Understanding the immune system

Simply put, the "immune system" is our biological defense system; it is our inner strength, so to speak, our protective shield that enables our body to defend itself against invading enemies. A functioning immune system is effectively vital because it helps us to stay healthy or to recover quickly in the event of illness.Our body has two defense systems. The innate, non-specific immune system and the acquired, specific immune system.

For the first part, the innate immune system:

1) The non-specific immune system attacks pathogens in general by attacking them with phagocytes and killer cells. This is why it is also referred to as the non-specific defense system. It works primarily with immune cells such as "phagocytes" or "killer cells". Its main task is to fight harmful substances and germs that enter the bodyvia theskin or the digestive system,for example.
2) Acquired defenses develop over the course of a lifetime through experience. The immune system is very adaptive. For example, it learns about certain viruses or bacteria through an infection and subsequently forms antibodies. It then arms itself to be prepared if the same pathogen attacks again later on. This means that a pathogen that re-enters our body is recognized more quickly and attacked faster before it can cause any major damage. The immune system can therefore strike back with a "specific immune response".
In general, the following equation applies: a strong immune system helps us to react more effectively and quickly to pathogens!

[caption id="attachment_12806" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Source: Pexels[/caption]

Our immune system contains different spectrums of action with which it can fight viruses. I will explain the mechanism with a simplified illustration:
The first thing to mentionhere are thekiller cells, the hit squad, so to speak. The killer cells patrol the body, searching for pathological cells and destroying them.
The T helper cellsdirect the defense by means of messenger substances. These helper cells are responsible for ensuring that information is transmitted quickly and smoothly between the various immune cells
Finally, a word about theB lymphocytes. These produce antibodies that can dissolve dangerous intruders such as viruses, bacteria or fungi. However, this can take several days, usually around 7 to 10 days, which is not coincidentally similar to the duration of a typical infection.
We also know this from a normal cold. This can only subside once enough antibodies have been produced to get the pathogen under control. get.

DEFENSE SQUAD:

• The granulocytes and macrophages - also known as phagocytes - attack every germ and render it harmless.
• Doves of peace: The regulatory T cells prevent the other immune cells from attacking healthy cells.

As I said, this is a very simplified explanation. Of course, there are numerous other complex mechanisms at work within our immune system.

Why should we strengthen the immune system?

Many people are not aware of the connection between the gut and the immune system. In fact, this is one of my favorite topics, which I have been working on very intensively recently.
The surface area of our intestines is huge, around 400 square meters, almost as big as a basketball court.I like the idea that we see our gut as aninterface between our body and our environment. It is the interface because it is within the intestine that we decide what is allowed to enter our body and what is excreted.
Naturally, the intestine is also a very large target for bacteria, viruses and the like. Here we have to decide which particles and substances are allowed to enter the body through the intestinal wall and what must remain "outside" or even be actively warded off and combated. This separation mechanism is a very important function; if the intestinal wall is damaged, unwanted substances may enter the bloodstream, which in turn can trigger chronic inflammatory processes. In this case, we speak of a leaky gut - a very interesting topic in its own right.
But back to the immune system. Very few people know that over 70% of all immune cells are located in the small and large intestine. This makes the gut an enormously important part of our immune system.

Here is another key statement:

If the gut is healthy and our intestinal barrier is intact, our body is better equipped to fight disease.

[caption id="attachment_12820" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Source: Pexels[/caption]

On the one hand, as already mentioned, the intestinal wall acts as a mechanical barrier. But if you look a little closer, you can see that the intestinal wall also contains an intestinal mucosa. The intestinal mucosa in turn contains the intestinal immune system.

