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Strengthening the immune system - The best tips for a strong defense
How the immune system naturally can be strengthened
The immune system is not just an organ but, as the name implies, a whole system. To this belong all lymphatic organs, lymphatic tissue, hormonal system and nervous system. With this complexity, it is understandable that influences such as stress, massive stress in life or hormone fluctuations can have a negative impact on the immune system. In order to strengthen this, various aspects must be considered and treated across the board.
contents
- How the immune system naturally can be strengthened
- The defense system: construction and development
- Cells of the defense
- Unspecific defense
- Specific defense
- The immune system
- Causes of a weak immune system
- Strengthening the immune system
- The right diet for a strong defense
- The psyche strengthen by natural means
- Healthy by plant immune modulators
- Autologous therapy to activate the defense
The defense system: construction and development
The organs of the defense system include the bone marrow, the spleen, the thymus, lymph nodes, throat, tongue and palatine tonsils and the lymphatic tissue in the intestine. The cells involved in defense all evolve from a so-called stem cell in the bone marrow. Subsequently, these cells then move to the most diverse places in the body, in order to fulfill their defense work there.
The immune system organs are divided into primary and secondary lymphatic organs, the latter include the lymph nodes. (Image: lom123 / fotolia.com) The organs and the tissue of the immune system are divided into two categories: the former form the primary lymphatic organs such as thymus and bone marrow. Here the immature immune cells mature into so-called immunocompetent cells and then enter the second category, the secondary lymphatic organs. These consist of the lymph nodes, the so-called lymphatic pharyngeal ring (throat, tongue and palatine tonsils), the spleen, the Peyer's patches (lymphoid tissue in the small intestine) and other lymphoid tissues in the body. There, the immune cells go about their work.
A baby comes with a so-called nest protection on the world. This means that as long as the child is still in the womb, the mother transfers placental antibodies to the unborn child (class G immunoglobulin, IgG for short). Thus, immediately after birth, the child has passive immunity in the first few months with respect to diseases such as Measles, rubella and mumps.
After the first few months, this antibody level drops in the blood and the little ones are extremely susceptible to infections in the first years of life. The organism of the child is confronted with many pathogens in the further course of life and thereby sets itself, for years, even an active immunity.
Cells of the defense
The actual defense cells all belong to the group of leukocytes (white blood cells). These are formed from the stem cell in the bone marrow. These progenitor cells of leukocytes can take two different developmental pathways. Either they become granulocytes, monocytes or macrophages, these three cell types belong to the so-called non-specific defense system. Or they develop into lymphoid progenitor cells, which later become lymphocytes or natural killer cells. These cell types in turn form part of the specific defense.
Unspecific defense
The nonspecific defense is responsible for a quick reaction. This ensures, for example, that the pathogens that have entered a small incision wound are made harmless as quickly as possible. The nonspecific defense also includes substances that are in the saliva to provide a quick defense here.
Specific defense
This type of defense takes a little longer to be effective. She has the gift to be able to remember pathogens to respond immediately in a renewed intrusion. An example of this is a childhood disease that has already passed through and is immediately recognized by the body and warded off during a new contact.
The nonspecific and specific defense system does not work separately but overarching. So it is possible that the former, for example, "marks" a pathogen so that it can then be detected and eliminated more quickly by the specific defense.
The immune system is crucial for warding off pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com) The immune system
The immune system is not an isolated system but works closely with the immune system, the hormonal system and the nervous system. Accordingly, it can also be influenced by thoughts, feelings and stress.
The immune system has the task of repelling, destroying or adapting. This does not only mean work on the purely physical side, but also on the mental and spiritual level. In this way, one person manages to stave off things that assail him and to stay healthy. The other reacts to almost the same circumstances with recurring infections. Everybody has their "weak" body regions, which are most prone to illness when stress, grief or massive stress make life difficult.
Causes of a weak immune system
Strong disorders in the immune system are caused by autoimmune diseases. In these, the defense mechanisms are not directed against intruders, but against the body's own tissue. Strengthening the immune system in these conditions requires great caution, as stimulation may eventually worsen it. In autoimmune diseases may therefore only be modulated and never stimulated.
Medications, such as analgesics or cytostatics, can also lead to weakness of the immune system. Massive kidney disease, which leads to protein loss, often results in a disturbed immune system.
The same applies to starvation, diabetes, teething troubles and for short periods also for acute and chronic infections. Excessive exercise, massive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, stress, and severe mental and physical stress may also result in a weakened immune system.
Stress, crises and severe mental stress can weaken the immune system. (Image: vgstudio / fotolia.com) Strengthening the immune system
In order to strengthen the immune system, the human must be seen as a whole. So not only should something be done for the body's defense, but also the human being as a whole with soul and spirit should be strengthened.
On the one hand, the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and in the intestine must be hardened. On the other hand, it is important to support those affected to (re) achieve an inner balance or a feeling of wellbeing. There is no universal recipe here that will help every person strengthen their defenses. Each person responds individually and that is how his immune system is treated.
