Your immune system has a super important job to do – protect your body from harmful infections, germs and diseases.
Naturally, if your immune system is not as strong as it should be, you might notice that you catch cold or other viruses easily.
In this blog post we’ll talk a little bit about the immune system and what natural supplements you can use to help protect your body!
What Is The Immune System?
The immune system is not one or two specific organs in your body that take care of fighting the bad guys. It’s a complex defense system that includes many different cells, tissues, proteins and organs. They all have a role to play in keeping your immune system properly functioning.
Our bodies are extremely intelligent and they’re able to detect, transport and fight the germs. In perfect synergy, those cells and tissues help keep you safe from harmful microbes, infections and bacteria.
For example, when your body encounters an antigen, aka a toxic foreign substance, your body will detect the antigen, produce antibodies and launch an attack.
Furthermore, those antibodies stay in your body. So the next time your body detects the same antigen again, your immune system recognizes it and knows how to fight it.
Let’s now look at the main parts in your body that are integral for the immune system function.
Main Parts Of The Immune System:
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- White blood cells – made in bone marrow and kill foreign bacteria and viruses;
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- Antibodies – detects and attacks antigens;
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- Bone marrow – produces red and white blood cells and platelets;
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- Skin – provides a physical barrier against infections, but also secretes antimicrobial peptides;
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- The lymphatic system – produces immune cells, filters and transfers antibodies and microbes, and traps microbes in lymph nodes;
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- Spleen – in the process of filtering your blood, it removes microbes and dead tissue, but also produces antibodies;
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- The digestive system – a big part of the digestive system is lined with lymphoid tissue and thus secretes antibodies and helps breaks down antigens;
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- Tonsils – contain white blood cells, but also help stop germs entering your body;
- Thymus – produces certain types of white blood cells.
In addition, there are three different types of immunity: innate, adaptive and passive immunity.
Innate immunity is the one that we’re all born with. It’s the first line of defense against germs and microbes, like your skin for example. However, this type of immunity does not memorize the antigens your body has come in contact with in the past.
Adaptive aka acquired immunity develops throughout our lives. As we mentioned, your immune system learns and memorizes everything that’s happened in your body. When your body has been exposed to diseases and/or you’ve been vaccinated, your body has built up antibodies to combat the attacks.
Passive immunity is the type of immunity that’s been provided by outer sources. For example, a baby receives antibodies from its mother through the placenta, but also from breast milk. Passive immunity can also be provided by some medications and vaccines.
How To Support Your Immune System With Natural Food Supplements?
In addition to a nutritious diet, exercise regime, managing your stress levels and staying in a healthy weight range, there are quite a few natural supplements that you can take to support your immune system function. Not to mention, do not smoke and only consume alcohol in moderate quantities (or not at all!).
One of the best supplements to support your immune system with is Vitamin C. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants that promotes the immune system function, but also cellular functions (hello, anti-age!). Our Vitamin C Complex is formulated with Citrus Bioflavonoids and other good stuff for a sustained release and increased absorption of Vitamin C.
Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many physiological processes. It’s also one of the minerals that people are most commonly deficient in. Selenium provides antioxidant support for your body and helps lower oxidative stress. Thus, it helps reduce inflammation and improve immune function. (Source)
Likewise, Olive Leaf Extract is a great source of antioxidants, which protect your cells from oxidative damage. Studies have shown that Olive Leaf Extract has the ability to modify healthy immune system response. (Source)
CoQ10, aka Coenzyme Q10, has been clinically shown to support your immune system. It’s a powerful antioxidant and acts as a free radical neutralizer. This truly is one of the best supplements to boost your immune system! (Source)
Additionally, Calcium D-Glucarate supports healthy immune system function, reduces inflammation and promotes cellular detoxification.
If you’re suffering from stress and anxiety, then Holy Basil Leaf will take care of both your immune system and mental strain. There’s a reason why it’s been called the ‘elixir of life’ and queen of herbs for centuries – scientific evidence supports its ability to boost immunity. (Source)
Furthermore, due to its high GLA content, Black Currant Oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen your immune system. Moreover, supplementing with Lycopene can improve the immune system function due to its ability to increase the amount of antioxidants in your body.
Also, Pumpkin Seed Oil can be a helpful aid in supporting your immune system, because of its high antioxidant content. Pumpkin seeds are also high in Zinc, which is super important for your immune system.
Another great supplement for an immunity boost is MCT Oil, as it’s high in Medium Chain Fatty Acids that act as natural antibiotics. Similarly, Coconut Oil is also high in healthy fatty acids, but the main hero here is lauric acid, which is naturally antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
And last but not least, making sure your digestive system is clean of harmful bacteria will surely boost your immune system. For this purpose, reach for our 10-day detox treatment Intestinal Cleanse.
In conclusion, it all boils down to the basics – nutritious diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. But as we all know, there’s always something extra that you can do for your health. We hope you found some useful new supplements to boost your immunity with and can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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