GALT is the abbreviation for the so-called gut-associated immune system - it stands for gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

The GALT is located in the intestinal mucosa and is the largest collection of immune cells in the body. The task of these immune cells is to unwanted germs and foreign substances.
This is done by stimulating the production of various immune cells to fight the intruders. At the same time, however, the GALT must tolerate vital nutrients and the microorganisms of the intestinal flora, for example - it must therefore be able to distinguish between "good" and "bad".
For this complex task - tolerance of harmless "friends", tough action against "enemies" - to work well, a finely tuned interplay of different defense mechanisms is necessary - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
The lymphatic system, which runs through the intestinal villi in the small intestine, plays a particularly important role.Among other things, the specialized immune cells of the intestine are stored in small lymph nodes.
Finally, I would like to point out a very intelligent process; the lymphatic system connects the GALT with the rest of the immune system and forwards information from the "intestinal police" about pathogens and foreign substances to all immune cells. This means that the gut-associated immune system isimmunologicallywith other mucous membranes, e.g. nasal, oral or bronchial mucous membranes, and supplies them with antibodies.
It therefore fulfills an important function for the body's entire immune system. Sensational, isn't it?

For all those who prefer listening to reading, I am happy to recommend my popular Darmglück podcast. With lots of exciting health topics, tips and tricks for a healthy lifestyle in everyday life and a balanced diet. Listen to episode 115 How to prepare for autumn (strengthening your immune system) now:

[g_podcast id="20524739"]

Who should strengthen their immune system?

Everyone comes into contact with germs every day. Whether in public or at home, germs are part of the environment. Most germs are harmless for a healthy person. However, there are also a large number of pathogenic germs that we should avoid as much as possible.

The most common transmission routes for infectious diseases include the hands and aerosols in the air. The best-known example at the moment is probably the coronavirus, which can enter the respiratory tract via aerosols.

In order to protect ourselves against harmful germs in the best possible way, it is advisable for everyone to strengthen their immune system naturally- in everyday life. And of course especially for sick people, children or people suffering from immunodeficiency. It is also important to know that our immune system ages with us, this is called immunosenescence. With increasing age, the weakening immune system should therefore be actively supported and strengthened.

Why is healthy intestinal flora so important? How do I build it up?

HOW OUR GUT BACTERIA INFLUENCE OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

I think we have understood the role the gut plays in our immune system.
If our intestinal flora, i.e. the constellation and diversity of intestinal bacteria, is out of balance, the protective mechanisms can no longer work without restriction. This can manifest itself directly through an increased susceptibility to infections. Cold viruses, diarrhea pathogens, fungi and the like then have an easy time of it.
The reason: our "good" intestinal bacteria work hard when it comes to defending against pathogens. They are found in the intestinal mucosa, stimulate our immune system and keep it constantly on its toes.
We have already mentioned the GALT. The functioning of the GALT is heavily dependent on the bacteria in the gut, among other things.Beneficial intestinal bacteria...
1)... displace potential pathogens and prevent harmful germs from adhering to the intestinal wall (so-called colonization resistance).You can imagine it like this. The benign intestinal bacteria compete with pathogens for "food" and docking stations on the intestinal wall. In addition, they consume the oxygen that many pathogenic bacteria need. In this way, the presence of good gut bacteria can prevent dangerous germs from spreading and overgrowing the gut.
2)... train our immune system around the clock. This is important because our immune system has to constantly distinguish between friend and foe - beneficial intestinal bacteria and nutrients should be tolerated, while pathogens have to be fought off. If this "defense training" fails, it can lead to allergies and autoimmune diseases, for example: The immune system then attacks substances that are actually harmless (e.g. food ingredients) or the body's own structures.
3) Some of our intestinal inhabitants produce antibacterial substances that inhibit the growth of foreign bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, for example, produce lactic acid. This lowers the pH value in the gut, creating an acidic, gut-friendly environment.
4) Intestinal bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids. These have a protective effect on the intestinal wall, which helps to maintain the so-called intestinal barrier.

Strengthening the immune system: 12 tips for better defenses

STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: HERE'S HOW

If the majority of the immune system is located in the gut, it makes sense to strengthen the body's defenses "from the gut". But how exactly does this work?

[caption id="attachment_12805" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Source: Pixabay[/caption]

1. varied diet

The basis is a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. With the right vital substances, for example, you can support the immune cells in the GALT: Vitamin C, for example, is increasingly used to fight pathogens. This is because it can intercept the free radicals that are produced in the process. Our B lymphocytes need iron and B vitamins to produce antibodies. And zinc and selenium are essential for the normal function of T lymphocytes. Significance.

