The immune system is that part of the body that is not always obvious to the general public. There are no well-known organs associated with the immune system associated other than perhaps the spleen - which is a nonessential organ. It's not well known that the bone marrow and other internal structures are important to the immune system and help us to stay alive and healthy.
Technically, the immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs and the substances - like antibodies - they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. It includes many types of white blood cells, organs and tissues of the lymphatic system such as the appendix, thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and, as mentioned earlier, the bone marrow (National Cancer Institute). Lymph is the clear fluid that travels throughout the lymphatic system and carries the white blood cells that help fight infections - from bacteria, viruses and fungi - and other diseases like cancers and toxins. Lymph nodes are dispersed throughout the body particularly in the throat, armpits, growing area, intestines spleen and bone marrow (see diagram below). You've probably experienced them enlarge and become tender during a sore throat or infection in another part of your body. They connect by moving through the lymphatic vessels that are distributed all over the body.
The immune system attacks foreign substances, as mentioned earlier, to protect the body from harm but it can sometimes mistakenly attack healthy cells causing diseases such as type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. When the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance - like pollen- it can cause conditions such as asthma, eczema, psoriasis and food allergies and sensitivities.
Aging and the Immune System
As we advance in age, like all other cells in our bodies, immune cells function less efficiently allowing for certain infections and cancers to proliferate. Diseases such as shingles, influenza, cancers and autoimmune diseases become more frequent with advancing age. Immunosenescense is the medical term for this process and it partly explains why COVID-19 was more deadly for the elderly population.
How to Improve the Immune System
Presently, the best way to improve immune system function and slow the aging effects upon it is to improve your lifestyle choices. While there are many products marketed for improving immune function there is nothing that works better than:
Eating a wholesome diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole unprocessed foods, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean protein and limiting intake of salts, fats, sugar and alcohol.
Increasing physical activity and/or exercising regularly
Getting restorative and restful sleep every night, usually seven hours for most adults
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Managing and diffusing distress - the bad stress
Developing and maintaining a strong social support system with loved ones and friends
Avoiding all forms of tobacco and other illicit psychoactive substances (drugs)
Developing and maintaining a strong spiritual foundation
Getting recommended vaccines to prevent certain pneumonias, shingles. flu and other conditions
If you desire more information about this topic or are struggling with making healthy dietary and lifestyle changes, contact AHAD Health & Wellness - We Put Your Health in Your Hands.
Sources:
Immunology Letters vol. 243 March 2022
www.cancer.gov
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