is an important player!
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the intestine also plays an important role in the immune system and its function and has a significant influence on our physical and mental health. Above all, the intestinal flora is an important component of the body's own defence system. As part of the immune system, it has important tasks, as numerous studies have shown. The so-called microbiome – the individual intestinal flora – is uniquely composed in every person and is sometimes even described as "the largest essential organ" of the human body. And with good reason:
An intact and balanced intestinal flora apparently helps to protect us from the development of intestinal and autoimmune diseases. It is also believed that a healthy intestinal flora actively counteracts diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases (heart and circulation). It is also believed to prevent lipometabolic disorders and even certain types of cancer. The intestinal flora is even suspected to influence at least some symptoms of autism. If these assumptions are correct, a targeted disease prevention could be pursued via the individual microbiome and the immune system could be effectively supported in its tasks.
An intact and balanced intestinal flora apparently helps to protect us from the development of intestinal and autoimmune diseases. It is also believed that a healthy intestinal flora actively counteracts diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases (heart and circulation). It is also believed to prevent lipometabolic disorders and even certain types of cancer. The intestinal flora is even suspected to influence at least some symptoms of autism. If these assumptions are correct, a targeted disease prevention could be pursued via the individual microbiome and the immune system could be effectively supported in its tasks.
A healthy intestine contributes significantly to your well-being.
With the evaluation of your INTEST.pro you receive information about your intestinal flora and learn how you can increase your quality of life.
You can get more information about our test kit and the analysis here.
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2019-12-20