You provide your body with these nutrients through your daily diet. You can find useful tips and specific steps in our blog article Nutrition as a success factor. 10 nutritional rules that are proven to get you further.

2. superfoods

The best-known superfoods include exotic fruits such as goji berries and açai. But regional products such as kale, broccoli and blueberries are also clearly superfoods. They provide us with many valuable micronutrients and thus strengthen our immune system.

3. sufficient exercise

Whether it's jogging, cycling, hiking or walking, it doesn't really matter. The main thing is to exercise regularly and preferably in the fresh air.

4. vitamins and minerals

Getting enough vitamins and minerals is not only important for strengthening the immune system, but also for the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. Most of the vitamins and minerals we need must be supplied from outside. The following four vitamins are particularly important for our immune system: Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium.

5. get enough sleep

If you don't get enough rest and are a bed saver, you weaken your immune system. At least 7 hours of sleep per night is therefore an absolute must. The optimum bedroom temperature is 17-18 degrees Celsius.

6. avoid stress

Constant stress not only affects your nerves but also your health and immune system. Therefore, avoid rushing and take breaks. The maxim here is: Less stress, stronger defenses.

7. moist mucous membranes

Dry nasal mucous membranes pave the way for pathogens. Healthy nasal mucous membranes, on the other hand, can eliminate bacteria and viruses. Room humidity of 40-60%.

8. drink a lot

A high fluid intake is important so that the body does not become dehydrated. As a rule of thumb, you should drink around 30 ml per kilogram of body weight to strengthen your immune system. The best way to do this is to drink mainly still water. You can also have a cup of unsweetened herbal tea from time to time. You should avoid sugary drinks such as lemonade or cola.And another tip on the subject: gargling can also reduce the viral load.

9. hot-cold applications

Thermal baths followed by a cold shower or exposure to cool air, Kneipp therapy, saunas or bathing in cool water boost the immune system.

10. optimism & joie de vivre

Seeing the glass half full rather than half empty and laughing as much as possible is good for your body. An optimistic attitude to life works has a positive effect on the organs, brain, mood, performance and immune system.

11. toxins

People who give up smoking, do not drink alcohol excessively and reduce excess weight also help their organism.

12. fever

A body temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius in an adult is considered a fever. Although this is unpleasant, it is more important than many people realize.
Fever is an inflammatory reaction, but it also activates the body's own defenses. This is why sick people should only reduce their fever if they feel very ill or have circulatory problems. Fever-reducing measures - whether calf compresses or medication - should only be recommended at over 39 degrees or more. Fever should also always be brought down slowly and not abruptly.

Strengthen the immune system with supplements

You can actively strengthen your immune system with good bacterial food in the form of supplements:

Prebiotics You can strengthen your intestinal flora by "feeding" the good intestinal bacteria. They love soluble fiber, which can be found in Jerusalem artichokes, black salsify or parsnips, for example. But pulses, oatmeal and rye are also good food for our gut bacteria. We rely on acacia fibers as a supplement. These have proven in practice to be very good food for good bacteria and to help build up the intestinal mucosa. They also do not cause flatulence.
Lactic acid bacteria (probiotics):In addition, suitable probiotics can support your natural intestinal flora in the defense against pathogens and foreign substances and thus strengthen the body's own defenses. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as living microorganisms that have a positive effect on health if they are consumed in sufficient quantities. In one of our videos, we explain in detail how probiotics support your immune system.
Colostrum is an excellent way to get immunoglobulins into the body and thus give your immune system a helping hand. We have also published several blog articles and a podcast episode on this(Strengthening the immune system with colostrum?)

To provide your body with sufficient vitamin C, we have developed our VitaC productwith a non-acidic, stomach-friendly vitamin C compound and the bioflavonoids quercetin and rutin. Thanks to a special vitamin C accompanying substance, vitamin C is better absorbed with our product and remains in the body for longer.

Vitamin D has been very well researched for many different applications, such as bone and dental health. Studies also show, among other things, that it contributes to the normal function of the immune system. You can also watch the video interview on vitamin D on our product page.



The products are also available in a bundle as a value pack:
Arktis BioPharma Immune System Booster.