There are mainly two types of activities related to the
immune system, we talk about the non-specific innate function and the specific
adaptive function.
In the first case it is a series of pre-existing
"structures" that immediately come into action in response to the
presence of foreign bodies to the normal functioning of the body, among these
we include the skin, mucous membranes, mouth, nose, ears and different types of
secretions such as saliva and sweat.
Once the possible foreign body has to overcome these first
innate and natural barriers, then a second immune response intervenes, sized
according to the specific type of viral, infectious or other type of
aggression.
In this second case, our body adapts to the new situation by
producing specific compounds that should be able to destroy everything that is
considered foreign to the organism.
Immune system: characteristics of adaptive function
The specific response mechanism is activated by the body
when there are foreign bodies that have overcome the first immune barriers ,
this mechanism is mediated by two types of cells, T lymphocytes and B
lymphocytes, let's see them:
• the
former circulate in the blood to search for foreign bodies and selectively
avoid the cells of the organimus, recognizing them as their own;
• the
latter, on the other hand, are synthesized by the bone marrow and accumulate in
the lymph nodes, they recognize the antigen (i.e. the foreign body) and begin
to clone to eradicate the problem, it must be said that part of these clone
cells do not attack the pathogen but have a memory function useful for any
future attacks of the same bacterium or virus.
What symptoms tell us we are immune depressed
Usually in a healthy persons the immune system is able to
eradicate all infections and bacteria that can attack the body.
However, the situation is quite different when there is a
condition called immune depression , that is, a reduced ability of the body to
protect itself from more or less harmful foreign bodies.
To understand and evaluate your situation we can refer to a
series of characteristic symptoms that can indicate that we are
"affected" by this problem.
Without going into a physical examination, anamnesis or even
serological tests to evaluate the levels of T and B lymphocytes , all things
that are due to the intervention of the doctor, we can certainly say that the
symptoms of immunosuppression are characteristic of infections. , viral,
bacterial or even fungal.
So probably, if you have a compromised immune system, you
will often have symptoms similar to those of the classic cold, flu or even
pneumonia , certainly depending on the severity of the immunosuppression.
What are the determining causes of a weakened immune system?
We must distinguish two types of immune depression , the
first is that of those who inherit immunodeficiency conditions, while the
second is determined by several other conditions, let's see them:
• acquired
immune deficiency syndrome better known as AIDS, these subjects can run into
serious health problems also caused by a mild infection, their immune system is
so defeated and ineffective;
• removal
of the spleen , a fundamental organ for the endogenous synthesis of white blood
cells which in turn produce specific antibodies;
• low
protein diet , proteins are essential to make the immune system strong, in fact
at night our body breaks them down and then transforms them back into the
compounds it needs to fight foreign bodies;
• insufficient
night sleep , just at night our metabolism re-processes the proteins which, as
mentioned above, are fundamental for the immune response, so if we don't sleep
enough the immune system suffers, in the long run, even severely;
• subjects
undergoing chemotherapy or heavy administration of antibiotic therapies , such
as cancer patients or people who have undergone major surgery;
• old age ,
unfortunately over the years the organs responsible for producing those killer
cells that break down infections, become less efficient and therefore the level
of effectiveness of the immune system is reduced;
• conditions
of high psychophysical stress in the social sphere that can also be caused by
problems of daily life and worries, according to what was reported by a recent
study that highlighted a correlation between stress and intestinal microflora.
How to cure immunosuppression naturally?
To know which therapy is best for the specific case, it is
essential to understand what are the reasons for the decrease in the immune
system.
Once this data is understood, it will be possible to move in
a specific way, eliminating the cause where possible or treating the
consequences that are produced.
Unfortunately, in some circumstance it is not possible to do
anything and therefore in the long run there will be a very severe course up to
death from infection, regardless of the type of pathogen.
On the other hand, the situation in which there is a
treatable immunodepression is different, and here various aspects come into
play including, very important, nutrition and also the possible use of specific
supplements to increase the immune defenses .
Let's start with the diet by saying that, of course, a
balanced and well-sized diet based on all types of macro and micronutrients
will be well received by the immune system.
Certainly, foods rich in vitamins and minerals that are
essential for the proper functioning of our immune system will be preferred,
see for example ascorbic acid or calciferol contained above all in fruit, the
first, and in fish, the second.
Food supplements for the weakened immune system
For what concerns the nutrients that can also be taken with
supplements, here is a rather exhaustive list of those that best lend
themselves to determining an immunostimulating effect, and therefore:
• Vitamin C
, a water-soluble micronutrient that our body does not self produce and is
unable to retain, is known as an aid to prevent colds and seasonal ailments;
• Vitamin D
, present above all in foods of animal origin, is connected with the power of T
lymphocytes that come into play in the case of very dangerous infections;
• glutamine
and arginine , two amino acids that are also used, parental, in the clinical
setting in post-operative states, so powerful are they in helping the immune
system;
• zinc,
selenium and tocopherols , again essential mineral and vitamin micronutrients
that act in the primary and also specific immune response, in particular
selenium supports the presence of selenoproteins which are fundamental for the
function of leukocytes;
• probiotics
and prebiotics , these are live lactic ferments and nutrients for the healthy
intestinal flora, therefore directly connected with the level of intestinal
immunity, a very important factor for the body;
• plant
extract of echinacea , increases the activity of polymorphonuclear granulocytes
and phagocytes.
Finally, we cannot forget the connection between the immune
system and lipid molecules , in particular of fatty acids including those of
the omega family.
The relationship that exists between these fats and the
immune response is very complex, so we will try to examine it in broad terms at
least to understand the basics.
Mainly the help of fatty acids towards the immune system
takes place in three ways, we are talking about energy and functionality
support due to the fact that some fatty acids are precursors of the
phospholipids that make up cell membranes.
In addition, fatty acids of some types help the endogenous
release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as leukotrenes, thromboxanes and
prostaglandins, compounds that activate inflammatory states also on the
"directive" of the immune system in order to make the body understand
that there is a problem, regardless of the type of cause, whether viral or
bacterial or other, that induced it.
When to take an immunosuppression supplement?
There are three factors that lead us to take an immunoprotective supplement to help the
weakened immune system, so let's talk about:
• a wrong
diet lacking in all those nutrients mentioned above, think of those who feed
mainly on fast food;
• a
specific condition under which the doctor will prescribe the supplement;
• in the
event that the body cannot or cannot self-synthesize certain compounds.
In the latter case we must give examples to better
understand what it is, take for example vitamin D3 and echinacea.
In the first case we are dealing with the biologically
active form of vitamin D, a compound that our body produces only in response to
direct exposure to the sun's rays. Unfortunately, today we spend most our time
indoors under artificial lights and therefore a deficiency of this important
vitamin is very common.
For echinacea the speech is even simpler, it is in fact a
compound that is not present in our common diet, that is , it is not found in
food but can only be absorbed by the specific plant extract.
Finally, let's not forget to also mention those vitamins that
are photo and heat sensitive and that dramatically reduce their bioavailability
when subjected to light and heat, see ascorbic acid and B vitamins.
Warnings for immunosuppression
If you suspect that you are "affected" by this
condition, do not take any dietary or supplementary initiatives without
listening to the advice of your doctor , especially if you also have other
specific conditions or are taking medications.
If, on the other hands, you are healthy but want to try to prevent any problems of this type, follow the instructions above both regarding normal nutrition and the use of food supplements for the weakened immune system.