The human immune system is composed of different cells and tissues that protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and a host of other harmful microorganisms. There are millions of microbes that threaten the health and well-being of humans. Disease-causing organisms can break through the body’s first line of defense-the skin and the mucous membranes and cause potentially fatal illness. Nevertheless, if foreign organisms invade the body systems, immune processes kick in to neutralize them before they can cause any serious trouble.
Like other bodily functions, immune response can be compromised. There are problems that beset the immune system, which increases the person’s chances of incurring illnesses. Some of the most common are allergies to various substances and food items. Other medical problems involving the human system are systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
How the immune system works
The immune response goes beyond immediate protection from harmful viruses and bacteria. It also offers long-lasting protection. Whenever the immune system encounters a foreign agent or microbe, it remembers so that the next time the microbe invades the body it will be dealt with immediately.
Immunity or resistance to pathogens is facilitated by highly specialized defense mechanisms. For instance, the white blood cells that are also known as lymphocytes are key agents in the defense against infection. Other agents of immunity, known as antibodies, are proteins that are programmed to neutralize the toxins produced by invading germs.
Factors that influence immune function
The functions of the immune system may be influenced by a person’s habits and lifestyles. This is how changing certain habits can improve the ability of the body to deal with harmful infections. Some of the most important influences on the human body’s immune response are amount of sleep, physical activity or exercise, and diet.
Sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of a person catching a disease such as for instance the common cold. People who do not get the recommended amount of sleep or suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders are more prone to contracting infectious diseases. Studies reveal that sleep-deprived individuals produce lower than normal amounts of antibodies compared to the control group. In addition, lack of sleep induces the release of stress hormones. When there are high levels of stress hormones in the circulation, the body could easily succumb to inflammatory conditions.
With regard to exercise, immune function gets a boost when moderate exercise is performed daily. Maintaining an exercise regimen such as a 30-minute walk improves the body’s ability to fight off infection. The level of endorphins in the brain is also increased with regular exercise, which in turn improves the immune response.
A person’s diet, particularly the amount of carbohydrates may affect the ability of the cells of the body to attack bacteria. There are also certain foods that particularly improve the body’s response, such as fresh garlic, vitamin-rich vegetables, berries, and citrus fruits. Mushrooms also have a positive effect on the immune system.
Lifestyle modifications can improve a person’s chances of abetting infections and debilitating illnesses. Replacing bad health habits with good ones can ensure increased resistance to diseases.