The Marvel of the Immune System
In the fall, the focus shifts back to supporting the immune system. It provides the most important protection against infectious diseases, such as colds, the flu, and others. What exactly is the immune system, and how does it work?
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The Immune System—A Marvel of Nature
When you look into the immune system, you can’t help but be in awe and call it a marvel. It is not a “tangible” organ like the heart, liver, or kidneys, but rather consists of highly complex structures distributed throughout the body as a network. These include, for example, the bone marrow, the thymus, the lymph nodes, the spleen, the intestinal mucosa, the skin, and many specialized immune cells in the blood and tissues.
Key Functions of the Immune System
Our immune system essentially has two main functions: It fights and eliminates pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and others, and it neutralizes environmental toxins and diseased cells, such as cancer cells.
Where in the body is the immune system located?
The immune system is distributed throughout the entire body—partly in organs such as the spleen and intestines (where about 80% of it is located!), but also in the tonsils, the skin, the mucous membranes (e.g., the nose and throat), the bone marrow, and our lymphatic system, particularly the lymph nodes. So it’s fair to speak of an entire system that is responsible for our body’s defenses!
Congenital and Acquired Components of the Immune System
We have, on the one hand, an innate (= nonspecific) immune system, which we are born with, and, on the other hand, an adaptive (= specific) immune system. These are specialized cells in the thymus and bone marrow that ensure a specific defense upon contact with viruses (memory cells). In order for the specific immune system to develop, we must be repeatedly exposed to infections; this is why childhood illnesses, for example, are very important. They help build a strong and functional immune defense.
What happens during an infection?
First, an initial, nonspecific defense response (the innate immune response) occurs. This response is rapid and has a broad effect, but it is nonspecific and cannot adapt to new pathogens (such as the coronavirus). However, it passes on information about intruders to the adaptive immune system, which then produces antibodies. For a successful defense against infections, the interaction between both immune systems is therefore crucial. It must be well-informed and regulated!
Immune System Disorders: What Are the Consequences?
The immune system can react either too weakly or too strongly. If the reaction is too weak, a virus can become entrenched, and chronic inflammation may develop. If the reaction is too strong, it can result in severe inflammation (such as fever) or allergies, for example.
The Connection Between the Immune System and the Mind
Our brain (central nervous system), our psyche, and our immune system work very closely together. There is now a great deal of scientific evidence to support this (psychoneuroimmunology).
For example, anxiety leads to a decrease in lymphocyte production, while chronic stress, depression, and insomnia weaken the immune system. Traumatic experiences, even those that may have occurred a long time ago, also weaken the immune system.
Support for the Immune System
There are many ways you can support your immune system through your lifestyle. For example, you can make sure your acid-base balance is in check (since viruses thrive in an acidic environment). A healthy gut is also the foundation of a strong immune system, since about 80% of immune function takes place there. It’s also important to get restful and sufficient sleep, because a lack of sleep increases your risk of infection by about four times.
By following a wholesome, alkaline-rich diet and making targeted use of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements = orthomolecular medicine) as well as probiotics (gut-friendly foods), you can ensure your nutrient stores are replenished—the best foundation for a healthy immune system. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as dry mucous membranes are a gateway for viruses. And finally, effective stress management (relaxation) and sufficient exercise—preferably outdoors—are also important.