Todays most hyped word and most used tool of marketing is “IMMUNITY”. It is so misused, that even ice-cream has got immunity variety. Golden latte (turmeric smoothie), chyavanprash icecream, immunity cocktails are some of the examples.
But the point is, the immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that superfoods like turmeric, tulsi, chyavaprash are functionally powerless unless the whole system has optimal cellular health.
So when we understand, what the whole immune system is and how it works, we will be in a wiser position to take care of our health lifelong rather than only applying temporary or seasonal practices (gharelu nuske).
Our immune system is responsible for helping to eliminate invaders and infectious organisms (bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins, and parasites) from the body before they can harm us. The main components of the immune system include: Lymph nodes carry the infection-fighting cells to different parts of our body whenever necessary. When our body is fighting an infection, this is why our lymph nodes become enlarged and may feel sore. The spleen contains white blood cells that work to fight infection and helps to disposes of old or damaged blood cells. Lymphocytes include small white blood cells B-cells and T-cells originate in the bone marrow that plays a huge role in defending our body against disease. B-cells mature in the bone marrow itself make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins while T-cells help to destroy infected or cancerous cells. T cells travel to the Thymus to mature. A high white blood cell count referred to as leukocytes and means that our body is fighting off an infection.
When a virus or bacteria invade our body and begin to reproduce, this normally leads to symptoms of a sickness. For example, the bacteria that causes strep throat releases a toxin that causes inflammation in our throat. Detecting and eliminating viruses and bacteria before they can start reproducing is a role of the immune system.
Apart from this advanced level of defence we also have first layers of defence barrier that separate our inner organs from the outside world. These include skin, the walls of gut and the linings of lungs. Various secretions, such as mucus, tears, stomach acid and sweat, have antimicrobial properties, to make our body free of germs before they have a chance to get inside.
If you have not understood this theory, that’s okay but it shows this is so complex and vast system.
Here I would like to give an example of any nation’s defence system. I think it also developed from our body’s defence mechanism. From an internal defence system like state police to border security at ground level, sky and sea level, the nation also has an intelligence system. And every system is powerless without each other and without their respective technology and tools. The same way our body’s defence system is a power full with the right synchronicity with related organs.
After understanding the levels of the immune system, let's understand what are factors (technology and tools) required to empower this.
Factors affecting Immunity:
1.Sleep Cycles
The body releases proteins called cytokines only during sleep. (Cytokines are a large group of small proteins that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system and are very important in cell signalling for immunity) The immune system is influenced by the sleep-wake cycles of our circadian rhythms. Studies suggest that while we’re sleeping we have decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, (cortisol suppress immune function). For a healthy sleep cycle refer to my blog http://amtopmfitness.com/healthy-sleep-for-healthy-life
2. Nutrients From Food
Studies show vitamins C, A, E, B6 and B12 and minerals like iron and zinc are important for the maintenance of immune function. Most important is protein for the formation of immunoglobulins i.e antibodies.
3. Obesity: Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Fat accumulation deteriorates healthy cell functions. Obesity has also been identified as an independent risk factor for the influenza virus, possibly due to the impaired blood circulation and functioning of T-cells.
4. Emotional Health
Another challenge that weakens our immune system is STRESS. Hectic work schedules and abundant daily responsibilities can leave us exhausted. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections.
The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).
Stress can also affect the immune system by raising blood pressure.
Uncontrolled stress can influence our sleep patterns, our mood, our dietary intake and our physical activity levels. All of these factors are associated with immune system function.
5. Sun exposure (not harmful UV rays)
Our body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Sitting in the sun early morning (not more than 10 -15 mins) can offer multiple benefits mainly activation of T cells and B cells.
6. Gut Health
A healthy gut requires a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It is responsible for better digestion and intestine health. The good bacteria in the right quantity can also boost immunity and help in preventing potential autoimmune diseases. You can add probiotics like yoghurt to your diet for better gut health.
7. Exercise
Right exercise helps to strengthen the lungs to flush virus, bacteria out from the lung’s air pipes. This reduces the chances of getting a cold, flu. A brief rise in body temperature during exercise prevent bacteria from growing. Exercise also reduces stress hormone level. Research also shows the increased circulation of lymphocytes during and post-exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity for three days a week.
So after understanding all this Physiology, it is clear that consuming only hot water, turmeric milk, tulsi kadha are not at all enough for improving immunity. Cellular health of immune organs and thereby immune system is dependent on mental, physical and emotional well being in total.
If there is peace and discipline at the nation's internal system (state level) then only border security has meaning to work at its best. It is again Holistic.
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