Healthy Line: The Immune System: Your Body’s Defense Mechanism

 

The Immune System: Your Body’s Defense Mechanism

 

Introduction

To protect the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins, the immune system uses a network of cells, tissues and organs. With a weak immune system, infections that would normally be harmless could become dangerous for your life. Apart from identifying and tackling pathogens, this defense process also allows the body to act more swiftly if it meets these pathogens again.

This article will explain the immune system clearly, including what it consists of, how it operates, its various types, related disorders and how to increase its strength.

 

Components of the Immune System

There are two parts to the immune system: the innate and the adaptive system. They both play their part to keep the body healthy.

1. Innate Immune System

The body’s first defense is the innate immune system. It provides a quick response to pathogens, though immunity won’t last for long. It consists of the following:

·        Physical Barriers:

o   Skin serves as a shield for our bodies.

o   They help capture and remove germs from the mouth and lung passages.

o   Stomach acid: Destroys any germs that come with our food.

·        Cellular Defenses:

o   NK Cells: Recognize and kill cells that are infected with a virus or are cancerous.

o   Both Macrophages and Neutrophils take in and destroy threats in the body.

o   Dendritic Cells: Collect antigens and give them to cells of the adaptive immune response.

·        Chemical Defenses:

o   Cytokines are proteins that help manage the body’s immune actions.

o   Complement System: A type of proteins that increases the ability to destroy pathogens.

o   Interferons are proteins that slow down how viruses reproduce.

 

2. Adaptive Immune System

The adaptive system specializes in fighting infections and protects the body for a long time. It includes:

·        Lymphocytes (B Cells & T Cells):

o   B Cells: Make antibodies that destroy pathogens.

o   T Cells:

§  T helper cells (CD4+) help other immune cells to take action.

§  CD8+ T Cells: Get rid of cells that are infected.

§  Regulatory T Cells are in charge of reducing the immune system’s activity.

·        Antibodies (Immunoglobulins):

o   They are Y-shaped proteins that recognize certain foreign substances.

o   The types are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD.

o   Keep in mind previous infections to react quicker if you are exposed again.

 

How the Immune System Works

There are several stages that the immune system goes through.

1. Detection of Pathogens

·        Pathogens may enter the body if they get into cuts, are inhaled or swallowed.

·        These cells detect general patterns found in pathogens.

2. Immediate Innate Response

·        Phagocytes encounter and get rid of harmful invaders.

·        Inflammation happens which makes the affected area swell and brings more immune cells.

3. Adaptive Immune Activation

·        Dendritic cells give T and B cells the antigens they recognize.

·        Helper T cells cause B cells to make antibodies.

·        These T cells destroy infected cells in the body.

4. Memory Formation

·        There are still Memory B and T cells left, ensuring we are protected over a long period.

 

Types of Immunity

1. Active Immunity

·        Created by your body after contact with a pathogen or by receiving a vaccination.

·        It can continue to affect someone for years.

2. Passive Immunity

·        A short-term defense against diseases provided by antibodies in breast milk or from injections.

3. Natural vs. Artificial Immunity

·        Natural Immunity: Those who have natural immunity were exposed to the virus and developed immunity.

·        Artificial Immunity: Vaccines are the main cause of Artificial Immunity.

 

Immune System Disorders

A dysfunctional immune system can bring about different disorders.

1. Autoimmune Diseases

·        The body’s immune system starts attacking its own tissues.

·        Examples:

o   Rheumatoid Arthritis is a case where joints are attacked.

o   When you have Type 1 Diabetes, your pancreatic beta cells are destroyed.

o   Lupus affects many organs in the body.

2. Immunodeficiency Disorders

·        Decreased ability of the immune system.

·        The first group (Congenital) is caused by genetics such as the case of “Bubble Boy Disease” (SCID).

·        Sometimes, secondary (Acquired) occurs due to illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or treatments such as chemotherapy.

3. Allergies

·        Reacting strongly to things that are not dangerous (such as pollen or peanuts).

·        When IgE antibodies are present, histamine gets released and causes sneezing, rashes or a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis.

4. Hypersensitivity Reactions

·        When the immune system acts too strongly, it is known as type I-IV immune response.

·        Example: Anaphylaxis which is a serious allergic reaction.

 

Ways to Strengthen the Immune System

Following a healthy lifestyle strengthens your immune system.

1. Nutrition

·        Vitamins & Minerals is...

o   Peppers and citrus fruits are good sources of vitamin C.

o   Vitamin D comes from the sun and from eating fatty fish.

o   Zinc can be found in nuts, seeds and meat.

·        Yogurt and kefir are foods that contain probiotics and support your gut’s immune system.

2. Exercise

·        When we exercise moderately, our blood circulation and immune system activity increase.

3. Sleep

·        Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night enhances your body’s ability to remember how to fight diseases.

4. Stress Management

·        Long-term stress can reduce your body’s ability to defend itself (take up meditation and yoga to help).

5. Hydration & Hygiene

·        Drinking water helps cleanse the body and washing your hands helps stop infections.

6. Vaccination

·        Allows the immune system to spot and defend the body against pathogens.

 

Conclusion

The immune system is an amazing network that defends the body from lots of different dangers. Knowing the parts, roles and possible problems of the body shows us how important it is. Taking care of our health can help our immune system and make us feel healthier.

No matter if its system is natural or learned, the immune system is one of the most advanced in our bodies, always adjusting to keep us safe from new pathogens.