Boost your Immune system naturally

What is Immune System?

The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism to handle invaders. It is our body’s second line of defense, after physical barriers like the skin and the mucous membranes. The immune system is located throughout the body and includes the thymus gland, the spleen, bone marrow and a vast network of lymph nodes. It comprises many cells, proteins, tissues and organs.

The immune system of a person protects him or her from being attacked by various bacteria and viruses. The best part is that we do not even know that the system is working 24/7 to keep our body free from such microorganisms that can harm us. One very good feature of the immune system is its memory. The units of the immune system are the foot soldiers who keep us away from infections and they remember the bacteria or viruses that have attacked in the past so that if they return, the body is fully prepared to handle them. The immune system consists of white blood cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. These white blood cells act as the second line of defense.

How does the immune system work?

The immune system performs the function of defending our body against the disease causing microorganisms. Failure of the immune system to perform its function effectively results in increased susceptibility to diseases and infections. The immune cells play a major role in preventing the entry of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into the body. These cells comprise of lymphocytes or T-cells which directly fight invading molecules and B-cells which produce antibodies that respond to harmful molecules, facilitating their removal by other immune cells. The immune system also contains phagocytic cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which eliminate the debris created from the destruction of harmful cells and tissues at the site of infection. Impairment of any of these functions can weaken your immune system 

Boosting the immune system is very beneficial and relatively easy through lifestyle changes and some simple home remedies...

Here are the top 10 home remedies to boost immunity.

Vegetables:

Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, pumpkins, kale, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, French beans, green pepper, okra, onions, tomatoes and many other vegetables are important in our diet as they have been shown to improve immunity. The regular intake of vegetables is highly recommended for a healthy body.as well as green leafy vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as vitamin A, E, B1, B2, and B9 are found in many green leafy vegetables. These vitamins are some of the most essential for a good immune system.

Garlic:

Garlic is a natural immune booster. A 2009 study published in Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis found that garlic enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities.Its active ingredient allicin helps fight infection and bacteria. In addition, garlic has vitamins C and B6 along with the minerals selenium and manganese that help boost the immune system.Eat 2 to 3 raw cloves of garlic on an empty stomach daily.

Also, add crushed garlic to your dishes. Avoid cooking garlic too much as it can destroy its active compounds.

You can also take garlic supplements, but only under a doctor’s supervision.

Fruits:

Fruits are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. The daily intake of fruits will increase the immunity against diseases in the long run. Citrus such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons and limes are an excellent source of vitamin C which helps maintain the body’s defence against bacterial infections. Citrus has a unique type of fiber that, in studies, appears to dramatically reduce cholesterol &  Vitamin C helps in building up immunity system naturally and acts as an antioxidant.

Turmeric:

Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric, responsible for the distinct yellow colouring and the impressive list of health properties. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, detoxifying and amazing for digestive health. Turmeric has been linked to the prevention of cancer cell growth and management of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, eczema and inflammatory bowel disease. It is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in manganese, zinc, B group vitamins and iron. It also contains curcumin, whose antioxidant action improves the functioning of the immune system

Mashroom:

This mushroom hails from northern Japan and is recognized by the American Cancer Society to boost immunity and to limit and even reverse tumor growth.

Maitakes (and all of these great mushrooms) are high in compounds called beta glucans, which are helpful sugars (polysaccharides) found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae. Research from NYU’s Langone Medical Center shows beta glucans alter white blood cells and modulate immune function. They have been successfully used in combination with other therapies for high cholesterol, diabetes, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, and to boost immunity in those with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Ginger:

Studies have shown that ginger has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps to boost immune function and combat cellular damage. This gut friendly spice stimulates digestion, gut motility and bowel function, while helping to relieve bloating, cramping and nausea. A recent study also found ginger to be as effective as pharmaceutical agents in relieving PMS pain in women.

Green Tea:

Green tea is considered as another source of antioxidants, polyphenols, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Studies [14] conducted at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama have concluded that green tea actually helps in boasting the immunity system. The study had also found that green tea has the ability to counteract the effects of over-exposure to UV light.

Yogurt: 

 Daily consumption of yogurt is one of the easiest home remedies for low immunity. Recently, it has been scientifically concluded that yogurt helps in increasing the number of L. casei in the digestive system and for the development of white blood cells and antibodies. The L casei bacteria, also known as Lactobacillus [11] casei, has been observed in the prevention of enteric infections. Yogurt has also been beneficial in fighting cancer.

Vitamin D:

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, vitamin D plays a key role in modulating the innate and adaptive immune responses.

A deficiency of vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as increased susceptibility to infection. Hence, to boost your immunity, try to maintain the adequate amount of vitamin D in your body

• As sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the body, expose your body to early morning sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
• Also, include foods high in vitamin D, such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, organ meats, cheese, egg yolks, some mushrooms and foods fortified with vitamin D.
• You can also take vitamin D supplements after consulting a doctor

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

One of the disadvantages of being overweight is the decreased level of functioning of our immune system. Research has shown that the immune system of overweight people was not as active as the immunity system of healthy individuals. So decreasing your weight along with balanced diet will improve your immunity. Too many fat cells trigger the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, causing chronic inflammation. This inflammation can damage your tissues, leading to a weak immune system. So always have a balanced diet to maintain your ideal weight

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