Immune system and some Immunity boosters

Immune system

Immune system is the body’s defense against infections. Immune system attacks germs and helps keep us healthy.

Many cells and organs work together to protect the body. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, play an important role in the immune system.

Some of white blood cells are called phagocytes, chew up invading organisms. While others are called lymphocytes, help the body remember the invaders and destroy them.

One type of phagocyte is the neutrophil,   which fights bacteria. other phagocytes do their own jobs to make sure that the body responds to invaders.

Two kinds of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes develops in bone marrow and either stay there and mature into B cells, or go to the thymus gland to mature into T cells.

B lymphocytes are like the military intelligence system – they fight their targets and send defenses to lock onto them.

T lymphocytes are like the soldiers – they destroy the invaders that the intelligence system finds.

  • How does it work?
  • When the body senses foreign substances (antigens ), the immune system works to recognize the antigens and get rid of them. B lymphocytes are triggered to make antibodies, these lock onto specific antigens. After they’re made, antibodies usually stay in our bodies in case we have to find the same germ again.  Although antibodies can recognize an antigen and lock onto it, they can’t destroy it without help.  That’s the job of T cells. They destroy antigens tagged by antibodies. T cells also help in signaling other cells to do their jobs.
  •  Types of immunity.
  • INNATE IMMUNITY—everyone is born with natural immunity, a type of general protection.
  • ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY—active immunity develops throughout our lives. Develops when we are exposed to any disease.
  • PASSIVE IMMUNITY—passive immunity is borrowed  from another source and it lasts for a short time.  Ex. Mothers breast milk.

We all should increase our immunity by natural ways.

list of some Immunity boosters

  • Citrus fruits– Recommended daily amount: 75mg for women and 90mg for men
  • Red bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Spinach
  • Yogurt
  • Almonds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Turmeric
  • Green tea
  • Papaya
  • Poultry