The cold season is coming, sneezing, runny nose, general discomfort, cough, fever… Therefore, autumn and winter These are the seasons when our immune systems are most impressed because we feel like our defenses are down and our immune systems are declining. More susceptible to cold and flu viruses.
When our defenses are weakened Increase chances of getting sick.Therefore, it is important to stay healthy The normal functioning of the immune system. this defense They play an important role in fighting diseases and pathogens. They protect the body from Various threats such as Viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and abnormal cells.
Of course, among these threats is the cold, which, although not serious, can cause unnecessary discomfort. Do you know how to build your defenses against the flu and colds? We tell you.
Symptoms of low defense
when. . .when The immune system is weakened and our defense cells cannot adequately protect us We can notice this through the following signs:
- A lot of cold and others recurring infections And treatment is more expensive.
- fatigue No apparent reason.
- reduce s hair.
- recurring infectionssuch as tonsillitis or viruses Herpes When defenses are low, viruses latent in the body are activated.
- Wounds take longer to heal scar.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- Nosebleeds.
- diarrhea.
- elderly Yes and insomnia.
Can you tell the defense is low?
he The immune system is complex (it is made up of different cells and molecules) and There is no test to verify if it is weak.
The analysis doesn’t say the defense is “low.” People often say “my defenses must be low” but in reality there are no numbers in your body that are going down when your immune system is not at 100%.
this white blood cells They are related to the immune system, but Just because the numbers are low doesn’t mean the defense has failed. Instead, it may even be a sign that they are too “active,” as happens in some autoimmune diseases.
The analysis also did not detect influenza. Most patients will not show any noticeable changes if they have blood tests. White blood cells are just one part of the immune system.
How defense works
There are different immune cells, each with specific and critical defense functions.
- Neutrophils: They are the first to emerge and eliminate invading microorganisms.
- Macrophages: They do swallow disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
- B lymphocytes: They produce antibodies that inactivate the invader.
- T lymphocytes: They are involved in the production of antibodies and aid macrophages.
- Cytotoxic T lymphocytes: They eliminate virus-infected cells.
- Dendritic Cells: It identifies intruders and knows how to eliminate them.
you Risk of contracting diseases Whether healing happens faster depends on how strong and active these cells are.
One part of the immune system is innate, but another part is acquired over time: lymphocytes. Microorganisms have memory They found out, if they come back, they know how Stop them quickly.
This memory explains it Once you have a viral illness, For example, chickenpox, or a certain strain of another virus, We become immune, are not affected by this microorganism.
What to do to strengthen your immune system
If you are looking for a defense-boosting treatment or drug, you should know that this unique treatment or drug does not exist.What we have is Foods and lifestyle habits that help balance the body’s built-in immunity. everything is made by Know how to enhance it and take care of it.
But today we are not talking about strong defense Good ability to adapt to the environment: survivability and stay healthy Fight against all types of diseases.
75% of your defense ability depends on your living habits. as proven A recent study from the Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, USA.
Some good habits to maintain an aggressive and strong defense are:
- keep one A varied and balanced diet Base it on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
- practice physical activity often.
- sleep well. One study deprived a group of people of sleep for three consecutive days to analyze the effects on defenses.The results were revealing: a decrease in A and T lymphocytes was observed, and Violent activity of defense system what’s the result very similar what happened during Attacked by viruses or bacteria.
- laugh.Laughter can significantly improve immunity Reduce the chance of contracting certain diseases, such as colds and flu, especially when suffering from pressure. Here’s what it does: It increases heart rate and blood pressure, The muscles of the whole body are relaxed. blood pressure then drops below baseline The brain releases endorphins, The same stress relievers triggered by exercise can provide Feelings of well-being and euphoria. Plus, there’s laughter Increase immunoglobulin Aan antibody, another immune agent found in the skin and mucous membranes.
- Manage stress and think positive. Anxiety and depression can also “break down” defenses. Numerous scientific studies show that sadness or anxiety can have a negative impact on the immune system. On the other hand, optimism helps the defense system to fight possible diseases more effectively. Cheerfulness does not cure disease, but it can have a positive effect when the body needs extra energy.