The right diet for a strong defense
The reason for a weakened defense and the associated frequent infectious diseases such as colds, bronchitis, etc. may also be a poor diet without sufficient vitamins and minerals. People who are under a lot of stress and constantly under pressure often have unfavorable eating habits. They eat fast food more often, eat while standing or walking and quickly grab unhealthy snacks instead of taking their time for a healthy, well-balanced meal.
In order to strengthen the defense, therefore, one's own nutritional behavior should be critically examined and, if necessary, changed quickly. Try to eat as balanced and varied as possible and above all to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. The German Society for Nutrition e.V. (DGE) recommends here daily five portions, which should be as fresh as possible or cooked briefly or in part in the form of juice or smoothie for each meal.
Nutrition experts recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for a healthy diet. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com) The most important vitamins are the vitamins A, C and E, which protect against free radicals. The former can be found e.g. in carrots, tomatoes and spinach. Rich in vitamin C include lemons, kiwis, broccoli and peppers. You can get vitamin E for example. with sunflower and olive oil, almonds and walnuts.
The diet should contain plenty of whole grains, rice, potatoes and legumes. Because these contain a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals, but at the same time hardly fat and cholesterol. The fibers also ensure that the intestinal mucosa can perform its task better as a protective shield against harmful pathogens.
Dairy products are (in moderation) a balanced diet because the contained lactic acid bacteria have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and thus on the immune system. By contrast, other animal products such as meat, sausages and eggs should be used sparingly. Sea fish (with recognized sustainable origin) as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and selenium, is recommended once or twice a week.
In general, vegetable fats and oils should be preferred (eg rapeseed and soybean oil) as they contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to animal fats. Try to avoid sugar or sugary foods as much as possible and use little salt. Instead, give your dishes the right flavor with herbs and spices.
It is important to always pay attention to a sufficient amount of drinking water. The most suitable are water or mineral water, fruit teas and diluted fruit and vegetable juices. Coffee, black tea and alcohol, however, should be consumed only in small quantities.
The psyche strengthen by natural means
If the psyche is in the foreground, that is, affected persons are strongly influenced by mental stress in their defense, so must be countered here first. Recommended relaxation techniques for stress relief in this case, for example, yoga or autogenic training.
Bach flower therapy is well suited for strengthening mental health. The selection of the right flower (s) takes place here according to the current state of mind of the patient. (Image: Johanna Mühlbauer / fotolia.com) To positively strengthen the psyche, a customized Bach flower therapy can be very effective. Dr. Bach, the founder of this therapy, has discovered 38 flowers, each representing a particular state of mind. For example, if the patient suffers from a lack of self-confidence, Cerato helps. Mental fatigue can be alleviated with the help of Hornbeam and Mustard is used against depressive mood. For anxiety Aspen would be the drug of choice, inner turmoil can be treated again with Rock Rose.
In order to determine the right flowering or combination, the current state of the soul must be precisely analyzed. Once the appropriate flowers have been identified, a drop solution for oral intake is created. Other therapists work with classical homeopathy, which can also be used very successfully. After a detailed medical history, the, suitable for humans, homeopathic remedy is administered.
Other naturopathic remedies for the soul are in the field of complex homeopathy (medicines from at least two active ingredients), the mineral therapy with Schüßler salts (healing with mineral salts), phytotherapy (herbalism) and aromatherapy (healing with essential oils).
Healthy by plant immune modulators
Natural remedies, which are supposed to strengthen the immune system, were formerly referred to by the term "hardening". These include Kneipp castings, sauna and daily brush massages.
In today's natural healing the formulations immune stimulation (stimulation of the immune response) and immunomodulation (change of the immune response) are needed. The immune system is subject to a high requirement nowadays. Environmental toxins, civilization and stress bring significant stress on the immune system. Therefore, immunotherapy is usually preferred in therapy and immune stimulation is avoided.
Immune modulators include plants such as Sonnehut (Echinacea), Mistletoe, Taiga root (Eleutherococcus) or the Tree of Life (Thuja). However, these plants must be used in certain dosages and potentiations in order to develop their modulatory effect.
A delicious tea with rosehip strengthens the defense and promotes the self-healing powers of the body. (Image: laboko / fotolia.com) Medicinal plants such as rose hips and linden flowers can also contribute to a healthy and strong immune system. A tea from these plants can not affect the defense positively, but at the same time acts expectorant and is therefore a good home remedy for colds.
Tea mixture for defense strengthening:
Mix the ingredients and add a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into a cup. Pour a quarter of a liter of boiling water over it. Cover the infusion for 10 minutes before covering. Drink the tea as hot as possible two to three times a day. If necessary, some honey can be added to the sweetener. |
Autologous therapy to activate the defense
A commonly used therapy to strengthen the immune system is the self-blood therapy. Blood is taken from the vein and returned to the body directly or in the form of an intramuscular (in the muscle) or subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. This injection causes inflammation that affects the whole body like a small infection. As a result, various immune reactions are triggered because the injected blood is recognized as foreign.
By activating the defense, the body's own healing powers are stimulated, thereby strengthening the immune system in the longer term. In a self-blood therapy is usually over a period of 10 weeks, once a week, blood taken and injected. (sw, nr, last updated on 4.3.2017)