Your immune system is just that: a system. Every part needs to be working together and at peak efficiency to help you fight off infections. What are the parts?
Parts of the Immune System:
The Lymphatic System – this network of nodes and vessels delivers lymph fluid and nutrients throughout the body while disposing of the waste. The lymphatic system is one of the most important parts of your immune system: the nodes filter lymph fluid trapping and killing bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances
White Blood Cells – made in the bone marrow, these blood cells protect the body against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing the infection.
Bone Marrow – soft tissue mainly inside the long bones of the arms and legs, the vertebrae, and pelvic bones. It’s made up of red marrow, which makes blood cells and platelets, and yelow marrow, which contains fat and connective tissue and makes some white blood cells.
The Spleen – filters the blood and doing so removes old or damaged blood cells and platelets and destroys bacteria and other foreign substances.
Tonsils and Thymus – these lymphatic tissues and organ make antibodies and help maintain a healthy immune system.
A lot of research has been put into the immune system and how to keep it healthy. Although not everything about the system is understood, Scientists find links between the immune response and diet, exercise, and emotional stress, among other things.
Contributors To a Healthy (Or Unhealthy) Immune System:
– Diet
– Exercise
– Stress
– Supplements (like herbs)
– Environmental factors
Now let’s get to the top 3. Since you can’t control the environmental factors like the change of the seasons and pollution, and you probably already take herbal supplements (or the fresh herbs themselves) for their health benefits, the top 3 are diet, exercise, and stress. Manage these three and your immune system will take care of the rest.
3 Ways To Make Sure Your Immune System Stays Healthy
Control Your Diet
- Cut junk foods and add fermented foods. Having an unhealthy gut means inviting obesity and metabolic disorders that increase the strain on your immune system. Studies show that your gut has a precise system, and maintaining healthy gut flora is important.
26 different strains of bacteria have been linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. Add organic yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and other fermented foods to your diet to keep the bacteria at bay and boost your immune system.
Don’t Stress Yourself Out
- Get at least 7 hours, if not 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation leads to fatigue and an impaired immune response. Getting enough sleep is an easy way to help improve your immune system, but it works in coordination with a healthy lifestyle.
Put The Work In
- Do some form of extraneous activity at least 30 minutes a day. When you work out regularly, there are a number of benefits for the body. The heart, lungs, and muscles get stronger, and the immune system is no different. Medical studies have found that exercise can boost the immune response by providing a boost to cells in the body that are designed to attack bacteria.
By following these 3 simple steps, you’ll help your immune system stay strong. And a strong immune system will help you stay healthy so you’ll be able to follow those 3 steps. That’s not a vicious circle, it’s a straight line to health and happiness!
