IMMUNITY: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO STRENGTHEN IT?

What is immunity?

The immune system is the protective system of our body, protecting it from something alien, dangerous to us. The defense reaction begins from the moment the enemy "agent" is recognized, then it is removed and the negative traces of this infection in the body are eliminated.

There are 2 types of immunity in the structure: congenital and acquired. Innate immunity acts immediately: phagocytes, interferons, inflammatory mediators notice the problem and immediately begin to fight it. Acquired immunity is more complicated. When a threat is detected, the body forms an immune response, creates specialized cells against this infectious agent, and only then eliminates it. This type of immunity allows you to remember the infection and react much faster next time.

How to strengthen the immune system?

Strengthening the immune system should take place in a comprehensive manner. Strengthening measures include:

Lifestyle and nutrition correction

Taking medications to maintain and strengthen immunity

Lifestyle consists of several factors: physical activity, emotional state, sleep, nutrition and lack of bad habits.

A normal body weight is the basis of a strong immune system. Aerobic exercise: light running, walking, cycling — reduce the risk of seasonal diseases by almost half. Also, sports activities cause the renewal of immune cells, which have greater protective activity, unlike old cells.

The emotional state directly affects our immune system. Constant stress, prolonged aggression or anger, depression and even prolonged social isolation cause exacerbation of chronic diseases and increase the risk of acquiring new diseases. And vice versa — positive emotions and hobbies (meditation, needlework, watching funny and kind movies) allow the body to cope with infections faster.

Sleep is an important process during which the information received during the day is processed, cells are renewed and the body's strength is replenished. With a lack of sleep, the immune system weakens, and the rate of reaction to the causative agent of the disease slows down. The amount of sleep should be at least 7-8 hours. With a disease, a person does not accidentally feel increased drowsiness, because this is a great way to restore strength.

Food. The most important thing in nutrition is maintaining balance. Many people understand the harm of overeating — too much trans fats, fast food, sweets and flour reduce the defenses. But a lack of nutrition also has a negative effect on a person. It is important to have a balanced diet and sufficient water content in the diet.

Alcohol and smoking have a detrimental effect on the immune system. Restoring immunity implies a complete or almost complete rejection of these bad habits.